Living Out Christ's Example: Our Mission to Share His Love and Grace
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
This morning, we turned our attention to chapter 4 of this great gospel of John. Our text is John 4:1-6
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
It is fitting now that we have this story about Christ and, as we eventually learn, his encounter with the woman at the well. The reason it is fitting is this. In Chapter 3, Christ had another personal encounter with Nicodemus. One of the fantastic things about John’s Gospel is the number of contrasts found throughout its entire discourse. Repeatedly, the Holy Spirit uses miracles, parables, and conversations as points of comparison. We see this take place in this chapter. The woman we are about to meet stands in stark contrast to Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews.
However, before we get there, the Holy Spirit sets the stage. As we read, the Pharisees tried to stir up strife between Jesus and John the Baptist. What is interesting is the phrasing of verse 1.
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
Note that the “Lord knew.” How did He know? Did someone tell Him? Were there rumors floating around? Scripture does not state any of those things. However, I think this phrase was added to remind us that Christ is God. He is Divine. As such, Christ possessed not only a human body, but he maintained all the characteristics that pertain to God, including God’s omniscience. No one needed to tell Him, for He knows everything, including the thoughts and intents of every man’s heart. Thus, knowing what was in the heart of men, especially these men, and knowing these men would do everything they could to cause strife, Christ did something that is a testament and example to all who claim His name.
3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Now, I can tell you there is a lot we could dive into from these six verses. For example, in this verse, Christ removed Himself from this situation and, as Scripture notes, He determined to travel to Galilee. Why is this important? Again, as an example of how much there is in these verses, note Matthew’s description of Christ's decision to leave Judea and travel again into Galilee.
15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
Here is what I want you to see! Matthew notes that Galilee was not known for the number of Jews who lived there but was more known for the number of Gentiles who resided there. It is important to remember that Christ first offered Himself to Israel. As we know, Israel, as a nation, rejected Him as their Savior and Messiah. Thus, Christ offered Himself then to the entire world or as we know, the Gentiles. Christ leaving Judea and departing again into Galilee was a foreshadowing of things He knew were to come. Praise God that He did! Amen?
Now comes the heart of these verses!
4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
To understand this statement, we need to do a little digging into some geopolitical background here.
Samaria is an interesting place. The most direct route from Judea into Galilee takes you directly through the heart of Samaria, as you can see on the map on the screen. However, for most Jews, the thought of traveling through the heart of Samaria was extremely despicable to imagine. The animosity between the Jews and the Gentiles rivals the hatred that exists today between the Jews and the Palestinians. Samaritans and Jews alike hated each other. Their hatred dates back to the Old Testament times.
Samaria initially, during the days of Joshua and the capture of Canaan, was allotted to the tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh. You can read about all that in Joshua 16 and 17. Now, fast forward in Israel’s history to the time of King Solomon. Solomon dies. When he does, the entire kingdom falls into disarray. 10 of the 12 tribes revolted against Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, and chose Jeroboam as their king. Israel is now divided. Ten tribes became the Northern Kingdom, and two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, became the Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom became an evil nation under the rule of Jeroboam and continued to be so with all its kings that followed. Eventually, God judges these ten tribes by allowing the great Assyrian king and his army to capture them and take them away as his captives. In doing so, the entire district known as Samaria was nearly left without any inhabitants. The King of Assyria then planted an utterly new province within this area composed of people from all kinds of nations. These people from all different nations brought their traditions, false gods, and forms of worship. As you can guess, they mingled with the few Jews who remained there and, ultimately, formed into a strange medley of Jews married to all kinds of different Gentiles. Over time, they formed their religion by combining Judaism with the worship of many different false gods. Note the description given to these Samaritans, as they came to be known, in 2 Kings 17.
32 So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.
33 They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
41 So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
These are the people who were still occupying Samaria during the time of Christ’s earthly ministry.
History records that after the Southern Kingdom returned from its 70-year captivity in Babylon, the Samaritans offered to ally with the Jews. However, the Jews refused their offer, which resulted in them becoming bitter enemies of the Jews and actively trying to stop Israel from rebuilding the Temple and Jerusalem. In the end, this long history between the Jews and the Samaritans resulted in such dislike for each other that when Christ arrived on the scene, they hated each other more than they hated the other Gentile nations surrounding them.
