John 4:31-38

Introduction

A. Setting

B.

Descriptions of Christ-like laborers

Laborers that reflect Christ’s example are… spiritually focused, desire obedience, and faithfully cultivating.

1. Spiritually focused, vs.31-33

Teachable moment: Jesus directs the disciples’ focus to the spiritual. We are a people so focused on physical needs (which are important) that we miss the deeply yearning spiritual needs around us.

Note: The disciples went into the village to get food. They were surrounded by Samaritans many of which would later come to Christ through the witness of the Samaritan women. Jesus stays outside the village at the well alone and yet leads the Samaritan women to the Father.

Illustration:

2. Desire obedience, vs. 34

Teachable moment: Christ compared the disciples desire to eat to the His (and hopefully their) desire to do to the will of the Father.

Illustration: We often live and think like being Christian is not fun and sacrificial. But what is truly more pleasurable? Teaching Deshawn to change his affections to align with godly pleasures.

3. Faithfully c

ultivating, vs. 35-38

Teachable moment: Jesus compared planting and reaping to spiritual discipleship they are called to.

It takes four months before corn or grain is ready to harvest. Jesus is saying, “Don’t wait four months before telling the Samaritans about the gospel.” DO IT NOW! Do it regardless of cultural and ethnicity. Do it regardless of the moral background of the people before you.

Pentz, Croft M. 1974. Expository Outlines on the Gospel of John. Dollar Sermon Library Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Illustration: My family heritage. This church’s heritage.

Application