1. In his Gospel John recorded a tremendous amount of information that will help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. By examining: a. the testimony of various people who interacted with the Lord we are able to learn about His identity b. the Lord's teaching we are able to learn His will on many subjects. 3. In this lesson we are studying the information recorded in John 4:1-42. a. The Lord's dealings with the Samaritans led them to recognize Him as "the Christ." b. Jesus revealed some important principles that relate to "worship." Discussion: I. (John 4:1-6) AS HE TRAVELLED FROM JUDEA TO GALILEE, JESUS PASSED THROUGH SAMARIA
A. We have observed from John 3:22-23 that Jesus and John had been baptizing. B. We learn from John 4:1-3 that Jesus left Judea to go to Galilee. C. On His way to Galilee, Jesus passed through Samaria (John 4:4-6). 1. Jesus stopped at Sychar where Jacob's well was located. 2. Jesus rested at the well because He was tired. 3. (vs.8) The Lord's disciples went into the city to buy food. II. (John 4:7-30) JESUS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH A WOMAN OF SAMARIA
A. (vs.7-15) Jesus first talked with her about the "living water" that He provides. 1. She was surprised that Jesus asked her for a drink of water. 2. Animosity had existed between the Jews and the Samaritans for many years (2 Kings 17; Ezra 4). 3. She did not understand the nature of the Lord's living water. B. (vs.16-19) Jesus talked with her about her personal life. 1. Although Jesus was not from that area, He knew about her marriage situation (2:25). 2. She considered Jesus to be a prophet. C. (vs.20-24) Jesus talked with her about worship. 1. We need to keep in mind that the Law of Moses was in effect at the time, but it would be replaced with the Lord's new covenant. 2. The Samaritans worshipped at Mt. Gerizim while the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. 3. Jesus informed her that the time was soon approaching when worship would not be limited to those 2 locations. 4. The Father seeks to be worshipped by true worshippers who worship Him "in spirit" [with the proper attitude and disposition] and "in truth" [as the Father reveals in His Word]. D. (vs.25-26) Jesus acknowledged to her that He is "Christ" [Messiah]. E. (vs.27-30) The woman told the people in the city about her interaction with the Lord. III. (John 4:31-38) JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS
A. He taught them about the importance of doing the Father's will. B. He also taught them to think properly about reaping an abundant harvest. IV. (John 4:39-42) MANY SAMARITANS BELIEVED THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST
A. Many believed because of the woman's testimony. B. Many others believed after hearing Jesus.