As I noted before, the most direct route for a Jew traveling from Judea to Galilee would be through the heart of Samaria. Instead, because of their hatred for the Samaritans, Jews would travel through Perea and Decapolis around to the shores of Gennesaret to avoid going through Samaria. However, the Holy Spirit makes it a point to note how Christ “must needs” go through this despised and wretched province. Let me state that Christ's need to go through Samaria was not geographical. No, it was a moral need. You see, a woman there needed Him as her Savior. And thus, His need to go through Samaria was a Divine need.
What is the point that the Holy Spirit wants us to understand and learn from Christ’s need to go through Samaria?
The Holy Spirit wants us to understand and know that, as believers, we have a beautiful calling to live peaceably with everyone around us, no matter the circumstances. Christ's example reminds us to be mindful of the spiritual needs of those in our lives and seek out opportunities to share the love of Christ. Our mission as Christians is to be shining examples of His grace and mercy, which means intentionally reaching out to those who need hope and salvation.
Let me begin with this first point.
As believers, we must...
Be Mindful of Scriptural Principles
Be Mindful of Scriptural Principles
I say this because of Christ’s example in His dealing with the situation that arose with the Pharisees. Note again what happens in our text.
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Christ taught much during His earthly ministry. The wonderful thing is that He not only taught great principles but also exemplified them with His life.
One such principle is exemplified in our text this morning. As we already noted, the Pharisees sought to cause much strife between Christ and John the Baptist. As we finished chapter 3, these same religious leaders were already questioning John about the multitudes who left him and were now following Christ. Now, as we enter the beginning of chapter 4, Christ knows through Divine insight that these men were continuing their mission. In response, Christ leaves Judea, removing Himself from the situation. In doing so, He demonstrated how important it is to live peaceably with all men.
As I was studying for today’s message, my mind kept going back to Romans 12:18
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Christ hit upon this very principle in His great Sermon on the Mount. He taught...
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
He went on to say...
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
He ended that with...
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The basic principle is straightforward. We must treat others with love and do everything possible to live at peace with them. This goes along with God’s expectation that we love others as we love ourselves. The command is to live peaceably with all men.
The word “peaceably” in Romans 12:18 has the idea of harmonious relationships that are free of disputes. Christ exemplified this by removing Himself from the equation. He did not allow Himself to be part of these men's sinful trap. Instead of confronting them and causing further dispute, Christ left the area and ended their meddling. Sometimes, the best way to handle a situation is simply to remove yourself from it. We all can take this lesson to heart. You have heard me say many times that you cannot change others. And honestly, we cannot. However, we can do what is right by living according to the instructions and example of Christ. He did not engage these men who were plotting strife. Instead, He moved on and went to a place where He knew He would be better received.
When reaching the lost, we must also be wise in our dealings with them. There are many out there who are just looking for a fight. They have no desire to accept Christ or even open their hearts to them. The only thing they live for is to stir up discontentment and strife. How do we handle such people? We walk away. We don’t engage. Christ noted the same when He was preparing His disciples for ministry.
5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
In our text, Christ does the same. He leaves Judea and begins his journey toward those whom He knows will receive His testimony.
Folks, let me remind you that we must carefully follow Christ’s example. No matter the circumstances, our duty is to live peaceably with all men. We must not return an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. We are not to love just our friends. Instead, we are to love all people, even our enemies. Every person, right or wrong, is a person in need of Christ. We learned last week that we are God’s seal, authenticating He is true. The emphasis is that everything we do and say is a testimony about God before others. Our reaction to those who stir up strife or oppose the gospel is also a seal or testimony that He is true.
When we commit to obeying His principles, we demonstrate to those involved in any situation that God can change people. We become living witnesses of that change. We have faith they will soften their hearts and seek to know the change they see in you.
At the heart of Christ’s actions was the thought that all around us are people who need Him. The Pharisees needed Christ. And, yes, they opposed Him every chance they received. Yet, what do we see in Christ? We see a God who still loved and responded to them with grace, truth, and mercy. He expects the same from us.
