John 4 (2)

Recap

1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well

John 4:7-9

Yeshua's Character: This encounter highlights Yeshua's radical inclusivity and his disregard for societal norms. His conversation with the Samaritan woman not only breaks cultural and gender barriers but also shows His deep empathy and understanding. Yeshua’s approach is gentle yet direct, revealing His ability to connect at a personal level and address the deepest needs of individuals.

Question 1: Who are your Samaritans? And how can you discipline yourself to approach them in love regardless?

Question 2: How can Yeshua’s example of empathy and understanding guide your interactions with those who are different from you?

Application 1: Seek to build bridges with people who are different from you, whether in terms of culture, ethnicity, or background, reflecting Yeshua's example of love and acceptance.

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2. The Living Water

John 4:10-15

Yeshua's Character: In offering the living water, Yeshua positions Himself as the source of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment, showcasing His role as the sustainer and giver of life. He understands the woman's physical thirst but goes deeper to address her spiritual and emotional thirst. This passage reveals His profound insight into human nature and His desire to offer something beyond temporary, worldly satisfaction.

Question 1: In what areas of your life are you seeking fulfillment from sources other than Christ?

Question 2: How can Yeshua’s offer of living water transform your approach to finding satisfaction in life?

Question 3: Have you had a moment or period where you felt as though the only thing you had was Messiah to keep you going?

Application 1: Cultivate a daily habit of seeking spiritual nourishment through prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection to experience the 'living water' Jesus offers.

Application 2: Identify areas in your life where you are seeking temporary fulfillment and consciously redirect your focus towards spiritual growth and reliance on Yeshua.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

3. Insight into the Woman’s Life

John 4:16-20

Yeshua's Character: Yeshua’s knowledge of the woman’s past and present life showcases His divine omniscience. He approaches her not with judgment but with an invitation to a deeper truth. This interaction reflects Yeshua's ability to see beyond the surface, understanding our innermost struggles and desires, and offering transformation and hope.

Question 1: How does understanding that Yeshua knows our hearts completely affect our relationship with Him?

Question 2: How might the knowledge of Yeshua’s insight into your life encourage you to seek change or growth?

Application 1: Be honest and transparent in your prayers, knowing that Yeshua understands your struggles and is there to offer grace and guidance.

Application 2: Reflect on areas of your life that you might be hiding or avoiding and bring them to Yeshua in prayer, seeking His guidance and transformation.

‌Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”

4. Discussion on Worship

John 4:21-24

Yeshua's Character: In this conversation, Yeshua transcends traditional views of worship, focusing on its essence rather than its form. He emphasizes a personal, heart-centered relationship with God, over ritualistic or location-based worship. This reflects His desire for authentic connection with believers, inviting them into a deeper, more personal worship experience. A God who’s spirit can only be worshipped spiritually.

Question 1: What does it mean to worship God in 'spirit and truth' in your personal life?

Question 2: How can Yeshua’s teachings about worship challenge you to deepen your spiritual practice?

Application 1: Strive for genuine, heartfelt worship in your daily life, seeking to connect with God in a way that transcends mere rituals.

Application 2: Incorporate personal, reflective times in your daily routine where you focus on worshiping God in spirit and truth, beyond communal or formal settings.

‌Isaiah 29:13 “13 And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,”

Romans 12:1 “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

5. Jesus Reveals Himself as the Messiah

‌John 4:25-26

v.25 The Samaritans also anticipated a coming Messiah. But having rejected all books except from the 5 books of Moses, they did not expect a Davidic king. But rather a prophet to be raised like Moses (De 18:15-18) she herself longed for the Messiah to come and make sense of the broken world she lives in. This also can mean that when she referred to Him as a prophet, she was already beginning to see Him as Messiah. But lacking the knowledge, worshipping what she doesn’t know, didn’t know who He really was.

v.26 When speaking with the Jews He was careful not to outright declare the title of Messiah, though He implied it so much that those who studied scripture ought to have known exactly the claims. With the Samaritan woman who was not quite Jewish and did not hold those dogmatic beliefs. He outright says plainly He is the Messiah. The outcast of a woman rejected by outcast people was approached by the Messiah Himself and offered the gift of true and eternal life.

The word ‘He’ doesn’t show in Greek. It’s literally “I am” instead. Making it another ‘I am’ Messianic claim.

Yeshua's Character: Yeshua’s revelation of Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman is a profound moment of self-disclosure. It reflects His willingness to reveal divine truths to those who are open, regardless of their social or ethnic background. This moment underscores His role as the universal Savior, not confined to traditional Jewish expectations.

Question 1: What is your expectation of Messiah? What do you expect Him to do in your life? Be honest.

I expected life to be easier. Instead it got way more difficult but I wasn’t alone in it anymore.

Question 2: How does Yeshua’s role as Messiah come into play in your walk with Him?

For me, Him being Messiah calls out the prophesies about Him and God’s sovereignty since before creation. Him being the Messiah, along with the savior and redeemer, reminds me of what He did on the cross and what He saved me from. He didn’t just save me from the wrath deserved for a wretched sinner, He also saved me of living out the rest of my life as one.

