John

Lesson 5John 4:1-42

In this lesson, Jesus continues to demonstrate to us how to share the good news, and whom to share it with. In our last lesson, we observed Jesus’ interactions with a highly-respected (if not feared), religious, and well-educated man— Nicodemus. In contrast, in this lesson, we find Jesus speaking with an outcast—the Samaritan woman at the well.

Bible

We can learn much about ourselves, others, and Jesus by examining this story. I pray that as you read the words of John’s Gospel, Christ will speak to you and lay on your heart what he has prepared for each of us this week, as we study Jesus-in-action, spreading the Good News.

For this lesson, read John 4:1-42 and answer the following:

  1. In order to more clearly see the contrast between Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in the last lesson, and his conversation with the Samaritan woman in this week’s lesson, sort the following list into two columns. Below, identify those characteristics that apply to Nicodemus vs. those that apply to the Samaritan woman.
    • Indifferent
    • Outcast
    • Respected
    • Seeking
    • Flippant
    • Immoral
    • Despised Samaritan
    • Serious
    • Jewish
    • Moral
    • Heterodox
    • Ignorant of religious knowledge
    • Orthodox
    • Well educated in Religion
    • Woman of the world
    • Man of Religion
    • Needed Salvation
    • Needed Salvation
  2. Read John 4:3-5. When the Jews traveled across Israel, they avoided having to travel through Samaria at all costs. However, we observe that Jesus did not. What is the reason given for this in these verses?
  3. As we read John 4:5-6, what can we learn about the person, the humanity, of Jesus? (see also verses 11-13)
  4. Read John 4:7-8. Had Jesus ever met this woman before? Yet he spoke to her. Why was this unusual? (see also verse 9)
  5. What do Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 17:13, Psalm 36:9 and John 7:38-39 tell us about "living water"?
  6. Read John 4:23-24. How does Jesus define a "true worshiper"?
  7. During his conversation with the Samaritan woman, does Jesus ever claim to actually be the Messiah? (see John 4:26)
  8. Can we tell if the woman was excited after hearing that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah? How can we tell? What kind of response to the Gospel message can we observe today?
  9. What was the instruction that Jesus gave his disciples in John 4:35? What was he trying to tell them?
  10. What can we learn about our role in getting out the gospel from Jesus’ instructions in John 4:36-38?
  11. Now read John 4:39-42. Why did the other Samaritans come to Jesus?
  12. Why did they believe he was "indeed the Christ"?

So, in this lesson, we see, firsthand, Jesus patiently teaching and spreading the good news that the long-awaited Messiah has come. We see that he came for everyone—both the well-respected and the outcast, the Jew and the Alien, the Jew and the Gentile.

What a blessing, and what a hope that Jesus came and died for me and for you—not because of our place in society, nor our education or income. And what a hope for us all that no matter whom you are, where you are, or what you are; through your belief in Jesus, you are assured of salvation. The Good News is that Jesus is the real and long-awaited Messiah. We are going to be with him eternally through God’s grace and Jesus’ great sacrifice.

An additional important takeaway from this lesson is that we need to be in the fields now, spreading the good news to the many who so desperately need it. And we need to remember that it is for everyone, even the vilest of sinners. Don’t keep the good news from anyone! Jesus died and rose again for all to be saved, not just a special few.

Have a great week everyone, and thanks for studying with us.

In Christ,

Wes

[2018]

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