Themes in the Gospel of John
Sabbath School Lesson 6
More Testimonies About Jesus
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> Download Themes in the Gospel of John (4th qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here
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In John 4:27–42, after her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman takes the surprising action of leaving her water jar and going back to her town to tell others about her experience. Despite the cultural norms that might have discouraged her from speaking openly, especially to men, she boldly shares her encounter with Jesus, saying, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" Her testimony compels many of the townspeople to come and see Jesus for themselves.
Following her testimony, many Samaritans from the town go to meet Jesus and, after hearing him speak, many more believe. They tell the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
This passage highlights how the gospel can spread through personal testimony and the authenticity of a transformative encounter with Jesus. The woman’s willingness to share her experience, despite her social position, shows that anyone can be a messenger of the gospel. It also illustrates how personal testimonies can inspire others to seek their own relationship with Jesus, spreading the message further as people encounter it firsthand.
Go here for more on: Lesson 5 The Witness of the Samaritans
The woman reacts by recognizing Jesus as a prophet, saying, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.” She then engages in a theological conversation about worship, expressing a desire to understand more. In response, Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, the promised Christ, by declaring, “I who speak to you am He.” This is one of the clearest moments in the Gospels where Jesus directly reveals His identity as the Messiah, leading the woman to believe and ultimately to share this encounter with her community.
Go here for more on: Lesson 5 The Witness of the Samaritans
In John 4:15-26, Jesus’s conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals profound truths about spiritual life, worship, and His identity as the Messiah. These verses unfold in several parts, each illuminating a different aspect of Jesus's message.
Summary and Explanation of John 4:15-26
The Woman’s Request for Living Water (John 4:15)
After Jesus describes the “living water” that leads to eternal life (John 4:10-14), the Samaritan woman responds in verse 15 by asking for this water, saying, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” She interprets “living water” literally, seeing it as a way to avoid her daily, physically tiring trips to the well. However, her request shows openness and a desire to understand what Jesus is offering, even if she doesn’t yet comprehend its full meaning.
Jesus’s Call to Bring Her Husband (John 4:16-18)
Jesus responds, saying, “Go, call your husband and come back.” When the woman replies that she has no husband, Jesus reveals His knowledge of her life, stating that she has had five husbands and is currently with a man who isn’t her husband. This response is crucial because it opens the door to a deeper conversation, allowing Jesus to gently bring her to a realization of her need for spiritual transformation. He speaks without judgment, showing His insight and compassion.
The Woman’s Recognition and Question on Worship (John 4:19-20)
Amazed by Jesus’s knowledge, she recognizes Him as a prophet, saying, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.” She then shifts the conversation to the topic of worship, asking about the difference between Samaritan worship on Mount Gerizim and Jewish worship in Jerusalem. This was a central religious dispute between Jews and Samaritans, and her question reflects her growing spiritual curiosity, as well as the religious tension that separated their peoples.
Jesus’s Revelation About True Worship (John 4:21-24)
Jesus responds by teaching that true worship is not tied to any specific location (such as Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim) but is spiritual and must be done “in spirit and in truth.” He explains that true worshipers are those who connect with God on a spiritual level, transcending physical locations or rituals. This teaching emphasizes that God is seeking a relationship with people that is rooted in genuine spirituality and sincerity, not just external practices.
The Woman’s Mention of the Messiah and Jesus’s Revelation (John 4:25-26)
The woman, sensing the weight of Jesus's words, mentions the coming of the Messiah, saying, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” In response, Jesus makes a profound revelation, telling her, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” This is one of the clearest instances in the Gospels where Jesus openly identifies Himself as the Messiah, and it is notable that He chooses to reveal this truth to a Samaritan woman, an outsider by societal and religious standards. This declaration fulfills the anticipation of the Messiah and extends His mission to all people, not just Jews.
How Jesus Responded to the Woman’s Request
When the woman asked for “living water,” Jesus responded not by immediately providing it but by addressing her personal and spiritual needs. His directive to call her husband wasn’t meant to expose or embarrass her but to gently show her the brokenness in her life, thus preparing her heart to understand the nature of the “living water” He offered. Her request initiated a dialogue that led her to recognize her spiritual thirst and need for transformation.
Jesus’s response is compassionate and purposeful, moving from practical needs to deeper spiritual truths. He guides her from a literal understanding of water to an understanding of spiritual life, from physical thirst to a longing for God, and ultimately from her life circumstances to the revelation of the Messiah.
In the end, her encounter with Jesus led to her transformation. She went back to her village, proclaiming that she had met someone who knew everything about her, leading many in her town to believe in Jesus (John 4:28-30, 39-42). Jesus’s interaction with her illustrates His willingness to meet people where they are and gently guide them into a fuller understanding of God’s love and truth.
