The answer is: By a well

John 4:6 - Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, a significant location symbolizing the intersection of Jewish and Samaritan cultures. This encounter highlights themes of acceptance and living water, foreshadowing the gospel reaching Gentiles. Interestingly, wells in Scripture often serve as meeting places for pivotal encounters (e.g., Isaac and Rebekah).

When Jesus met the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well, it marked an extraordinary moment of cultural and spiritual significance. Located near the city of Sychar, this well wasn't just a physical spot; it embodied the deep-rooted tensions between Jews and Samaritans. For centuries, these two groups had harbored animosity, yet here, at one of the oldest sites in the region, Jesus bridged the divide, embodying a message of inclusivity and compassion.

This encounter is made even richer when you realize that wells have long been integral in biblical narratives, acting as loci for transformative meetings. Think of how Isaac met Rebekah at a well (Genesis 24) or how Moses encountered God at the well while rescuing Jethro's daughters (Exodus 2:16-19). In these stories, wells signify more than just water; they represent new beginnings and divine interactions.

Furthermore, when Jesus offers the "living water" (John 4:10), it’s a profound metaphor that encapsulates spiritual sustenance. This game-changing dialogue not only astounds the Samaritan woman, but it lays the groundwork for the gospel’s outreach to Gentiles—a theme that crescendos throughout the New Testament.

In this light, the meeting represents a potent reminder that, regardless of cultural boundaries, there exists an abundance of unconditional grace available to everyone. It inspires us to seek connections and understanding across divides, just as Jesus did by that well.