Woman at the Well

Chosen and Loved: God's Image in Us

Bible Passage: Jn 4:1–42

Setup:

Let’s Pray

In the event we are covering today Jesus breaks cultural barriers to reveal the worth and dignity of a Samaritan woman, reminding us that all individuals are created in the image of God. Jesus and his disciples were traveling through a place called Samaria. (Setup the room… Some in Galilee, Some in Judea and some in Samaria)

Let’s read the setup...

1. Breaking Boundaries for Love

What Happened?

Jn 4:1–9

So What?

Some key things here:

Samaritan (we’ve talked about that)

Woman alone

She is at the well in the heat of the day

God knows us… He knows everything about us and he still pursues us...Stress the inclusive nature of God’s love and how this empowers children to appreciate their worth in Him.

Let’s go deeper...

2. Hole in the Heart

What Happened?

Jn 4:10-15

So What?

Have you ever felt like something is missing? Who knows that feeling like you left something behind?

I think this is where the woman is in this part of the passage… She has no clue really what Jesus is talking about but she has such a yearning to not be in the current state she is in she pleads for what Jesus has to offer. (Beatitudes… poor in spirit)

3. Wound Needs Light

What Happened?

Jn 4:16-26

So What?

Imagine you are a superhero and had the power to read minds! What would you do with that? Would you use it to know when someone needed a hug or who was thinking about ice cream. How about when mom or dad needed something done and you do it before they ask? Well, Jesus had a similar power when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. He knew all about her past… He did not say these things to shame her but to help her realize her pain, her need for help, her need for that living water she asked for… her need for Him.

4. Transformative Testimony

What Happened?

Jn 4:27-42 (Don’t read just recap… long section)

So What?

The Samaritan woman's testimony leads many to belief in Jesus.

Jesus saw the Image of God in this woman. We are all in the image of God (Say Imago Dei).

Imagine looking at everyone and realizing they are an image bearer of almighty God… Would it make you think differently about them? Would you react to them different? Even your worst nemesis… He or She is an image bearer of God.

Now What?

3 takeaways this week:

We are all Image Bearers of God

When you’re outside playing or at school this week, look for opportunities to be friendly and talk to others just like Jesus did with the Samaritan woman. If you see someone sitting alone or looking sad, invite them to join your game or sit with you at lunch. Treat them as you would if it was Jesus sitting there

2. Listen for what God has to say through His image bearers

This week, make it a point to truly listen when your parents or someone talks to you. Put down your phone or device and really hear what they have to say, then ask follow-up questions.

3. Remember how valuable you are to God

If you're struggling to fit in at school or facing bullying, remember you are valued as a child of God. Take inspiration from the woman at the well; she encountered Jesus and was empowered to share her story. Find a teacher or a trusted friend to confide in about your feelings. By expressing yourself and seeking support, you're embracing your identity as God’s masterpiece, worthy of respect and love.

If you see yourself in the image of God and others that way as well you become a vessel for God’s love and like the woman at the well can do His will and bring others to Him.

Let’s Pray