Bible Study John 4 Woman at the Well of Samaria

This chapter begins with Jesus making a withdrawal from drawing too much attention from the Pharisees and moving back from Judea to Galilee. This incident with the Woman at the Well is often used as teaching of how to witness. We will begin this study with this question too.

Q1. What can we learn about witnessing for Christ from this incident?

1. Listen to God's leading - "Need to"
2. Make a special trip - just to Sychar well and waited at noon. Against social bias then (Jews don't talk to Samaritans).
3. Ask for help to start a connection.
4. Use questions to lead.
5. Make the gospels relevant to the need - ask Holy Spirit to reveal and help.
   Well-> Water -> Living Water -> Eternal Life.
6. Give a firm and correct answer.
   The woman asked other questions to seek clarification. Some commentators felt that she was trying to change the topic. I think not.  She has some bondage that needs to be clarified. Do I have to worship in Jerusalem? We face similar kinds of issues now - Do I have to abandon my idols? Do I have to stop taking food offered to idols? Do I have to stop dancing? Do I have to go to Church?.
   Don't be upset. Thank them for their sincere seeking. Give the relevant and specific answer. It tends to be physical vs spiritual dimensions. It is a deeper rather than superficial issue. "We know God, worship God in spirit and truth. It is a matter of the heart and not outward actions or physical place of worship".
7. Get A Commitment - Praying the Sinner's prayer is not the only way. Ask them to do something that shows their understanding and commitment. In this special case, "Call your husband". Her very action shows that she believes in Jesus. She confessed the truth of her sin. She dropped the jar and told the town to come and meet Jesus the Messiah; from fetching water to bringing people.

Q2. What is the purpose of Jesus' life on earth? What about yours?

1. The purpose of Life is to do the will of the One who sent me and to accomplish his work John 4:34.
2. The opportunity to do His will is now.
3. Some are sowers and some are reapers. Both work together and share in the joy and both will be rewarded.
4. Don't fall into the trap of wanting others to be like you or you want to be like others and then attacking those who are different. Unity is not uniformity but differences sharing a common mission.

Q3. What is the end result that you seek for your witnessing?
That they may believe in Jesus for themselves. John 4:42

Q4. What faith lesson can we learn from the Ruler at Capernaum?

1. Heard about Jesus v47
2. Go and Ask Jesus v48
3. Believe Jesus 49 Come before my son dies is a statement of belief.
4. Act accordingly, go back- He did not know his son was healed until later. He just believes and makes his way home.  50
5. Verified. keep a record of prayers and match with incidents.v53