After Jesus conversation with the woman at the well, she returns to her village to announce that

the Messiah is in Samaria and in their village. Remember, the Jews hated the Samaritans because

they had intermarried with the Assyrians. As the people rush to meet Jesus, he comments to

his disciples that the “fields are ripe for harvest.” This is code. The harvest represents the

Samaritans who will welcome Jesus into their village, into their lives. He will stay for two days. All

of this points to the fact that the final harvest is at hand, namely, Jesus death – and our salvation.