Application 1: As you learn more about His character, keep your heart aligned with the Truth of Him. And not try to mold Him into your own desires.

Application 2: Share aspects of your faith journey and the role of Yeshua as Messiah with others, drawing from His example of openness and revelation.

Isaiah 53:11 “11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

6. The Woman’s Transformation

‌John 4:27-30

In this portion we witness a profound transformation in the life of the Samaritan woman. She came to the well alone, at a time when others wouldn't be there, possibly to avoid the judgment and scorn of her community. Her life was marked by broken relationships and a sense of isolation.

1. The Encounter with Jesus: However, on that fateful day, everything changed when she encountered Jesus. He saw her not as an outcast but as a soul in need of living water. Jesus revealed that He knew the depths of her past and yet accepted her. Instead of scorn and judgement he offered forgiveness and grace.

Question 1: Why does she leave her waterpot? What did the well represent?

2. Leaving the Waterpot: As the conversation unfolded, the Samaritan woman's heart was stirred by Jesus' words. She realized that He wasn’t just a Jewish man, or even just a prophet, but the long-awaited Messiah. Her encounter with Christ was so transformative that she left her waterpot behind (John 4:28) — the very reason she had come to the well. She was no longer preoccupied with her physical needs because she had found something far greater: spiritual nourishment.

3. Becoming a Messenger: Filled with newfound hope and joy, the Samaritan woman hurried back to her town to tell everyone about Jesus (John 4:29). This was remarkable because she had been an outcast in her community, and yet she boldly proclaimed the message of Christ. Her transformation was evident in her actions.

4. The Impact of Her Testimony: Her testimony had a profound effect on the people of her town. They came to see Jesus for themselves and believed in Him because of her words (John 4:39-42). Through her witness, many lives were changed, and they too encountered the Savior.

Conclusion: The Samaritan woman's transformation from an outcast to a messenger of hope is a powerful illustration of the redeeming and transformative power of Jesus Christ. Her encounter with Him not only quenched her spiritual thirst but also led to the salvation of others in her community. Like her, we can leave behind our burdens, find our purpose in Christ, and become messengers of His grace to a world in need. May her story inspire us to embrace the transformation that Jesus offers and to boldly share the message of His love and redemption with others.

Yeshua's Character: Kingdom minded. He sees beyond immediate physical needs to the spiritual nourishment and harvest that are ripe among the nations. This teaching moment with His disciples demonstrates Yeshua's role as a teacher and mentor, always aligning everyday experiences with spiritual truths and the broader mission of God.

Question 2: Have you had any desires from before being born again go away?

Application 1: If you have a spotty past, that can sometimes hinder you from sharing, you think no one would listen or perhaps you might think you might tarnish Yeshua’s name. Your past is not a hindrance to your testimony, it’s the evidence of transformation in your testimony.

Application 2: The Samaritan woman, lacking any special knowledge or education on Yeshua, was still able to move people by speaking from her heart about her testimony. As you grow in the Lord try to keep from letting knowledge puff you up and grow in love.

Ezekiel 36:26 “26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

7. Spiritual Food

In John 4:31-38, we find a profound conversation between Jesus and His disciples about food. This passage goes beyond physical sustenance and reveals important spiritual truths. Let's explore the deeper meaning of this exchange.

After the disciples had urged Jesus to eat, He responded with a statement that left them puzzled: "I have food to eat that you know nothing about" (John 4:32, NIV). Jesus often used everyday experiences to convey spiritual truths, and here, He spoke of a different kind of nourishment—the nourishment of the soul.

1. The Priority of Spiritual Food: Jesus explained that His sustenance came from doing the will of the Father who had sent Him (John 4:34). This statement highlights the priority of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. While physical food is essential for our bodies, spiritual food, doing God's will, is even more crucial for our souls.

2. The Harvest of Souls: As the disciples returned from the town, Jesus drew their attention to the Samaritan crowd approaching. He compared the people to a ripe harvest field ready for reaping (John 4:35). Just as a farmer eagerly gathers the harvest, Jesus was eager to bring souls into God's kingdom. He says “Look up” as in, don’t you see all these people coming?

3. Laborers for the Harvest: Jesus encouraged His disciples to join in the spiritual harvest work. He said, "The one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life" (John 4:36, ESV). Jesus invites us to become laborers for the spiritual harvest, sharing the message of salvation and leading others to eternal life.

4. Joy in the Harvest: The passage concludes with the promise that both sower and reaper would rejoice together in the harvest (John 4:36-38). There is immense joy in seeing souls come to faith and experiencing the transformation that only God can bring.

Conclusion: In this passage, Jesus challenges us to consider the importance of spiritual food and the eternal significance of leading others to Him. Just as He found fulfillment in doing the will of the Father, we too can find nourishment and purpose in serving God and sharing the message of salvation. May we be eager laborers in God's harvest, rejoicing in the souls brought into His kingdom, and finding true sustenance in doing His will.

Question 1: What can we learn from Jesus’ teachings about the spiritual harvest?

Question 2: What does doing the will of God look like in your life? Does doing it sustain you or drain you?

