Sunday School Lessons

JUNE 4, 2017

JESUS HEALS AN INFIRMED MAN AT BETHESDA

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus had sensed a growing hostility toward Him in Judea for sake of which “He left Judea and departed again into Galilee,” taking the direct route through Samaria. (Ch.4:1, 3, 4)
2. Having considered the marvelous events recorded in chapter four, we know that the growing hostility among the Jewish leaders was, in fact, more of a providential indication that it was time for Him to make this move. He had urgent business to take care of both in Samaria, and also in Galilee.
3. Now, after His tour in Galilee, Jesus returns to Judea to find that the Jewish hostility was not just imagined, but very real, and increasing, and eager for any occasion of expression.
4. From this time on, Jerusalem became the center of resistance. It was there that the hostile element would surround Jesus, constantly forcing Him into controversy. One great example of this is seen here when Jesus healed an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda.

I. HERE WE HAVE THE FIRST REAL OUTBREAK OF HATRED AGAINST CHRIST, OCCASIONED BY THE HEALING OF AN IMPOTENT MAN. (VERSES 1-9)

A. JESUS AGAIN LEFT GALILEE AND RETURNED TO JUDEA. (VERSE 1)
1. It was “after this,” meaning after His trip through Samaria to Galilee, and the events that took place, some of which are recorded in the previous chapter, but most likely there were more besides.
2. There are varied opinions about how long it had been since Jesus left. Some believe that He was gone for at least three months. Others believe that, except for a brief stay at Sychar, and perhaps at Cana, it was basically just travel time there and back.
3. It was during “a feast of the Jews,” that Jesus returned and went up to Jerusalem.
a) Many commentators believe it was the Feast of Passover. This would mean that one full year had passed since Jesus officially presented Himself as Messiah. (Ch. 2:13ff) It would also mean that Jesus, in the three and a half years of His earthly ministry, attended four Passovers. The other evangelists record only one, but John records all four. (Ch. 2:13; 5:1; 4:4l 13:1)
b) Calvin thinks it was Pentecost, arguing that Jesus departed for Galilee not long after Passover and the next feast on the Jewish calendar was Pentecost.
c) Others thing that it was neither of the above, but perhaps the feast of Purim, held in the month of March.
d) Jesus, knowing the danger, still entered again into Jerusalem because He desired to keep this feast.

B. UPON RETURNING TO JERUSALEM, JESUS WAS DRAWN TO A PLACE CALLED BETHESDA, WHERE THERE WERE MANY SICK PEOPLE.
1. He did not go first to the temple as he had done before. (Ch. 2:13) On that occasion He was making His official Messianic entrance according to the word of the prophet. (Mal. 3:1, 2)
2. On this occasion He went directly to Bethesda, a hospital setting where all manner of sick and disabled people came for care.
a) Bethesda means “house of mercy,” and was apparently established for the purpose of caring for the sick and infirmed.
b) It was located near to the sheep market, which was most likely by the sheep gate, a place where sacrificial animals were sold to temple-goers.
3. This facility had five porches, or porticoes arranged around a pool. Apparently these provided shelter for the impotent folk who would gather around the pool.
4. Jewish tradition believed an angel stirred the waters at certain times, enabling the healing of whomever stepped first into the stirring waters. (Verse 4)

C. JESUS TOOK SPECIAL NOTICE OF ONE PARTICULARLY NEEDY SOUL. (VERSES 5-9)
1. He was marked out by God’s purpose. “A certain man…”
2. He was a particularly pitiable case.
a) He had suffered his infirmity for 38 years.
b) He was completely helpless, i.e. totally immobile.
c) He was all alone and had none to befriend him.
d) He had given up all hope of being healed.

