Old Llantrisant Hill
Introduction
- We looked briefly at the end of John 4 at Harvest Time
- Today looking at one person - the woman
- Example of Joan Collins
- What has gone wrong to have 4 divorces
- Considering the woman in John 4
- Nameless
- From an obscure village - Syca
- From a despised territory - Samaria
- The people were seen to be unclean
- 5 husbands - the men had initiated the divorces
- Why - was she unfaithful, was it because divorce was easy, was it because of the adulterous generation
- She is currently living with someone who is not her husband - living in an immoral relationship
- Sex outside of marriage is sinful
- She would appear to be an immoral women
- The passage does not focus on her immorality but Jesus compassion for her
- The offers given by Jesus to her
- The love of Jesus is so clear and plain
- He is so kind to her
- This story is full of precious lessons
- Jesus has the same love for sinners today
- He draws, woos, invites, entreats them
- He understands human nature (unlike us)
- He states both Nicodemus and the woman were sinners
- Overview
- A Context
- A Conversation
- A Conversion
A Context
Going to Samaria
- Jesus has been in Jerusalem
- Jesus had been baptising - though it was His disciples
- Jesus departs from Galilee
- "He needed to go through Samaria" - why?
- Jesus was never constrained by time
- There was no message to come to a particular town
- Jesus went because He loved Samaritans
- The worst thing the Jews called Jesus was a Samaritan and a demon - John 8:48
- The Jews hated them
- They had no dealings with Samaritans (v9)
The Woman
- The women often come to draw water at the end of the day
- She came to draw water at midday, which was unusual - perhaps she was ostracised
- Jesus is alone with her - there are invisible barriers
- A samaritan
- A woman
- Alone with her
- Race, gender, religion
- Overview of the Samaritans
- They only held to the Pentateuch - not the prophets or books of wisdom
- Such a meeting - was not done
- Sometimes there are big barriers to overcome:
- Yet nothing is too great for the Lord - He can overcome all barriers
A Conversation
- Jesus starts by asking for a drink
- He was human and divine
- His Divinity did not overtake His humanity - in that He knew full human frailty and emotion
- He was weary
- Yet He was never too weary for people - example
- Jesus had time for this woman
- Jesus is a master bridge builder
- Do we have time for others?
- Jesus initiates the conversatioin
- He values her
- We must not forget the person when preaching the message
- Are we bridge builders?
- He needed water - she was going to draw water
- We must graciously seek to point people to Jesus Christ
- We must not be predujiced
- Jesus makes the woman curious
- She asks Him questions
- He speaks in metaphor
- 'Who is this person and what is He offering me?'
- The Jews knew these references to living water - Isa 12:3, 55:1
- What is the state of your soul?
- Are you satisfied in Christ?
- Where is your satisfaction found?
- Real satisfaction is found in Jesus alone
- The woman does not understand about living water (v13-14)
- Never thirst, never perish
- John 7:37 - religion had only made people thirsty
- Those who believe in Jesus Christ will know deep satisfaction and have the Spirit of God poured into their lives
- Cumulating in heaven with Christ
- Do you identify with this woman?
- Have you tried lots of things but feel empty inside?
- Only Jesus Christ can satisfy
- Quote from Augustine - only God can fill the god-shaped hole inside us
- Have you drunk of the living waters?
- Jesus changes the conversation (v16)
- Call your husband
- She might have thought He was speaking in a physical capacity
- Jesus was putting His finger on her sin and her deep dissatisfaction
- Jesus reveals her sinful past
- It is only when we realise our sin that we cry out for a Saviour
- Unless you understand your need - you will not call on Jesus Christ
- There is punishment for sin - examples
- What must you do?
- Turn to Jesus
- Jesus did not condemn her but offers her salvation
- The woman perceives He is a prophet
- Though the Samaritans did not believe in the 'prophets'
- She asks a question about religion
- Jesus graciously answers and says that people need to worship in spirit and truth
- Jesus reveals Himself as Messiah (v26)
A Conversion
- When you read on, you realise that all had Jesus had spoken had affected her
- She and the people go out to listen to Jesus
- She is wonderfully converted
- Jesus spent only two days in Syca
- The testimony of one individual unlocked the whole community
- The gospel is for everyone
- For the rich / poor
- For the religious / the biblically illiterate
- For those with 'good standing' / immoral people
- We should never say that a person is 'too far gone'
- Are you saved?
- Do you really know God?
- You are offered eternal life in Jesus Christ
- Turn from sin and turn to Jesus