Come See A Man

Thirsting for Living Water

Bible Passage: Jn 4:1–42

Summary: This passage recounts Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at the well, where He offers her 'living water' that leads to eternal life, challenging cultural norms and revealing deep truths about worship and the nature of true thirst.

Application: Understanding our spiritual thirst can lead us to seek Jesus, who alone can satisfy our deepest needs. This sermon can help individuals identify distractions or false sources of fulfillment in their lives, prompting them to turn to Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches about Jesus' compassion, the concept of living water, and the call to worship in spirit and truth, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Him rather than worldly pursuits.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage illustrates Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament's promises—He is not just a prophet but the Messiah who brings true spiritual life and satisfies our deepest longings.

Big Idea: Jesus satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst, inviting us into a transformative relationship that transcends cultural barriers and redefines our understanding of worship.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of Jews and Samaritans using your Logos library to understand the significance of their interaction. Pay attention to the theological implications of 'living water' and how it connects to biblical prophecy. Additionally, studying commentary on worship in spirit and truth may provide deeper insights into the transformative nature of the woman's experience.

1. Journeying Through Samaria

Jn 4:1-6

Maybe you could begin by exploring how Jesus chooses to engage with those marginalized by society, as evidenced by His deliberate journey through Samaria. This sets the stage for the encounter at Jacob's well, illustrating the importance of divine appointments in our lives. Jesus' actions challenge us to break through societal and cultural barriers to reach those in need of God's love.

2. Seeking True Satisfaction

Jn 4:7-14

You could focus on the concept of 'living water' that Jesus introduces to the Samaritan woman. This offers a powerful image of the spiritual satisfaction only He can provide, contrasting with temporal, earthly desires that can never fulfill us. As Jesus explains this to the woman, we see His desire for us to recognize our spiritual thirst and seek Him as the source of true abundance.

3. Revealing the True Worship

Jn 4:15-26

Perhaps delve into the transformative conversation where Jesus unveils deep truths about worship and God’s nature, revealing Himself as the Messiah. This challenges traditional and superficial understandings of worship, inviting the woman—and us—to engage with God in spirit and truth. It serves as an invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus, who transcends traditional barriers.

4. Reaping the Harvest

Jn 4:27-38

Consider highlighting how the disciples’ return leads Jesus to teach about the broader mission of spreading the Gospel. The encounter underscores that the fields are ripe for harvest and invites believers to partake in God's work of sowing and reaping. As the living water transforms us, we are moved to partake in sharing Christ's love and truth with others.

5. Witnessing the Transformation

Jn 4:39-42

Conclude with the change seen in the Samaritan community as a result of the woman's testimony and Jesus' presence. This illustrates the transformative power of a genuine encounter with Christ and encourages us to be witnesses of His work in our lives. Through her story, the town recognizes Jesus as the Savior of the world, showing the ripple effect of redemption and testimony.