D. JESUS WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION TO HELP THIS MAN. (VERSES 6-9)
1. Notice the question, “Wilt thou be made whole?” The question is an implied promise.
a) Jesus would lift his eyes up to the Personal Bethesda. Jesus, in His own person, is our “House of Mercy.”
b) Jesus would direct his hope, not to an angel coming to stir this pool, but to the Angel of the covenant, who was come with healing in His wings.
c) Jesus would have him not to look for help from some man (Verse 7), but from The Man Christ Jesus.
2. Jesus pronounced a healing command, which had in it also the power to perform. (Verse 8)
a) “Rise” – that which he had not the strength to do.
b) “Take up thy bed” – proof of his new-found strength.
c) “And walk” – the exercise of the healing he had received.
3. The healing was immediate and vital. (Verse 9)
a) It was not a slow healing process. “And immediately the man was made whole.” In the spiritual realm, regeneration is instantaneous.
b) The man obeyed the command, which was the clear evidence of his healing. One’s spiritual healing is made evident first in his willingness to obey his Lord’s commands, and second, in his ability to do so.
4. John here notes the fact that this was done on the Sabbath Day (Verse 9b), and important notation, considering the controversy which follows.

II. THE FIRST OUTBREAK OF HATRED AGAINST CHRIST WAS DUE TO THE RIDICULOUS, CRASS EXTERNALISM OF THE JEWS REGARDING THE SABBATH. (VERSES 10-16)

A. THEY WERE SO CONCERNED ABOUT A SUPPOSED LEGAL VIOLATION THAT THEY WOULD NOT REJOICE OVER THE WONDERFUL MIRACULOUS HEALING OF THIS MAN. (VERSE 10)
1. We can safely assume that the Jews knew of this man’s miserable condition, and that it had been long standing. He was certainly a familiar figure at the pool of Bethesda.
2. Yet they did not congratulate him or rejoice with him; neither did they praise God for this healing miracle, but instead, they charged the healed man with a legal violation.
a) The Rabbis said one could not carry a piece of furniture on the Sabbath Day. (This “bed” consisted of a mat that could be rolled up and carried on one’s shoulder.)
b) The Rabbis also taught that medical treatment could not be administered on the Sabbath Day.
c) Surely they overlook the weightier matter of the law. (Matt. 23:23)

B. THE MAN WHO WAS HEALED RIGHTLY PLED THE AUTHORITY OF THE ONE WHO HEALED HIM. (VERSE 11)
1. Who but one having Divine authority could perform such a miraculous healing. He therefore has all authority to command what He will.
2. This is certainly true with respect to Christ’s Lordship over those whom He raises up spiritually.

C. THE ATTENTION OF THE JEWS WAS NOW TURNED TO THIS UNKNOWN PERSON WHO HAD HEALED THIS MAN AND AUTHORIZED HIM TO TAKE UP HIS BED. (VERSES 12, 13)
1. The healed man honestly did not know who it was that healed him. This would indicate that his healing was only physical, unlike that of the nobleman’s son in the previous chapter. (Verse 13a)
2. The Jews may have suspicioned who it was, but they would be certain. (Verse 12)
3. It being a feast of the Jews, and the Sabbath Day, Jesus easily hid himself amidst the multitude. (Verse 13)

D. JESUS GAVE A NEEDED WARNING TO THE MAN THAT WAS HEALED. (VERSE 14)
1. He found him in the temple where he had gone to worship.
2. His sickness had apparently been because of some particular sin.
3. Jesus warns him of a worse consequence, even the loss of his soul.
4. We may parallel the physical healing with spiritual healing, but not everyone that received physical healing was necessarily healed spiritually.
a) If one is not delivered from sin, there is no evidence of spiritual healing.
b) Of the two, soul healing is infinitely better.
c) Many whose souls are in perfect spiritual health will not be freed from physical infirmity until they receive their new body.

E. THE HEALED MAN REPORTED JESUS TO THE JEWS. (VERSE 15)
1. This was not done maliciously (necessarily), but merely to answer their inquiry. (Verse 12)
2. It would seem, however, that he did report Jesus in order to turn the attention from himself regarding the legal infraction he had been charged with.