Application 1: Look for ‘harvest’ opportunities in your daily life, where you can share love, kindness, and the message of Yeshua, even in seemingly small interactions.

Application 2: As you work with people. Try to avoid the desire to see them come to faith so that you can be glorified. Instead, remind yourself that it’s all in the Father’s hands. And if you don’t see fruit, that’s ok. Someone else could be doing the reaping, and you both shall collect your wages.

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8. The Samaritans’ Belief

‌John 4:39-45

1. Open Hearts to Receive Grace: When the Samaritans of the town heard the woman's testimony, they were open-hearted and receptive. They came to see Jesus and listened to His teachings. Their willingness to embrace a message from a Jewish Rabbi, despite the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans, demonstrated their hunger for spiritual truth.

2. Believing in Jesus as Savior: As the Samaritans spent time with Jesus, they came to believe in Him as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They confessed, "We know that this man really is the Savior of the world" (John 4:42). Their faith was ignited by their encounter with Christ and the testimonies of their fellow Samaritan woman.

3. Unity Beyond Differences: The conversion of the Samaritans serves as a beautiful picture of unity in Christ. It transcended the historical divides and prejudices between Jews and Samaritans. Through faith in Jesus, they became part of the larger family of God.

4. Spreading the Message: Not only did the Samaritans believe in Jesus, but they also encouraged Him to stay with them, and He stayed for two days, further deepening their understanding of Him. As they grew in faith and knowledge, they shared the message with others in their community, and more Samaritans believed.

Conclusion: The response of the Samaritans in John 4:39-45 reminds us of the power of testimony and the transformative impact of encountering Jesus. It teaches us that the message of Christ has the capacity to break down barriers, unite diverse communities, and lead people to faith and salvation. May we, like the Samaritans, be open-hearted and receptive to the message of Jesus and share His grace and love with those around us, regardless of our differences.

Yeshua's Character: This part of the narrative highlights Yeshua's impact on a diverse group of people and His acceptance of those who were often marginalized. His teachings and presence inspire faith and transformation in the Samaritans, showcasing His role as a unifier and a light to the nations. His character as a non-discriminatory and universal savior is strongly evident here. It also shows the nature of trusting Him at His word. Not one miracle was performed in this village and yet they came to faith.

Question 1: How can your personal testimony of faith impact others?

Question 2: Why do you think the Samaritans believed Him at His word?

Application 1: Share your experiences with Yeshua, using your story as a bridge to connect others with His universal message of hope.

Application 2: The Samaritans believed because they 1st heard it from the woman, and then because they heard Yeshua. When we spread the gospel one of out main focuses should be to bring people to the Word. The Word then itself will do the work in them.

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9. Jesus’ Healing of the Official’s Son

‌John 4:46-54

In this passage, we find an official whose son was gravely ill. His desperate situation led him to seek out Jesus, believing that Jesus held the power to heal. This official's journey from fear to faith serves as a timeless example for us.

1. A Father's Desperation:The official's son was on the brink of death, and in his desperation, he sought Jesus. This father's love for his child compelled him to seek help from the one he believed could make a difference. Desperate situations often drive us to turn to God for help. He came from Capernaum to Cana at Galilee (20-25 miles) about a day’s walk.

2. Faith in Jesus' Word:When the official met Jesus, he pleaded with Him to come and heal his son. However, Jesus responded differently. He said, "Go, your son will live" (John 4:50, NIV). The official had a choice: to trust Jesus' word or to doubt. His faith in Jesus' word led him to believe that his son was healed.

Question 1: Would that have been enough for you to take Him at His word like that? Would you have went without Yeshua back to your dying son?

3. Believing Without Seeing:The official displayed remarkable faith by believing Jesus' words without any physical evidence. He embarked on the journey back home with trust in his heart, and on the way, he received confirmation that his son was indeed healed. This underscores the importance of trusting God's promises even when circumstances seem dire.

4. Faith's Impact on the Family:Upon returning home, the official discovered that his son was healed at the very moment when Jesus spoke. His entire household came to faith as a result of this miracle. The official's faith had a ripple effect, impacting his family's spiritual journey.

Conclusion:The healing of the official's son is a testament to the power of faith in action. It reminds us that even in moments of desperation, we can turn to Jesus with trust and believe in His promises. We may not always see immediate results, but faith enables us to receive God's blessings. Moreover, our faith can impact those around us, leading others to believe in the transformative power of Christ. May this story inspire us to approach Jesus with unwavering faith in His word and His ability to bring healing and restoration to our lives.

Yeshua's Character: In healing the official’s son, Yeshua demonstrates His authority over illness and His responsiveness to faith and desperation. This miracle, performed through mere words spoken at a distance, reveals His supernatural power and His compassion for those in need. It also highlights His willingness to meet people at their point of need, regardless of their social status.

Question 2: How does this miracle challenge or reinforce your understanding of faith?

Question 3: What does this story teach you about the nature of Yeshua’s miracles and His responsiveness to our needs?

Application 1: Trust in Yeshua's ability to work in your life, relying on His power and loving care in all circumstances.

Application 2: Bring your needs and concerns to Yeshua in prayer, believing in His power to intervene in both miraculous and everyday ways.