By the way, if you act like the world in response to the nastiness of the world, do you expect them to see Christ in you and desire to change? The answer is no. They will only act in kind, escalating with more unkindness and hatred. However, as believers, as did Christ, we stop the nonsense when we respond with grace, truth, and mercy. Acting Biblically to potentially volatile situations is like throwing water on a fire. God uses it to put an end to it before it even begins. What is needed? God needs people who will commit to living His way.
Now, here is my next point as I see it from our text: As believers, we must be mindful of Scriptural principles and also...
Be Mindful of Spiritual Needs
Be Mindful of Spiritual Needs
This is the heart of today’s message. We need to be obedient to Biblical principles, for all around us, there are people who need spiritual healing. Note again that Christ must go through Samaria.
4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
I stated earlier that Christ’s need to travel through Samaria was unrelated to geography. Instead, it was related to a Divine appointment. His appointment required that He be in Sychar and at Jacob’s well at precisely the right time. Figuratively speaking, Christ looked into His Divine daily planner and noted it was time to leave so He might arrive in the sixth hour, noon. What was so important that He had to be in the precise place at the time noted?
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
Christ was there to meet this woman of Samaria. She was the reason he needed to go through Samaria. Interestingly, we are never given this woman’s name. The only way to reference her is the Samaritan woman. That is it. She has no name, but as we will see, we learn a lot about her. However, for today, here is what I think the Holy Spirit would want us to focus on. Christ went there to meet this woman so that He might meet her spiritual needs. He was the only one who could do so. However, she was and is not the only one needing Christ and the “living water” that only He provides. There is a whole world around us with the very same need. Thus, we must be mindful of the people God brings our way who require spiritual refreshment.
As I was studying this week, I was struck with this thought. Nicodemus came seeking Christ. There are those seeking something, they just don’t know what they are seeking. They have within them this nagging thought that they are missing something, so they keep searching. In their search, they often come upon those who know Christ. However, even in his search, Nicodemus needed to know one essential thing. He needed to be “born again.” He needed spiritual life.
Now, we see Christ seeking out this woman. She was completely different from Nicodemus in so many ways. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, having been raised knowing, studying, and memorizing the law. We don’t even know this woman’s name. Nicodemus was “a master of Israel.” As we will come to know, this woman was despised by other women in her village. Nicodemus was favored by many and most likely had disciples of his own. The woman was a wretched Samaritan hated by the Jews. Nicodemus was a man of excellent reputation. The Samaritan woman was a woman stained by scrupulous relationships. Nicodemus, however, came seeking Christ by the cover of night. Yet, in chapter 4, Christ meets this woman in the middle of the day for all to see. And yet, the message to both was the same. Christ told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” Then, to the woman at the well, Christ offers her the “gift of God.”
You see, every person born into this world needs Christ. They need the spiritual life that only He can provide. The thing is that He has left that task to you and me.
Just before He ascended into Heaven, He said...
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Try as I may, throughout the entire time I was preparing this message, the words of the popular song, “People Need the Lord” kept popping into my mind repeatedly. Steve Green sang this song. However, it was Greg Nelson and Phill Mchugh who wrote the words. Listen to the lyrics and think about how much Christ wants us to recognize the spiritual needs of so many around us.
Every day they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
And then, as most of you probably know, it goes to the chorus repeating the fact that people need the Lord. It ends with this.
When will we realize
That we must give our lives
For people need the Lord
That is the heart of this message.
Our mission is to share the love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ with as many hurting people as we possibly can. We must give our lives. Just as Christ must go through Samaria, we must go throughout Bedford County and the outlying counties bearing the message that He is spiritual life.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Here is what we have learned today. As true believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have an excellent opportunity to influence others. We may not be able to change them, but He can. We can, however, be great examples of how He changes lives. His dealing with the Pharisees serves as a great reminder to us that we must be mindful of the spiritual needs, even in those who oppose us. We must seek opportunities to share Christ’s love no matter the circumstances. Our mission as Christians is to be shining examples of His grace and mercy, which means intentionally reaching out to those who need hope and salvation.