F. THE JEWS MANIFESTED A DEFINITE HATRED AGAINST JESUS. (VERSE 16)
1. As noted before, they probably suspicioned that it was Jesus who healed this man; or better yet, they knew it was Him.
2. Once it was confirmed, they forgot all about the healed man’s violation; they had “bigger fish to fry.”
3. They “persecuted Jesus,” i.e. sought His harm.
4. From that time on they planned to kill Him as a capital offender.

MAY 28, 2017

THE HEALING OF THE NOBLEMAN’S SON

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus’ “need” to go through Samaria was met initially in His encounter with the woman at the well. Her conversion was the beginning of a great harvest of souls that provided Him with great spiritual refreshment and joy.
2. What a blessed contrast is seen between Christ’s reception in Samaria compared to other places.
a) In Judea there was prevailing unbelief. In Galilee He was received, but only because of reported miracles done in Judea.
b) Only in Samaria was there the flourishing of true faith.
(1) He was warmly received and proclaimed as the Messiah and Savior, yet there He had performed no miracles.
(2) There was a great harvest of souls in which the disciples participated.
3. As Jesus returned to Galilee, we have an example of one in whom true faith was produced.
a) Just as Nicodemus became an exception to the general rule in Judea, a certain nobleman from Cana and his house proved to be the exceptions in Galilee.
b) In this case we see that the nobleman’s state of mind was not at first an exception, but typical. (See Verse 48) This, rather than helping his faith, was actually a hindrance, i.e. an obstacle that Jesus had to remove before this man could truly believe.
4. THE HEALING OF THE NOBLEMAN’S SON, rather than being a sign to encourage faith, was actually the product of the true faith that was produced in him.

I. HERE WE HAVE A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GALILEAN STATE OF MIND. (VERSES 43-46)

A. IT WAS AN ATTITUDE OF SKEPTICISM AND DOUBT. (VERSES 43, 44)
1. Note the phrase, “Now after.” This phrase suggests something more than sequence of events. How different from the hearty acceptance that He had experienced during those two wonderful days in Samaria, where, having been besought, He tarried and nurtured their true faith. “Now after” two glorious days in Samaria, He went into the far less friendly climate of Galilee. (Verse 43)
2. Jesus left Samaria in order to officially begin His Galilean ministry, where familiarity bred contempt. (Vs. 44)
a) Jesus fully recognized this regrettable fact, and had Himself so testified. (See Matt. 13:57)
b) It was clearly familiarity that caused their disdain for Him. (See Matt. 13:53-58)
c) Yet, He returned to this hard field, where much of His ministry was to take place, in order to accomplish what His Father gave Him to do.
3. John here notifies us why Jesus had begun His ministry in Judea. This was done so that the reports of His work there would open the way for His work in Galilee. (Verse 45)
a) A full year had passed, and now He was returning to His home country.
b) Having established Himself in the capital city of Israel, He now had a reputation by which to overcome the hometown prejudice.
4. We see in this that Divine Wisdom condescends to accommodate our human weakness.

B. IT WAS A MINDSET OF A MIRACLE-BASED FAITH. (VERSES 45, 46a)
1. This was not unique to Galilee. We saw examples of this same kind of faith in Judea. (Ch. 2:23-25)
2. This became the condition for their reception. “The Galileans received Him having seen all the things that He did…” (Verse 45)
a) Miracles may confirm faith, but they will never create it.
b) A miracle-based faith loves the creature more than the Creator. (Rom. 1:25)
c) A miracle-based faith places greater importance upon the temporal more than the eternal.
3. Jesus came again to Cana, where He had performed His first miracle. (Verse 46a)

