Session 6 John 4:11-26

TRUE FAITH (JOHN 4:25-26)

evidence of the Samaritan woman’s faith.

25 The woman said to him,
“I know that the Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ).
“When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Jesus told her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.”

EXPLAIN:

Direct attention to the woman’s statement in verse 25.

at this point, the woman had not yet recognized Jesus as the Messiah,
although she believed the Messiah was coming.

Ask:

• How did Jesus respond?

Emphasize that He clearly identified Himself as the Messiah.
Summarize the rest of the story (John 4:27-42).

this simple encounter with Jesus not only changed the woman’s life forever,
but it also made a difference in the whole town.

EMPHASIZE:

Call attention to the title of this session,

BUT WHOEVER DRINKS

emphasizing the word whoever.

Ask:

• How would Jews have responded to “whoever” including Samaritans?
• How does Jesus’s compassion toward the Samaritan woman remind us that He offers eternal satisfaction to whoever will trust in Him?

Challenge the group to consider the “Samaritans” in our culture
and how they can actively reach out to those who might feel like outcasts.

CHALLENGE

RESPOND:

Invite the group to review the story of the Samaritan woman.
What does her experience reveal about salvation?
Lead the group to examine their lives for things in which they seek satisfaction.
Challenge them to spend time this week confessing those to God
and seeking Him more deeply.
Remind them to complete the Daily Explorations to reflect on the major points for this passage.

PRAY:

Close in prayer,
asking God to help the group
enjoy the true satisfaction
that is only found in Jesus.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by considering some of the ways people in your community seek satisfaction outside of God. Invite the group to join you in praying for your community, asking God to open the people’s eyes to recognize that their true thirst is for Jesus.