The Gospel According to John: 4:39-42

The theme verse for our series is John 20:31

John 20:31 – “…these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

The purpose of this study is threefold. First, as we go through this together we will learn more and more about Jesus. We will get to know Him better, understand Him better and our faith and trust in Him will grow.

Second, as we go through this study together we will better know and understand the life that only Jesus can give. Life forever and life to the full. We will discover how we can know for certain that we will be in heaven and we will learn how to live on earth like we are going to live in heaven.

And third, we are not only knowing and growing in these things together, as we go through this we are being equipped to share these things with others.

[Read text] John 4:39-45

John 4:39–42 NASB

39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”

[PRAY]

Jesus gives a Vital witness.

(v. 39-40) “39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.”

Romans 10:14–15 ESV

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Jesus gives a Visible witness.

(v. 26-29) 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” 27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”

Matthew 5:14–16 NASB

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus gives a Verbal witness.

John 4:26–29 NASB

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” 27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”

Acts 4:20 NASB

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Jesus gives a Verifiable witness.

(v. 41-42) “41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 15:8 ESV

8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

A true Christian witness…

Knows the way.

She knew Jesus.

Goes the way.

She was changed and there was visible proof.

Shows the way.

She told people about Jesus and pointed them to Him.

Memory Verse of the Week:

John 8:36 NASB

36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Discussion Questions: (John 4:39-42)

What did Jesus use to cause the Samaritans to believe in Him? (v. 39)

How can Jesus use you, where you are, to lead people to Him?

Why do you think the Samaritans asked Jesus to stay with them? (v. 40)

Why do you think many more people believed because of Jesus’ words? (v. 41)

In what ways are you personally “hearing” from God? (v. 42)

The Samaritans explained who they believed Jesus to be. Who is Jesus to you?

What else does this passage tell us about God? Why does it matter?

What else does the text teach us about ourselves?

Did anything else stick out to you?

How do you believe God leading you to respond to His word?