II. A CASE IN WHICH THIS MINDSET WAS OVERCOME IS NEXT PRESENTED. (VERSES 46b-54)

A. TRUE FAITH, THOUGH IT BE WEAK AND IMPERFECT, IS STILL TRUE FAITH. (VERSES 46b-49)
1. This nobleman was probably a servant of King Herod.
a) Herod was but a Tetrarch, yet he was called a king, as his father.
b) This one could be Chuza, Herod’s steward. (See Luke 8:3), or perhaps Manaen, Herod’s foster brother. (Acts 63:1)
2. The news of Jesus’ coming to Galilee had apparently spread quickly.
a) This nobleman had already come from Capernaum to Cana.
b) No doubt many others had come from various parts hoping to see some miracle.
3. This nobleman’s faith seemed at first to be no greater than all the others.
4. Jesus severely tested this man’s faith. (Verse 48)
a) These words are addressed to this nobleman.
b) They were inclusive, intending all Galileans generally. “Except ye (plural) see…ye (plural) will not believe.”
c) The Galileans wanted to “see” in order to “believe.”
d) From the nobleman’s reply, we see that he is still holding on to this idea himself. “Sir, come down…”
5. The nobleman’s persistent request seems to indicate that his faith was real, yet there was still a condition attached.
a) He implicitly admitted the charge Jesus made against his countrymen.
b) Yet he persisted in the faith that he had.
c) He seemed to think that Jesus must come down with him to Capernaum where his son lay dying in order to help him.
(1) He hoped to see Christ do something.
(2) He, at this moment, had not come to believe that Christ’s Word only was sufficient. (Compare Matt. 8:7, 8)
(3) Yet, Christ clearly recognized in this man the working of true faith.

B. TRUE FAITH, EVEN THOUGH IMPERFECT, IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH. (VERSES 50-53)
1. Jesus elevated his faith by removing the condition that was attached to it. (Verse 50a)
a) He sent him home, but did not go with him.
b) He met his need, but in an unexpected way. Jesus’ Word would have to be trusted.
c) He promised life to the man’s son.
d) This was intended to perfect his faith.
2. The nobleman’s faith became fixed to the Word of Jesus. (Verse 50b)
a) He departed for home without seeing his son healed, but “faith is the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)
b) He believed because of the Word Jesus spoke.
3. The nobleman’s faith was confirmed. (Verses 51-53)
a) His faith was confirmed by the report of his servants. (Verse 51)
b) His faith was confirmed by the timing of his son’s recovery. (Verse 52)
c) His faith was confirmed sufficiently to influence his entire household. (Verse 53)

C. TRUE FAITH IS A GRACE THROUGH WHICH GOD IS MOVED TO DO GREAT MIRACLES. (VERSE 54)
1. All miracles are not wrought through the faith of the ones who are blessed.
a) John mentions that this was the second miracle that Jesus performed after coming out of Judea into Galilee.
b) The first of these miracles was, of course, the turning of water into wine. (Ch. 2:1-11)
c) Though Jesus’ mother did have confidence that her Son could do what was needed, and the servants did obey His instructions (perhaps expectantly), He was very clear that the purpose, timing, and working of that miracle was entirely of the Father’s will.
2. This second miracle was produced by divine power through the means and operation of faith which Divine grace worked and developed in the heart of this nobleman.
a) It is therefore an example of that saving faith that is worked in all who believe savingly on Jesus Christ.
b) The greater miracle here was not the physical healing of the nobleman’s son, but rather the spiritual healing (the salvation) of the nobleman and his son, and his whole house.

MAY 14, 2017

JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA (PART II)

INTRODUCTION:

