March 24, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Jesus emphasizes living water
is for all who thirst
___ John 4:1-42
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___After the fall of Israel's northern kingdom in 722 B.C., the victorious Assyrians deported Israelites and resettled the land with foreign captives. These new settlers came with their own gods. They retained their previous worship and added remnants of the worship of Jehovah and Baal. They produced a mongrel religion. Much of this worship took place in Samaria.
___Jews who resettled the area after their return from Babylon in 538 B.C. found a rift with the Samaritans. By the time of Jesus, strong rivalry and hatred existed between Jews and Samaritans. Our lesson this week challenges us to share the gospel with people of different race, gender or background.
___ Surprising encounter (John 4:7,9). Sychar (v. 5) was a small village near Shechem and Jacob's well. The area is located near modern Nablus. Jacob's well lies at the foot of Mount Gerizim, the center of Samaritan worship. The incident took place at noon, an unusual time for someone to approach a well.
___The woman would be surprised to find a man sitting beside the well. His request for water would be still more surprising. No one would normally refuse cold water to a traveler during daytime heat. Most Jews would not have spoken with a woman, nor would they have drunk from a Samaritan cup.
___The woman's answer reflected her surprise. She may have meant, "You Jews won't talk to us unless you want something from us." Jesus ignored her resentful, flippant response. He wanted to present a message of salvation rather than win an argument.
___ Revealing dialogue (John 4:10-15). Jesus explained the gospel in a way that connected with the Samaritan woman. First, he tried to turn the woman to reflection on spiritual truth by insisting that God's gift was greater than ordinary water (v. 10). The woman was curious but did not understand that Jesus was discussing spiritual realities (v. 11).
___Jesus' second reply emphasized that material water could relieve thirst temporarily, but spiritual water produced eternal results (vv. 13-14). The woman's response in verse 15 showed selfish, unspiritual interests. She only wanted something to prevent a long, hot trip to the well.
___ Stimulating testimony (4:28-30, 39-40). Jesus' later testimony convinced the woman that he was Messiah (v. 26). In her excitement the woman forgot her water pot as she returned to her village. She expressed her belief in Jesus with the words: "Could this perhaps be the Messiah?" Her sincerity and urgency led villagers to journey to the well to investigate.
___Two factors contributed to the faith of the Samaritan villagers. First, the testimony of the transformed woman aroused their interest (v. 39). Second, their contact with Jesus convinced them of his messiahship (v. 41).
___People from different backgrounds will listen to the bold testimony of transformed believers about Jesus. The power of the gospel can overcome the prejudices we harbor toward those with special backgrounds.

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