Christ and Johannine Symbolism

Biblical Interpretation

One of the major concepts discussed in the Bible is Johnannie symbolism. This is when various ideas are used to highlight Christ's messages to everyone. These actions are built upon, by illustrating those concepts God finds to be most important, in the way humankind should live. The story of the Samaritan woman is the classic examples of this. It offers insights of John's interpretations of various events and how they are connected with each other. To fully understand what is happening requires carefully examining this example and its relationship with marriage / the original order of creation. Together, these different elements will illustrate the significance of key Johnannie ideas in conjunction with theological doctrine. (Muropa, 2012)

The story of the Samaritan woman is linked with an experience she had with Christ. This occurred, when he was resting at a well alone and his disciples went out to find some food to eat. During this time, he came across a Samaritan woman. She was there getting some water, when Christ asked her for a drink. She was shocked because the Samaritans were treated as outsiders and second class citizens. The fact that Christ was asking her for this, was unbelievable from various social standards at the time. (Holy Bible New International Version, 2007)

The woman complies and gives Christ the water. This is when he talks about how the journey with God is a marriage. As everyone is his bridegrooms and must begin this once they are baptized and live a life in accordance with theological standards. Those who are able to do this will have a closer relationship with God regardless of their racial group or economic status. (Holy Bible New International Version, 2007)

Evidence of this can be seen in John 4: 7 -- 14 which says, "A woman from Samaria came to get some water. Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew. I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?' She said this because Jews don't have anything to do with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, 'You do not know what God's gift is. And you do not know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would have asked him. He would have given you living water.' 'Sir,' the woman said, 'you don't have anything to get water with. The well is deep. Where can you get this living water?' 'Our father Jacob gave us the well. He drank from it himself. So did his sons and his flocks and herds. Are you more important than he is?' Jesus answered, 'All who drink this water will be thirsty again. But anyone who drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty. In fact, the water I give him will become a spring of water in him. It will flow up into eternal life." (Holy Bible New International Version, 2007) In this case, John is symbolizing how life is like a marriage. This means that anyone who follows these ideas will be closer to God. When this happens, they will spend eternity in paradise. (Muropa, 2012)