1. As Jesus left Judea to return again to Galilee, He was constrained by a certain necessity to go through Samaria. (Verses 3, 4)
2. Though the most direct route was through Samaria, the necessity that Jesus was under was not about convenience. His Divine mission was ever guided according to the will of His Father who sent Him. In this case, Divine Providence had arranged for a meeting with a certain woman of Samaria.
3. The meeting between Jesus and this woman would take place at Jacob’s well.
a) It would be a private meeting, for Jesus’ disciples were gone away into the city to buy food. (Verse 8)
b) Jesus came and sat on the rim of the well weary and thirsty from His journey. (Verse 6)
c) The woman came to the well at noon to draw water. (Verse 7)
4. Nothing about this meeting was mere happenstance. All was providentially arranged so that Jesus would use for His point of approach the commonest of all things – the water of this well. (Verses 7-10)
5. By a bold comparison Jesus awakened in her mind the possibility of a Divine gift that could quench the inner thirst of the soul. (Verses 13-15)
6. The woman came to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, and did experience by faith that soul-satisfying living water that He freely gives to all thirsty souls who will ask of Him. (Verses 25, 26)
7. As this meeting occurred while Jesus’ disciples were gone into the city to buy food, we shall now see what happened upon their return.

I. THE EXCHANGE THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES WHEN THEY RETURNED. (VERSES 27-38)

A. JOHN FIRST DESCRIBES WHAT THE DISCIPLES SAW UPON THEIR RETURN, AND THE EFFECT THAT IT HAD ON THEM. (VERSES 27-30)
1. They were surprised that Jesus talked with the woman.
a) Their surprise was most likely because of the common Jewish prejudice against the Samaritans.
b) They did not, however, make any inquiry as to either why He spoke with her, or what He spoke to her.
2. Upon their return, the Samaritan woman left to go back to her village. (Verse 28)
a) The fact that she left without her water pots tells us that she now had new and higher interests.
b) In her excitement she left, but she would be coming back, bringing others with her.
3. The woman immediately began to evangelize her village. (Verses 28c, 29)
a) She approached the men of the city, whom she knew best.
b) She gave a simple testimony, not flattering to herself.
c) She asked of them, “Is not this the Christ?”
(1) Her question does not suggest that she herself had any doubt that this man was indeed the Christ.
(2) It was intended to cause them to come and see for themselves that she was correct.
4. As Jesus and His disciples were conversing, the Samaritans began to come out to see this man of whom the woman had spoken. (Verse 30)

B. JESUS EXPRESSED A REMARKABLE JOY OVER MYSTERIOUS MEAT. (VERSES 31-34)
1. The disciples expressed their concern for His physical welfare. (Verse 31)
a) They were preoccupied with physical food.
b) It had been a long arduous journey, and they had gone into town to buy food; and now they desired that He join them in partaking of it, in order to be physically refreshed.
c) There was nothing wrong with their actions. In fact, we admire them for their concern, and for not wanting to eat without Him.
d) But, just as the woman had learned about spiritual water that was not from the well, the disciples were about to learn about spiritual meat that was not from the market.
2. Jesus had a source of spiritual satisfaction that His disciples were not as yet aware of. (Verses 32, 34)
a) As physical food nourishes, refreshes, and delights the body, so spiritual labor does the soul.
b) Jesus had been engaged in spiritual labors even as He sat on the well; He had been doing and finishing the Father’s will, even in their absence. (Verses 32, 34)
c) This was spiritual meat that was so satisfying to His souls that even His physical hunger was mysteriously assuaged.
d) This labor (of sowing) brought Him a spiritual rejoicing that refreshed Him more than food could.
3. The disciples were puzzled how someone could be so satisfied and refreshed without physical food. (Verse 33)
a) The disciples’ lack of understanding about spiritual food that is revealed here in their private discussion is very similar to that which was seen earlier in the woman’s questions about living water. (Verse 11)
b) They would need to learn from experience what Jesus was saying. There was a spiritual harvest to be reaped in which they would experience the kind of heavenly joy and surpassing satisfaction that Jesus was talking about.
c) Do we know what He meant? Have we ever experienced the kind of soul-satisfying “meat” that can override the body’s desire for physical food?

