I Must Need Go Through Samaria Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. To Correct the Social Problems of Samaria

2. To Correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria

3. To Correct the Spiritual Problems of Samaria

Introductory Remarks.

1. In today's lesson, we will explore the profound theme: 'I Must Need Go through Samaria.' This is a historical event and a pivotal moment in our faith. It deals with three ills plaguing Samaria as they plague our cities today. Jesus felt a compelling need to journey through Samaria on his return to Galilee. This was not the only route into Galilee; he could have gone by the sea or the mountain range bordering Samaria. It was not because of geography that he had to go this way to Galilee. But some things in Samaria deserved our Lord’s immediate and uncompromising attention. He had a rendezvous with destiny!

2. First and foremost, Jesus, in his infinite compassion, had to address the social problems that currently exist between the people of Samaria and Jerusalem. The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, a division Jesus sought to bridge. He would break down this barrier to open all the opportunities to the Kingdom of God. As you know, up until this time, he and the disciples were laboring under a 'limited commission.' Jesus, recognizing the urgency, would use this visit to this city to expand his message and healing beyond the nation of Israel. Indeed, if every soul is to be subject to the kingdom of God, its terms of obedience and promises of eternal life, then his presence and his work in Samaria and the other cities must be felt. Jesus had to go through Samaria to make them aware of the good news and show compassion.

3. Secondly, Jesus had to address the spousal problems in Samaria. The woman at the well would hear news regarding her marriages and how she could, with all her problems, be allowed to drink the “living water.” Jesus is that: “Water which springs up into eternal life.” Indeed, the grace of God can cover and forgive all sins -even the sin of being married five times and divorced and even having lived with a man unmarried. He came to preach a gospel of deliverance from all sins! Some ministers would have to stop teaching when they learned of this woman’s marital condition -but not Jesus; He kept teaching the woman!

4. Finally, Jesus had to correct the spiritual problems that plagued Samaria. They were ill-informed on how and where to worship God. Jesus would tell the woman at the well where the Samaritans would worship the true God and how they are to worship Him, which was “in spirit and truth.” Worship involves the “truth” and the human “spirit.” Here, we mean not just the acts of worship but a spirit of reverence and joy in our adoration and praise of God. David said: “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go up into the house of the Lord,” Psalms 122:1. There must be joy and appeal in our worship and devotion unto God. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice,” Philippians 4:4. With this introduction, let’s consider point one, “to correct the social problems of Samaria.”

BODY OF LESSON

I TO CORRECT THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA

A. The first reason why Jesus had to journey through Samaria was to correct some social problems there. We need him to come through our city today, don't we? This city is like many; they struggle to get along with their neighbors. Notice,

1. First, this was abundantly clear when the woman said: "How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which is a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans,” John 4:9.

2. Further, their idol worship and pagan wives have separated them from their Jewish roots. They were despised, as were the “publicans and sinners” by the Jews.

3. Finally, Jesus needed to change the Jewish perceptions of their neighbors if they were “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19. He would do this through his actions and later through his teaching.

a. Luke wrote: "The former treatises have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," Acts 1:1; Luke 1:1-4.

b. The Lord’s teaching was always a result of His practices. He was a leader who was leading through His examples.

c. Illustrate: Don’t tell the church to love, show them how; don’t tell them to give more, show them how; don’t tell them to be faithful, show them how!

d. Paul penned: “Teach faithful men, to teach faithful men, to be sound in the faith,” 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:1.

B. The Limited Commission. Jesus and his disciples were preaching under the “Limited Commission” during their visit to Samaria. What did this mean?