Thirsting for the Living Water

Explanation: Jesus was always about the Father’s business. As He and the disciples leave the Galilean countryside and head towards Jerusalem, He intentionally travels through Samaria. The Scripture states, “He must needs go through Samaria” Jesus had a Divine appointment with a seeker

Example: The rescue of the boys soccer team from the cave filled with water. The rescue team was very focused on what the mission was

Argument: The NT repeatedly affirms the mission of Jesus was to bring salvation to sinners. Jesus told others that “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” ()

Application: Believers are to be intentional about sharing the Gospel with the lost. No one else has this mission, and no one else has the Truth. We must seek out those in darkness; they aren’t coming to the light on their own. Pray and ask God to burden our eyes to see people as He does

The Love of Jesus for seekers breaks down barriers ()

Explanation: Jesus was a Jewish man and He was willing to talk to a woman who was a Samaritan. Such a thing was not done. The Jewish rabbis taught that it was inappropriate for a Jewish husband to talk with his own wife for an extended conversation while in public. Jesus did not have a water bucket (v. 11) so when He asked her for a drink, he was planning on using hers. According to Jewish custom, such an act would be a defilement

Illustrate: sitting beside the girl with purple hair, striking up a conversation with the guy with the scary tats.

Argument: Because Jesus had compassion on this tired, broken, sin-sick woman, He was willing to cross social and cultural barriers. He did not allow social custom to limit His reach. He did not view the woman as a social outcast to be avoided, but as a real person with real needs.

Application: Those who are believers, the ones who have received forgiveness, should not look down on those who are still outside the family. No one is beyond the reach of Jesus, and everyone needs to experience the love of Christ through His people.

The Love of Jesus for seekers goes beyond felt needs ()

Explanation: Jesus does not even respond to the woman’s concern for his breaking of a social taboo. Instead, Jesus begins to redirect the conversation to a spiritual level. She is at the well to get water so Jesus talks to her about the living water. Jesus is drawing on the rich, biblical heritage of God filling His people with streams of flowing water, an analogy that addresses a God-centered life of faith.

The woman seems to miss the spiritual dimension and remains focused on the nature of physical water. The living water sounds good to her, especially the part about not having to come back to the well again and again. She is focused on her own felt needs.

Illustrate: young teenager at Memorial. The church had signs with verses 13 & 14 posted at the water fountains. For years I was puzzled every time I got a drink. I never asked about the meaning because all I was looking for at the time was a drink of water

Argument: All people everywhere have needs. Some of those needs are real, some are perceived or “felt needs.” A real need is food and water. Without food and water, people die. A ‘felt’ need is for a girlfriend or a nice boat.

Application: Ultimately, the real need in any person’s life is for a real relationship with Jesus. We can spend time and resources giving food, making people comfortable, and helping them feel good about themselves, but if they miss out on Jesus, they miss out on eternity.

Sadly, many in the church are focused on felt needs instead of real needs. Our attitude is “what’s in this for me?” I will come to church if its not too crowded, if the music is what I like, if the sermon isn’t too long, if the preacher doesn’t offend me, etc.

The Love of Jesus for seekers is willing to confront sin ()

Explanation: Jesus went beyond the woman’s felt need to her real need. She was missing the spiritual content, so Jesus confronts her directly with her sin. He asks her about her husband. The woman doesn’t want to talk about this because she knows she is living in immorality. She gives Jesus some of the truth, but she leaves out a lot. Jesus presses the issue and reveals His supernatural knowledge of her mixed up, messy sinful life

Illustrate: subtle doesn’t work. At some point we have to lovingly, but firmly and forthrightly confront people with sin. [“You say you are a believer, but you hate your brother. God’s word declares that you are a liar”]

Argument: Salvation is a free gift purchased by the Lamb of God. It is available to all people, but it is exclusive on His terms. And Jesus is the One who tells sinners to repent and to believe. Jesus is the One who tells those He heals to go and sin no more. Salvation without repentance is unbiblical

Application: We must be willing to tell others the whole counsel of God. The Cross of Christ is a stumbling block to the Jews and an offense to the Gentiles (), but it is the only message with genuine hope!

The Love of Jesus in Believers is displayed in genuine worship ()

Explanation: The woman is coming to realize Jesus is more than an ordinary man. She now recognizes that He is a prophet, but she doesn’t have enough knowledge. She then turns the conversation to a question about the location of correct worship because a prophet might know the answer

Jesus corrects her misguided notion of worship by asserting that it is not about geography. It is a heart issue based on revealed truth. As a Samaritan who has rejected all but the first 5 books of the Bible, she and her people are incorrect. Salvation is from the Jews (they had the whole OT and Jesus Himself was a Jew), but it is available to all people

Argument: God is seeking people to worship Him, but in the right and proper method. The method is not about liturgies, rites, emotions, or a particular type of music. Genuine worship that pleases God come from a contrite heart fueled with passion for God () and that is guided by precepts found in the Word

As Believers who have been justified, forgiven, and set apart, we can and should worship God with a grateful heart, free from a “me-centered” attitude. We do not come to the House of God expecting and demanding all to revolve around us. Remember, it’s not about you - IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM!!

Application: Who are you here for? What about your personal preferences is more important than God’s Kingdom agenda?