C. JESUS WENT ON TO PREDICT AN UNUSUAL KIND OF HARVEST. (VERSES 35-38)
1. It would be a harvest that would come without the usual period of waiting. (Verse 35)
a) The natural setting accommodated Jesus’ purpose. There were great wheat fields in the area around Sychar.
b) In the natural realm there were four months until the harvest.
c) However, there was to be a spiritual harvest immediately.
d) Even as Jesus spoke, multitudes of Samaritans were coming across the fields to meet with Him.
e) Thus, and immediate harvest of souls was about to be reaped for which they had not labored; neither did they have to wait for the ripening of the crops.
2. In reaping these souls, the disciples would enter into Jesus’ joy. (Verse 36)
a) They were about to become reapers.
b) For this they would get to receive “wages.” Getting to witness the Samaritans receiving “eternal life” was indeed their great reward.
c) In this, they would enter into the joy that Jesus knew.
3. In reaping these souls, the disciples were entering into the labors of others. (Verses 37, 38)
a) In this particular case, Jesus had been the sower, and now they would be the reapers.
b) That which they were to experience here in Samaria would be repeated throughout their Apostolic ministry.
c) The conversion of the Samaritans anticipated the salvation of the Gentiles.
(1) In this great work, Paul and others would become the great laborers.
(2) However, after Pentecost, and even after Paul’s conversion and call, it would be by the mouth of Peter that Gentiles would first “hear the word of the Gospel and believe.” (Acts 15:7)

II. NEXT, WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT OF JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN VILLAGERS. (VERSES 39-42)

A. THE SAMARITANS EAGERLY WELCOMED JESUS. (VERSES 39, 40)
1. As they came believing on Jesus, the disciples were seeing the blessed harvest that Jesus had predicted.
a) They first believed because of the testimony of the woman. “Many of the Samaritans believed on him for the saying of the woman.” (Verse 40)
b) They then believed because they heard Jesus for themselves. (Verse 41)
c) Even when our testimony is believed, it is always Jesus Himself who has “the words of eternal life.” We therefore say: “Hear Him!”
2. The Samaritans invited Jesus and His company to tarry with them. (Verse 40)
a) Actually, “they besought Him” to remain there for a while, so eager were they to hear more of His words.
b) This is what the Jews ought to have done, but did not.
c) Jesus heeded their request, and remained with them two days. What wondrous things they must have heard Him teach.
d) It is always a good sign when those who profess faith want to keep Jesus near; and they are eager to learn of Him. (Compare Acts 10:44-48)

B. THE SAMARITANS BOLDLY PROCLAIMED JESUS TO BE THE CHRIST AND THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. (VERSE 42)
1. This proclamation came out of true heart convictions, which arose from personal exposure to Jesus.
2. They first agreed with the woman, who, having borne witness, said, “Is not this the Christ?” Then, having seen and heard for themselves, they were convinced absolutely. “This is indeed the Christ!”
3. He is “the Savior of the world,” evidenced by the salvation of these non-Jewish Samaritans.

APRIL 30 / MAY 7, 2017

JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA

INTRODUCTION:

1. The opening of Chapter 4 marks the end of the first phase of Jesus’ public ministry in Judea. There was clearly an uneasiness on the part of the Jewish leaders which caused Him to withdraw from Judea at this time, and return back to Galilee. Verse 1 indicates that the Pharisees had now come to see Jesus as a greater threat than John the Baptist.
2. Not bound by the prejudice common among the Jews, Jesus would pass through Samaria in route to Galilee.
a) Samaria lay to the north between Judea and the southern Province of Galilee.
b) At the time, Samaria was inhabited by a mongrel race, part Jew and part Gentile. This situation dated back to the Assyrian captivity of the northern tribes, at which time heathens were placed in the cities of Samaria. (II Kings 17:24ff)
c) Most of the stricter Jews would not even pass through Samaria, lest they should be defiled, but would bypass it, taking the trans-Jordan route.
d) Nevertheless, Jesus takes this more direct route, not for convenience sake, but rather out of a certain necessity.