Go here for more on: Lesson 5 The Witness of the Samaritans
John 4:7–15 is a passage where Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, a pivotal scene filled with symbolic language, cultural context, and spiritual significance.
Jesus initiates the conversation by asking the woman for a drink. This simple request breaks multiple cultural barriers. Jews and Samaritans historically despised each other, yet Jesus, a Jewish man, not only speaks to her but asks to drink from her vessel. Furthermore, Jewish men rarely spoke to women in public, let alone a Samaritan woman. This interaction demonstrates Jesus’ intent to transcend social norms and extend God’s love and invitation to all people, regardless of societal or cultural divisions.
The woman’s surprise highlights the cultural rift, as Jews generally avoided any interactions with Samaritans. This distinction reflects the historical conflict that arose when Samaritans, a mixed ethnic group, diverged religiously from mainstream Judaism, adopting their own unique religious practices and even building their temple on Mount Gerizim.
Jesus shifts the conversation from physical water to “living water,” a term with dual meaning. On one hand, "living water" can mean fresh, flowing water, as opposed to stagnant well water. But here, Jesus speaks metaphorically about the spiritual sustenance He offers—something far beyond physical satisfaction. Jesus’ reference to “the gift of God” suggests that He Himself embodies this divine gift, offering spiritual renewal and eternal life.
The woman, still thinking in physical terms, questions how Jesus could provide this "living water" without a bucket. She appeals to her heritage by invoking Jacob, the revered patriarch who provided this well, showing her respect for tradition and doubt in anyone who claims to offer something greater.
Jesus clarifies that physical water from the well will only satisfy temporarily, whereas the “living water” He offers is eternal and unending. This living water signifies the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which refreshes, empowers, and leads to eternal life. Jesus’ words here echo later passages in John where He promises the Spirit as a source of ongoing, abundant spiritual life.
The Samaritan woman, still somewhat misunderstanding, desires the water so she won’t have to return to the well repeatedly. Her literal interpretation reflects a partial understanding, yet her desire to receive the “living water” shows an openness to Jesus’ message and her own spiritual need. This willingness sets the stage for the rest of their interaction, where Jesus addresses deeper aspects of her life and spiritual condition.
Key Themes in John 4:7-15.
Breaking Social Barriers
Jesus’ actions model God’s outreach to all humanity, regardless of cultural or social barriers. By speaking to the Samaritan woman, Jesus demonstrates the inclusivity of the gospel.
Living Water as Spiritual Renewal
"Living water" symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who is essential for spiritual life and transformation. Jesus offers something that quenches deeper spiritual thirsts—eternal life, inner peace, and purpose.
Spiritual Misunderstanding and Openness
The woman’s initial confusion shows a common human tendency to interpret spiritual truths in physical terms. Yet her openness to Jesus’ offer indicates a heart ready to understand more, pointing to the importance of faith and curiosity in spiritual growth.
Promise of Eternal Life
Jesus highlights that what He offers is not temporary or worldly but eternal and enduring, filling a void that earthly things cannot. This foreshadows His mission to reconcile humanity with God.
John 4:7-15 uses the imagery of water to reveal a deeper spiritual truth about the human condition and Jesus’ mission. While we seek satisfaction in the material, Jesus offers a divine “living water” that meets our ultimate needs and promises eternal life. This passage encourages us to look beyond physical needs and cultural divides to receive the life-transforming gift Jesus offers, leading to eternal relationship with God.
Go here for more on: Lesson 5 The Witness of the Samaritans
In John 4:1-9, Jesus' journey to Samaria and his interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well offer deep cultural and theological insights.
Why Jesus Went to Samaria
Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee, and the most direct route passed through Samaria. However, many Jews avoided Samaria due to longstanding animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Samaritans were of mixed heritage and had different religious beliefs, including a different place of worship, Mount Gerizim, rather than Jerusalem. By choosing to go through Samaria, Jesus showed he was willing to cross social and ethnic boundaries to reach people in need.
How Jesus Opened Dialogue
Jesus began the conversation by asking the woman for a drink of water, which broke several social norms. In that culture:
Jewish men typically did not speak to women in public, especially those they didn't know.
Jews did not generally associate with Samaritans.
Jesus, as a rabbi, could have been seen as ceremonially unclean by drinking from a Samaritan’s vessel.
By simply asking for a drink, Jesus demonstrated humility and respect for the woman’s humanity and dignity, creating a bridge that allowed for a more profound spiritual discussion. This opened the way for him to share his message, ultimately revealing himself to her as the "living water" and the awaited Messiah.
Go here for more on: Lesson 5 The Witness of the Samaritans