Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 40-minute lesson plan to fill out the post “Cities of the Bible: The Town of Sychar.” It goes with the lesson objectives “Learn of the main milestones in Jesus’ ministry on earth” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Jesus-1c). “Be able to describe the various ministries of disciples, and how utilizing one’s gifts and talents for God’s glory and the furtherance of the great commission is one way in which disciples serve God; identify men and women in history who were disciples and/or missionaries” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Discipleship-2b).

Read “Cities of the Bible: The Town of Sychar.”

Locate Sychar on a map. Take note that it is in the area of Samaria and is situated between Capernaum and Jerusalem.

Read John 4:3–43.

View a picture of Jacob’s well mentioned in John 4:5–6.

Read “Jesus and the Woman at the Well.”

Read “Faith-Filled Models from the New Testament: The Woman of Samaria.”

Explain how during the time that Jesus was living on earth, the area of Samaria, home to the Samaritans—a people of only partial Jewish heritage—was a place that Jewish people tried to avoid traveling through, even though it was the shortest route between Jerusalem and Galilee. However, Jesus not only passed through there with His disciples, but He also spoke with a Samaritan woman and then spent two nights there teaching the people.

Apply this example: Are there perhaps children of a different ethnic background, social class, or religion (or even lack of religion) in your neighborhood or your child’s school? Talk about how building friendship is part of being a witness of God’s great love for each person, and how no one is outside the circle of His love.

Discuss how the woman reacted to the encouraging things Jesus told her. Did she keep it to herself? What did she do with this news? How can we apply that in our lives?

Read “Fill Up to Pour Out!” and “Get Recharged.” Reread John 4:10–14 where Jesus tells the woman about “living water.” As you read John 4, you’ll see that she started taking part in the cycle of living water by telling her friends in town about Jesus.

Did you know that the Samaritan woman from this story is known in church history as the first Christian evangelist? You can be one too by helping others know of the love and friendship you’ve experienced from Jesus.