John 4:42 (For Themselves)

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42) Read: Judges 9:22 – 11:28 Relate: My dad was a Blue Jays fan. I grew up liking the Oakland…

John 4:39-41 (Story Driven)

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. (John 4:39-41) Read: Judges 7:1…

John 4:35-36 (Ready)

You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! (John 4:35-36) Read: Judges 1:1 –…

John 4:31-34 (What Is Your Cause?)

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (John…

John 4:28 (Greater Need)

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, (John 4:28) Read: Joshua 18:1 – 19:48 Relate: My cousin posted a picture of a modern version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs today that earned a chuckle and probably got me thinking along these lines. I’ve seen this pyramid since…

John 4:21 (No Place)

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. (John 4:21) Read: Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12, Joshua 1:1 – 2:24 Relate: This week I had the privilege of going to an ARC conference (ARC = Association of Related Churches) down…

John 4:16-18 (5 Husbands)

Originally posted 3/20/14 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband – for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” (John 4:16-18) Read: Deuteronomy 29:2 – 31:29 Relate: What…

John 4:11-12 (Boxed and Buried)

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”…

John 4:10 (With Water So Close)

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4:10) Read: Deuteronomy 13:1 – 16:17 Relate: In a recent issue of National Geographic there was an article about Paul Salopek. He has embarked on the out of Eden…

John 4:9 (Why Me?)

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9) Read: Deuteronomy 10:1 – 12:32 Relate: The Jew’s hatred of Samaritans was nothing unique. If you look at…