The Samaritan Woman's Children's Study
The Woman at the Well
On their way to Galilee Jesus and His disciples stopped in Samaria. When the disciples went to town to get food, Jesus went to a well to get water. A woman named Amara came to the well to get water. She went to the well every day to get water. She felt sad because the other women didn’t want to be her friend. When she got there, a tired man sat by the well. It was Jesus! He asked her for a drink.
Amarah was surprised. “Why are you talking to me?” she asked. Jesus smiled and said, “If you knew who I am, you would ask Me for living water. Then you would never be thirsty again.”
Amarah didn’t understand. “Give me that water!” she said. Then Jesus gently told her, “Go get your husband.” Amarah hung her head. “I don’t have a husband,” she whispered. Jesus said, “You told the truth. You have had five husbands.” Amarah’s eyes got wide. “You must be a prophet!”
Soon Amarah forgot about her jar of water. She ran back to her village and shouted, “Come see a man who told me everything about my life! Could He be the Messiah?” Many people went to see Jesus, and they asked Him to stay. He stayed for two days, and many believed He was God’s Son.
Amarah was never the same. Jesus turned her sadness into joy, and she became the first missionary to her own town.
Devotional Lessons
Lesson 1: Jesus Seeks Us When We Feel Alone
Amarah came to the well by herself because the other women didn’t want to play with her. But Jesus was already there waiting for her. He saw her even when no one else did.
Big Truth Statement: Jesus always knows where you are, and He comes to meet you—especially when you feel lonely.
Kid Questions:
- Why did Amarah come to the well alone?
- Was Jesus surprised to see her, or was He waiting for her?
- Have you ever felt left out? How does it feel to know Jesus sees you?
- What could you say to Jesus when you feel lonely?
Lesson 2: Jesus Gives Better Gifts Than Water
Amarah wanted regular water to drink. But Jesus offered her “living water” that makes your heart happy forever. That living water is God’s love and forgiveness.
Big Truth Statement:
Things like toys, snacks, and games make us happy for a little while, but Jesus gives us joy that never runs out.
Kid Questions:
- What did Amarah first come to the well to get?
- What special kind of water did Jesus promise to give?
- Name one thing that makes you happy but doesn’t last.
- How can we get Jesus’ living water every day?
Lesson 3: Jesus Knows Everything About Us and Still Loves Us
Jesus told Amarah she had five husbands. That was a secret she wanted to hide. But He didn’t say it to be mean, He said it to show He loved her just as she was.
Big Truth Statement: You don’t have to hide your mistakes from Jesus. He already knows everything, and He loves you anyway.
Kid Questions:
- How did Amarah know Jesus was a prophet?
- Did Jesus get angry at Amarah or speak kindly to her?
- Is there anything you’ve done that you think God doesn’t know about?
- Why can we feel safe telling Jesus the truth about ourselves?
Lesson 4: When Jesus Changes Us, We Want to Tell Everyone
Amarah was so happy after talking to Jesus that she left her heavy water jar behind. She ran back to her village and told everyone, “Come meet Jesus!” Many people believed in Jesus because of her story.
Big Truth Statement: The best way to show you love Jesus is to tell others what He has done for you.
Kid Questions:
- What did Amarah forget to take home from the well?
- Who did Amarah tell about Jesus?
- How many days did Jesus stay in Amarah’s village?
- Who is one person you could tell about Jesus this week?
Four Big Ideas for Children
- Jesus meets you in ordinary places – even at a well, a school desk, or your backyard.
- Jesus gives joy that never ends – it’s better than any toy or treat.
- Jesus loves your whole story – the good parts and the sad parts.
- You can be a messenger – your words about Jesus can help others believe.
Three Children’s Activities
- Draw the Well – Give each child paper and crayons. Ask them to draw Jesus sitting by a well and a woman with a water jar. Then have them add a speech bubble from Jesus saying, “I give living water!”
- Living Water Cup – Take a small paper cup and decorate it with stickers or markers. Inside, place a blue paper “water drop” with the words “John 4:14 – Never Thirst Again.” Children can take it home as a reminder.
- Tell Your Story Role-Play – Pair up children. One pretends to be Amarah running to the village; the other pretends to be a neighbor. Practice saying, “Come see Jesus! He knows me and loves me!” Then switch roles.