Woman @ The Well

This past wednesday at the Blue House I spoke to our students on John 4:7-14,39-42. This passage is known as "The Woman At The Well." It's nothing new, but as we were going through a three wee summer series on Jesus I felt God laying this passage heavy on my heart. I don't think I preached anything revolutionary about the passage but, I do feel as though it was so timely for our students and also for myself. One thing I learned early in ministry training is to always internalize my message before I expect others to listen to it. I always strive to do this and this week it's been constantly on my heart & mind. Because of that I thought this week I would share some notes from "The Woman At The Well."

John 4:7-14,39-42 

I think there are 3 things we can learn from Jesus in this passage: 

1.) Jesus started the Conversation (V. 7-9). 

It's no surprise the Jews and the Samaritans didn't get along.

It would have been so easy for Jesus to choose to ignore this woman.

He could have put His head down, made up an excuse, said she wasn't good enough.

He could have said she was a terrible person (All the men in her life).

She's not worthy.

Etc.

Any one of those excuses would be good enough for us.
- They go to a different school
- He does drugs
- She sleeps around
- He's been arrested
- Their clothes aren't as nice as mine.

We would do anything to not have to talk to someone that is different than us.

Put our head down, walk right by, pretend like we never saw them.

No harm, no foul.

Surely, Jesus doesn't want me to share with them....

Jesus, sets the perfect example for us.

He doesn't ignore this woman. But, instead reaches out, makes the first move, starts the conversation.

2.) Jesus used His Surroundings to share God's love (V. 10-14). 

At this point Jesus really steers the conversation.

He begins to share with her what He is all about.

The great thing about it all is that Jesus doesn't use fancy language. He doesn't tell her this amazing or jaw dropping story. He doesn't use a special tool or tract to share. (Nothing wrong with those.)

But, instead He just simply uses whats available to him.

He tells her, "If you knew who was asking you for a drink you would have asked me, and I would give you living water." (Translation mine)

Jesus shows us that we don't always have to use BIG words. We don't have to remember every illustration we've ever heard the Pastor say. We don't have to have the greatest testimony on the earth.

We just need to be willing to use what God has given us.

It could be: 
- Sports
- Work
- Movies
- Art
- Music
- Hobbies
- Coffee
- Etc.

When God presents you with an opportunity to share the Gospel, don't over complicate things. Just use whats in front of you. Use what the person can understand and relate to, to share Jesus.

3.) Jesus changed a City (V. 39-42) . 

After some more conversation this woman heads back into town. When she gets there, she can't stop talking about Jesus.

She had her life changed by Him, and could not stop telling people. She was so excited that people in her city had to see what He was all about.

They came out and invited Jesus to stay for a few days.

The Bible tells us that He stayed for 2 days and that many more in that city believed.

This should be a HUGE encouragement to us.

It's not always easy to share our faith, but it is so worth it! If we will start the conversation, and share Jesus with just one person, who knows what will happen next. In this case a city was changed because Jesus shared with one woman.

Obviously we aren't Jesus, but if we will share Him, the Kingdom possibilities are endless.

Because you share Jesus you could change your:
- School
- Team
- Work Place
- Family
- Friends
- City
- Youth Group

The Gospel changes people! Share it when you get the chance!

Shine On,
Chase