Sermon Discussion - John 4:1-26
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 4:1-26 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSTe-BNTAM
Pastor Aaron said that we all have a disorder, the desire for something more or something different. “If only… then everything would be good.” It’s a thirst that we think we can satisfy in various ways.
TPQ: What are some of the cultural “if only’s” for Fort Collins? What have been some of the “if only” desires in a previous season of life?
An unusual route – 4:1-6
Jesus heads back to the Galilee area from Jerusalem, and this meant He could go north through Samaria. The history of conflict & animosity between the Jews and Samaritans was well known, so much so that Jews normally would go around rather than through the region of Samaria.
Q: Am I open to the Lord leading me to a place or situation where I’d rather not go? In hopes of becoming vulnerable, what is that place?
Q: If you are single, how can we begin to turn our focus to what we have (a tremendous opportunity to serve the Kingdom of God) as opposed to what we don’t have (i.e. a spouse)?
An unexpected meeting- 4:7-10
When Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for water, He goes against a number of expected conventions: speaking with a woman, a Samaritan, and especially a woman with a ‘loose’ reputation.
Q: What are the cultural divisions we need to cross in order to offer Christ to someone? Who would be the “Samaritans“ in our culture? What are the places we avoid, to not be seen with ‘certain people’? Where is the “well” in your life that you can meet and engage with these identified folks?
We also see the scope of the Gospel in this. It’s open to all people from all backgrounds. It’s also a gift that is offered, not something that can be earned. The Samaritan woman is offered the gift regardless of her background. The same is true for each of us.
The ultimate thirst quencher- 4:11-16
Jesus offers her a source of never ending satisfaction, of something that will continue to meet her need, quench her thirst. She had tried to fill her longing for affection and security through multiple relationships, yet nobody satisfied the need.
Q: What have I been looking to, running after, that I think will satisfy my soul’s longing? Another way of asking this, what have I been willing to be pleased with but in reality have settled for that is far less than what I really want & need?
Jesus offers her (and us) the source of eternal life.
A unique approach to worship -4:17-26
She changes the subject and deflects to a debate about worship. Jesus sets her straight about what makes for true worship, truly connecting with God. It’s about recognizing who God is and approaching Him in truth (the scriptures), empowered by His Spirit.
When it comes to our worship, we’re called to gather in community, to immerse ourselves in scripture and to pray to the true God.
Jesus makes an amazing claim that demands a response, that He, Himself, is the Messiah, the one that both the Jews & the Samaritans were looking for.
Q: Do you know someone who needs to consider the claims of Jesus, someone who realizes they’ve been thirsting for things that don’t really satisfy (like relationships, money, or status)? How might you be the one to show them who Jesus is, how He is portrayed in this Gospel? (Specifically, how is the gospel good news to them and what are some next steps to take and share that with them?)
Next week’s passage: John 4:27-45