3. Thanks to John’s Gospel we have recorded one of the most remarkable incidents of all of our Lord’s earthly ministry. What an amazing story this is!!
4. The account of Jesus and the woman of Samaria is not only remarkable in itself, but it is also of great typical significance in that it represents the first-fruits, as it were, of the conversion of the Gentile world.

I. FIRST WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT OF THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE THAT ARRANGED THE MEETING BETWEEN JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA. (VERSES 1-6)

A. THE SITUATION THAT OCCASIONED JESUS’ DEPARTURE FROM JUDEA IS GIVEN. (VSES. 1-3)
1. Jesus sensed the uneasiness of the Jewish leaders over reports that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John. (Verse 1)
a) In Verse 2 John adds a note of clarification, explaining that Jesus did not Himself perform the baptisms, but His disciples did them by His authority.
b) In this way Jesus was showing His unity with John, but at the same time, His superiority to him.
2. Jesus here, as at other times, avoided conflict with the scribes and Pharisees by getting away from them. (Vs. 3) Of course, that was merely a secondary reason for His departure. His every step was ordered by His Father, whose will He was here to do. Whatever the secondary reasons for His movements, His primary motive was ever the same. (Luke 2:49)

B. IT WAS BY DIVINE NECESSITY THAT JESUS PASSED THROUGH SAMARIA IN ROUTE TO GALILEE. (VERSE 4)
1. What necessity could possibly dictate the actions of the Son of God? The answer is simple. He was moved and guided in His Divine Mission, according to the will of the Father.
2. “He must needs go through Samaria,” because there, even in such an unlikely place, resided one of the lost sheep that He was come to save.
3. Jesus came to seek and to save all of His sheep that are lost. He seeks them out one by one, and brings them into His fold. (Matt. 18:11-14)

C. JESUS CAME TO THE CITY OF SYCHAR, AND SPECIFICALLY TO JACOB’S WELL, WHICH WAS JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY. (VERSES 5, 6)
1. Sychar was the ancient city of Shechem, an area given by Jacob to his son, Joseph. (Vse. 5; see Gen. 33:19;48:22)
2. After the Assyrian takeover, a heathen temple was built atop Mount Gerizim, very near this place.
3. The Jews, in order to show their contempt for the Samaritans, called it Scheker, which means falsehood, or Schekar, which means liquor.
a) They called it the city of falsehood and drunkenness.
b) Yet, here came One to this city Who is the essence of truth and sobriety.
4. Jesus came here to Jacob’s well at about noon, and sat on the well, being weary from His journey, as well as thirsty, and one would suspect hungry.
5. Thus, Divine Providence has set the stage for a predetermined meeting between Jesus and a certain woman of Samaria.
a) The prospect of this meeting constituted the necessity which Jesus was under in coming here.
b) This meeting will result in the salvation of a Samaritan woman, now famously known as “The Woman at The Well.”

II. SECOND, WE HAVE THE ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING BETWEEN JESUS AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA. (VERSES 7-26)

