This message explores Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, followed by the confession of the Samaritans that Jesus is “the Savior of the world.”
(John 4:1-42)
Sermon Outline
“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14)
Jesus Crosses Dividing Lines
- Socio-ethnic: Jews/Samaritans (4:9)
- Gender: Men/Women (4:7, 27)
- Moral: Righteous/Sinners (4:16-18)
Jesus Brings Thirst-Quenching, Living Water
- Not well-water, but living water (4:10-12)
- Not physical water, but spiritual water (4:13-14)
- Life-giving words/teaching (4:23-24; cf. 1:17-18)
- Life-giving Spirit (4:23-24; cf. 1:32-34; 3:5-6)
Jesus is Personal
- Jesus relates to every person individually
- God is omnipresent but uniquely personal
- The Samaritan woman’s changing view of Jesus
Jesus and the Harvest
- The Samaritan woman’s testimony (4:28-29, 39)
- The disciples and the coming harvest (4:35)
- The Samaritan community’s declaration (4:40-42)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you felt on the “outside” but someone helped you find your way to the “inside”? To put it another way, when have you experienced belonging?
- This week we continue our sermon series “Look for the Signs,” by exploring John 4:1-42. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that portion aloud.
- Background: The Samaritans and Jews had a history of difficult relationship. Though both traced their ancestry and religion to Moses, Samaritans and Jews thought different mountains were the sacred place of worship (Mt Gerizim versus Mt Zion/Jerusalem), used slightly different Scriptures, and had a great cultural dislike for one another. It is also important to know that Jewish men did not relate much in public with women, whether Jewish or otherwise.
- With this background in view, what do you learn about Jesus by simply reading the first eight verses of John 4?
- Jesus talks quite a bit about “living water” in the first part of this chapter. Living water literally describes running water as opposed to still water, like that found in a well, and often symbolized being spiritually alive. What do you think Jesus is trying to get at in verses 10-15 by talking about “living water”?
- Would you describe your life as “welling up” living water from God? Why or why not?
- With His coming, Jesus says the geographical center of worship, whether Mt Gerizim or Mt Zion, is no longer important. Instead, in verses 21-24 Jesus says God is looking for something else. What is God looking for and what do you think this means?
- How would you describe the life of the Samaritan woman after her conversation with Jesus (v 26 onward)? What did she do? How had she changed?
- What is one thing you sense God is bringing to your attention through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
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Exploring Faith–The Samaritan woman is a good example of an unlikely person encountering God through Jesus. Is there anything you think might “disqualify” you from receiving God’s love and attention? How does this story speak to you about that?
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Growing in Faith–Over this or the next couple weeks, take a quick look at the entire Gospel of John to notice Jesus’ conversations with people. What stands out to you most about Jesus as you explore these conversational encounters? How might that shape the way you relate with God and others?
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Centered in Faith–As we grow in our faith we can sometimes lose track of how our brokenness can be a conduit for God’s grace. Review your journey with God and reflect again on areas of your life God has restored. Share that story with someone this week as an encouragement for them to come to God, even in their brokenness.