COME THIRSTY!
COME THIRSTY! John’s story would never be classified as predictable. From its unparalleled beginning that at once spoke to Jew and Gentile, “In the beginning was the Word,” John pulls the reader into a story designed to amaze, challenge, and ultimately bring her/him to confront the question- “Do you believe?” From the historic and universal panorama of earth’s creation, John’s lens rushes to tighten on the outskirts of Jerusalem. There religious leaders challenge the mission of a dessert prophet. This baptizer says another is coming. People search for this “Chosen One” who will be the Messiah. Early readers, believers and those exploring faith, may have often blinked, shaken their heads, and gazed at one another with raised eyebrows. Set against the maelstrom of the cultural, political, economic, and religious clashes of the first century Middle East, Jesus’ presence is compelling. His life has purpose, a purpose so grand it overcomes the darkness, despair, and divisions of a sin-blackened land and people. The message is simple: believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and experience life. The stories are complex. Insights arise into the unseen spiritual realms in the most mundane scenes of life. Where God is glimpsed hope arises, life emerges, and parched lips experience “living water.” Animus fairly reeks from the beginning of John’s story in the fourth chapter. Jews did not speak with Samaritans and certainly didn’t drink from the same cup. There were social barriers between men and women conversing, especially those who were strangers. Don’t miss this either: a Jewish rabbi was not so naïve as to misunderstand what kind of immoral reputation this woman would have had. The woman was surprised Jesus initiated the conversation. When they returned, his disciples were no less surprised. It is here, in the pall of darkness caused by ancient hatreds, betrayal, conceit, heresy, and prejudices that the unexpected once again happens. A disgraced woman, from a rejected people, took a lonely, dusty road to draw water from a well. There she spoke with a stranger. Those moments changed everything. She had come thirsty; she left quenched. “Someday,” she had said, “the Messiah will explain everything.” His lips parted, he smiled, and, nodding, he replied, “I who speak you am he.” Getting Started 1. Do you care who wins the Super Bowl? Are there any story lines that you find interesting? Why? 2. Have you ever had someone assume you were not capable or trustworthy? Have you ever been denied an opportunity because others had already judged you? How did that make you feel? How did it influence you relationship with that person? Others who appeared to be like them?
In the Word (John 4:1-42) 1. What does John say about his route from the Judean countryside to Galilee? If this is not a “geographical” statement how could it be understood as a “theological” statement about the nature of Jesus and his mission? (John 4:4) Note: When you look at a map this route may make perfect sense. However, there are many who suggest most Jews would choose a route where they would cross the Jordan River to the east, go north through Perea, and
2. What does John share about Jesus’ physical condition early in this chapter? What does this reveal about ‘incarnation’?
3. What does Jesus ask of the woman? Do you think the woman is more surprised or upset? How does Jesus respond to her?
4. How is “living water” different than the water in the well? What kind of life comes from drinking the water Jesus offered?
5. How did the woman respond when Jesus told her to bring her husband? What do you think she was thinking when she heard Jesus’ tell her about her relationships?
6. What did Jesus say about worship? Who was right, the Samaritans or the Jews? How much longer was that going to matter? What really mattered?
7. What did the woman say the Messiah would do? Who did Jesus reveal himself to be? How did this fit with the purpose of John’s book (John 20:31)?
Application 1. What are some different ways people try to “quench their thirsts”? How does this influence life?
2. How could prejudices influence the ability of believers to speak about Jesus? Why do you think the disciples were confused by finding Jesus speaking with this woman?
3. What is Jesus’ “food”? What is your “food” and “water”? How’s that working out?
In the Word (John 4:1-42) 1. What does John say about his route from the Judean countryside to Galilee? If this is not a “geographical” statement how could it be understood as a “theological” statement about the nature of Jesus and his mission? (John 4:4) Note: When you look at a map this route may make perfect sense. However, there are many who suggest most Jews would choose a route where they would cross the Jordan River to the east, go north through Perea, and
2. What does John share about Jesus’ physical condition early in this chapter? What does this reveal about ‘incarnation’?
3. What does Jesus ask of the woman? Do you think the woman is more surprised or upset? How does Jesus respond to her?
4. How is “living water” different than the water in the well? What kind of life comes from drinking the water Jesus offered?
5. How did the woman respond when Jesus told her to bring her husband? What do you think she was thinking when she heard Jesus’ tell her about her relationships?
6. What did Jesus say about worship? Who was right, the Samaritans or the Jews? How much longer was that going to matter? What really mattered?
7. What did the woman say the Messiah would do? Who did Jesus reveal himself to be? How did this fit with the purpose of John’s book (John 20:31)?
Application 1. What are some different ways people try to “quench their thirsts”? How does this influence life?
2. How could prejudices influence the ability of believers to speak about Jesus? Why do you think the disciples were confused by finding Jesus speaking with this woman?
3. What is Jesus’ “food”? What is your “food” and “water”? How’s that working out?
