Bible Chapter: John 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Who should a person talk with?  What kind of a person should one avoid?  Jesus gave an awesome example of rejecting the common wisdom of society when it goes against God’s plan and purpose.  Jesus was traveling north to return to Galilee.  It is interesting that John wrote that Jesus had to go through Samaria.  It was common for the Jews to go around Samaria, avoiding contact with the people that were considered lower class.  Jesus specifically sought out contact with them.  He had to take that route back north, for there was a divine appointment waiting for him.
    At a well, taking a break, Jesus met a woman who came out of the town to get water.  He surprised her by initiating a conversation with her. She said that the Jews normally wouldn’t talk with her.  Jesus told her of a gift from God she could receive, living water.  We then see a word of knowledge as Jesus talked with her about her husband.  The whole conversation convinced her that Jesus was the Messiah they had been waiting for.  She went back to town and brought a crowd to hear Jesus.  Many in the group believed on Jesus and begged Him to stay and tell them more.  What started out with talking to one woman resulted in many converts.  Jesus stayed two days in that town.
    This story illustrates Jesus’ main purpose in coming.  He came to seek and save anyone who would listen.  He reached out to those in society that were commonly rejected.  He loves all.  For God so loved the world . . .

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to apply the important truth that people need to hear the good news of Jesus.  Jesus said His food was to do the Father’s will.  His sustenance was working for God.  That was more important than lunch.  Reaching people for Jesus is a team effort.  Some will plant and others will harvest where they have not planted.  I need to be ready to respond to people who are ready to hear.
    All my life I have heard about telling others of Jesus.  I have done it, but this chapter speaks to the urgency of doing it.  It speaks to reaching out and grasping every opportunity.  I know I need to be more and more attuned to the task and looking for ways to share God’s love.

3.  How can I help someone?
    How many “woman at the well” situations are around me?  I need to look for them.  This chapter also tells the story of the second miraculous sign Jesus performed, the healing of a royal officer’s son.  Jesus still does the supernatural.  Pray for that to happen for God’s glory.