A. THE SETTING: SYCHAR/JACOB’S WELL
1. Jesus had been in Jerusalem for the Passover during the spring of the year. Why was He now heading home? “But He needed to go through Samaria” (John 4:4).
2. Sychar, probably Shechem, means shecker (falsehood) or scheckar (liquor). It was a city of liars and drunks.
B. WHAT WAS KNOWN ABOUT THE WOMAN?
1. She was Samarian. “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (John 4:9).
2. She was blind to who Jesus was. “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep” (John 4:11).
3. She argued religion. “Are You greater than our father Jacob?” (John 4:12).
4. She misunderstood spiritual things. “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw” (John 4:15).
5. She was evasive about truth. “I have no husband” (John 4:17).
6. She had difficulty understanding. “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship” (John 4:19-20).
C. WHAT DID JESUS DO FOR THE WOMAN?
1. Made contact. “Give Me a drink” (John 4:7).
2. Offered her eternal life. “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ . . . He would have given you living water” (John 4:10).
3. He reminded her of her limitations. “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again” (John 4:13).
4. He uncovered her sin. “Go, call your husband, and come here” (John 4:16).
5. He pointed out truth. “For you have had five husbands” (John 4:18).
6. He correct her theology. “You worship what you do not know . . . salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).
7. He explained true worship. “The Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
a. Worship demands a sacrifice.
b. Worship is expressed in heart and head.
D. THE WOMAN’S RESPONSE
1. Her transformation. She came with empty water pots, but left with a full vessel.
2. Repentance. “Went her way into the city, and said to the men” (John 4:28).
3. Brought men to Jesus. “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35).
a. Grain harvest.
b. White head dress.
4. Soul winner. “Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman” (John 4:39).
5. Influenced her city. “For we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
E. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
1. The opportunity principle. In Jesus’ life or in ours, timing is the difference between success and misery.
2. The sensitive principle. We should be aware of the spiritual problems and needs of those around us.
3. The ready principle. When Jesus was tired and hungry, He did not ignore a person He could help.
4. The principle of the main thing. While Jesus did not argue over religious traditions, He did not agree with nor condemn wrong doctrine.
5. The focus principle. Do not let details get people off the real focus which is the Person of Jesus Christ and what He can do for them.
6. The repentance principle. You have not really believed in Christ until you leave your water pots and tell those who were companions in your sin.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