A. JESUS ENGAGED THIS WOMAN SO AS TO STIR UP SPIRITUAL INTERESTS, AND RAISE HER THOUGHT TO THINGS ETERNAL. (VERSES 7-15)
1. He began by surprising and obliging her with a single request. (Verse 7)
a) His simple request, “Give me to drink,” took the woman by surprise because it disregarded an age-old wall between the Jews and the Samaritans. (Verse 9)
b) His request obliged her by asking of her a basic human service that no social or religious barrier should prevent. The woman, though she was surprised that He would engage a Samaritan in this way, did not refuse His request.
2. His disciples were gone away into the city to buy food, which allowed Jesus the opportunity to discourse with the woman one on one about spiritual things.
3. Jesus, by requesting of the woman a drink of water to satisfy His thirst, was laying the groundwork for speaking with her about her need for “living water.” (Verse 10)
a) Literally, this is running water, as from a spring. However, He gives it a higher meaning based on “the gift of God,” and His true nature. “Who it is that saith to thee…”
b) He speaks of salvation, which He alone is able to give. “Thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”
c) The woman, taking Him literally, raised some practical questions. (Verses 11, 12) (Just as Nicodemus did not understand the spiritual nature of the new birth, she did not understand that living water is a spiritual drink that satisfies spiritual thirst.)
(1) She wanted to know how Jesus, with no drawing vessel, could get this “living water” out of this deep well. (Verse 11)
(2) She wanted to know if He was greater that Jacob who dug this well, and himself drew water from it for himself, his family, and his livestock. (Verse 12)
4. Jesus would next come to the point, and turn the woman’s thoughts from things literal and temporal to things spiritual and eternal, even eternal life. (Verses 13, 14)
a) The living water of which He spoke could not be drawn from Jacob’s well. Even a miraculous provision of spring water would still provide only temporary relief. (Verse 13)
b) Jesus was speaking of spiritual water that constantly quenches the thirst of the soul. (Verse 14)
c) He is talking about “everlasting life” that comes by faith in Him. (John 7:37, 38)
5. The woman, seeing how satisfying and convenient that water so miraculously could be, asked Jesus to give it to her. (Verse 15)
a) Clearly, she had not yet come to see the spiritual nature of this water, nor of her soul’s need of living water.
b) Some think she said this is jest. “Give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come here to draw.” This view is plausible, for even if one needed no water to drink, they would still need to draw water for other purposes.
c) But, whether she was being sarcastic, or asking sincerely, she clearly had not yet come to a spiritual understanding of Jesus’ offer.
(1) The fact that she addressed Jesus respectfully would suggest that she was sincere and not sarcastic in her request. “Sir…”
(2) Yet her desire did not rise above temporal satisfaction and personal convenience. “…that I thirst not, neither come here to draw.”
(3) Her faith at this point was no better than those who “believed…when they saw the miracles.” (See Ch. 2:23, 24)
(4) Too many who profess to be Christians have no better faith than this.
(a) It is all about temporal satisfaction and personal convenience.
(b) It is entered into without repentance.

B. JESUS SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING THIS WOMAN TO GENUINE REPENTANCE AND FAITH. (VERSES 16-26)
1. He made her to face her state of sin. (Verses 16-18)
a) Desire for eternal life is not enough; sin must be owned and forsaken.
b) In asking about her husband, Jesus brought to light her sad moral state.
c) She had been married five times, and was now living in adultery.
2. He made her to face her religious error. (Verses 19-24)
a) Sinful as she was, this woman had strong religious persuasions.
b) Being impressed with Jesus, thinking that He had to be a prophet, she raised the issue of the essential difference between the Jews and Samaritans. (Verses 19, 20)
c) As the true Prophet, Jesus revealed the nature of true religion. (Verses 21-24)
(1) It does not consist in a certain place. (Verse 21)
(2) It is based in clear knowledge, not merely tradition or sentiment. (Verse 22)
(3) It has for its great object the worship of God the Father. (Verse 23)
(4) It does not consist in ceremonial observances, but in spiritual exercises, springing forth from “truth in the inward parts.” (Verse 24; Psa. 51:6)
(a) Its temple is the “spirit” (heart) of man.
(b) Its dogma is “truth.”
d) Jesus was inviting this woman to become a true worshiper. (Verses 23b, 24)
(1) God is even now seeking true worshipers in the Person of His Son.
(2) This woman was sought and brought to this knowledge, that she might become such a worshiper by faith.
3. He brought her to faith and submission. (Verses 25, 26)
a) Notice, this woman somehow knew of, and expected Messiah. (Verse 25)
b) She recognized divine qualities in Jesus that caused her to think that He might be the Messiah. (Verse 25b)
c) Jesus announced to her that He was, indeed, the Messiah. (Verse 26)
4. This woman’s faith was immediately demonstrated. (Verses 28-30) This we shall consider more fully in our next study.