Jesus’ ministry of life and healing extends beyond all the expected norms of society. He notices and takes time for those it would have been easy to pass by. While we thank God that Jesus loves us, do we freely share that love without question?
Worship with Holy Communion this weekend: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in Chapel
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Contemporary worship
Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Fellowship/Discussion
Sunday School for pre-school – 8th grades
Fireside chats for high school and young adults
“How is God shaping us?” Discussions in fellowship hall
February 2, 2014
John 4:1-42
Key Verses: “Jesus said to [the woman], ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14
Time: 27-30 CE
Background: Jews and Samaritans were at odds at the time of Jesus. They were both descendants of Israel, but they had long-standing disagreements that kept them separated. The cultural and religious differences, further exacerbated by the gender differences, made Jesus’ encounter with the woman highly unusual. It was even more unlikely that she would become a witness to his prophetic words. This story highlights Jesus’ message that God came not only for the Jews, but for all people.
Like in Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus’ words were misunderstood. The woman believed she could drink Jesus’ living water and then would no longer need to come to the well for daily water. She didn’t understand Jesus was speaking of living water that would nourish the soul and lead to eternal life.
Community: What cultural differences prevent you from engaging with others from differing backgrounds? Where could you go to begin conversations with people of other cultures or faiths? What might you learn?
At Home: Where do you draw living water? What nourishes your soul? Spend time with God this week drinking deeply of God’s word.
Read This Week:
Monday, Feb 3, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:1-3
Tuesday, Feb 4, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:4-5
Wednesday, Feb 5, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:6-7
Thursday, Feb 6, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:8
Friday, Feb 7, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:9-10
Saturday, Feb 8, Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Psalm 42:11
Next Week: Sunday, Feb 9, Healing Stories, John 4:46-5:18
