Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explore the transformative power of faith through the story of the Woman at the Well, emphasizing that faith is not just about belief, but a focus on God, the savior.
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! I'm so delighted you're here today. We're going to dive into a truly inspiring story from the book of John today about a woman who was transformed by the living water of faith.
As we get started, let me share a quote from A.W. Tozer. He once said, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." Isn't that beautiful? Our faith isn't just about believing; it's about focusing our whole selves on God, the one who saves us. This is what the woman we’re about to read about did.
The scripture we're going to be reading from today is John 4:1-42:
In this passage, we see a beautiful picture of faith in action. This woman, once an outcast, becomes a vessel of good news because of her encounter with Jesus. It's a testament to the power of faith and the transformation it brings.
The woman's transformation: She went from being an outcast, living in shame and isolation, to becoming a messenger of the good news of Jesus Christ. This transformation was not due to her own efforts or merits, but due to her faith in Jesus. When Jesus revealed to her that He was the Messiah, she believed Him. Her faith, though initially based on the miraculous knowledge Jesus had about her, grew to a personal conviction. This is the power of faith - it transforms us, it changes us, it makes us new.
The woman's actions following her encounter with Jesus: She left her water jar at the well and went back to her town to tell others about Jesus. This is significant because the water jar represents her past life, her old self. By leaving it behind, she was symbolically leaving behind her old life and stepping into a new life of faith. This is a powerful illustration of the transformative power of faith. It not only changes us internally, but it also changes our actions and our interactions with others.
The impact the woman had on her community: She was so transformed by her encounter with Jesus that she couldn't keep it to herself. She went back to her town and told others about Jesus, and many believed because of her testimony. This shows the ripple effect of faith. When one person's life is transformed by faith, it can lead to the transformation of many others. The woman at the well, once an outcast, became a vessel through which the good news of Jesus was spread.
A reminder for us today: No matter our past, our mistakes, or our status in society, faith in Jesus can transform us. It can change our hearts, our lives, and our impact on others. It's not about who we are or what we've done, but about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
In this narrative, Jesus refers to Himself as the living water ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO