For Sunday, March 12 2023
Series: Lent 2023- Rescue
Read John 4:1-42
In the Sunday sermon we covered a lot of history between Samaria and Israel. Summarize what we know about the hatred between these two groups. How did the division start? How did it progress? What can we learn about ourselves in their story? What warnings can we apply?
(See 2 Kings 17 for more background.)
“Jesus had to go.” What does this tell us about Jesus and his mission? What does this mean for the church and our mission?
“He sat down by a well?” In the message the urgency of Jesus’ mission was contrasted with the peace/patience to just sit down. What can we learn about serving Jesus from his example? Have you ever sensed and urgency in your mission/calling? Have you ever experience a peace to just sit when others were frantic?
He asked her for a drink. How can asking for help be a great way to serve and build relationships? Do you have any examples of asking for help, or being asked for help, and how a relationship and trust grew from that experience?
The conversation reveals, and teaches, many things. And of course Jesus has “inside information” that helps move the conversation, and her conversion, forward. One notable part is that he states that true worship is in “The Spirit and truth.” It is not dependent on temple (Religious practice) or mountain (place).
What does this mean for our worship and the mission of the church? What does this mean for “Christian Zionism,” that is, a belief that establishing the nation or Israel is required for Christ’s second coming. Or for “Christian Nationalism,” the belief that the United States is a new Israel, ie, a new promised land required for the fulfillment of prophesy and Christ’s return?
In the end we see two very powerful lessons:
First is Jesus demonstrating, and declaring, that he is the Messiah, the savior of the world. He is the spring of living water and all people need what only he can provide- salvation.
Second, we see that this woman immediately sets out in mission. More specifically, she embodies one of our values- Bringer. She simply shares what Jesus means to her/has done former, and then brings others to Jesus. Jesus seems to take care of the rest. As the text says- the people believed not just on her account, but because they too met Jesus.
How might this guide and direct our mission as a church and as individuals?
Close with a time of prayer to drink from Jesus’ offer of salvation, And to pray for opportunities to share the living water with others that they might come to know Jesus too.