Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 5.The Testimony of the Samaritans  |
A simple testimony that moves hearts and overcomes barriers  |

In John 4, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, and through a simple conversation, He reveals profound spiritual truths to her. Despite cultural and social barriers, the woman recognizes that she is in the presence of the Messiah. Excited by this revelation, she leaves her water jar behind and hurries into the town to tell others about Jesus. Her testimony leads many Samaritans to believe in Christ. This encounter demonstrates how powerful a simple personal testimony can be in spreading the Gospel and overcoming barriers.

Memory Text: John 4:42 – “Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world’.”

Content:
5.1 The Setting of the Encounter
The Road through Samaria: Jesus’ Mission Beyond Cultural Barriers

Jesus traveled through Samaria not only to avoid tensions with the Pharisees but because He had a deeper mission there. While other Jews avoided this path, Jesus deliberately sought out encounters with the Samaritans, who were considered outcasts. At Jacob’s well, He took the opportunity to start a conversation with a woman who was drawing water around noon, which was unusual. His simple request for water opened the door to a deep spiritual conversation that changed the woman. This encounter shows how Jesus broke through social and cultural barriers to proclaim the message of salvation. His example encourages us to dismantle prejudices and boldly bear witness, even in challenging situations.

5.2 The Woman at the Well
Living Water: Jesus’ Invitation to Inner Renewal

Jesus used the encounter with the woman at the well to subtly convey a deeper spiritual truth. Instead of immediately offering her a gift, He first asked her for a favor, thereby building trust and overcoming a barrier. By referring to the “living water,” He shifted the conversation from an everyday topic to a spiritual reality—the need for renewal through God. The woman, surprised by His request, began to understand that Jesus was more than just an ordinary man. Like Nicodemus, who needed a conversion experience, Jesus also showed this woman that true life is only possible through a deep connection with God. The “living water” symbolizes the eternal life that Jesus gives to anyone who believes in Him.

5.3 “Sir, Give Me This Water”
Living Water: From Physical Need to Spiritual Healing

The woman’s request for the living water shows her misunderstanding, as she initially took Jesus’ offer literally. Similar to Nicodemus, who misunderstood rebirth, she saw only practical relief, not the deeper spiritual meaning. Jesus skillfully steered the conversation to her personal situation to show her that she needed inner renewal and healing before she could receive the “living water”—a symbol for eternal life. As described in Ezekiel 36:25-27, her heart first needed to be cleansed and renewed to walk in God’s ways. This illustrates the necessity of being aware of one’s own faults to experience true healing and transformation.

5.4 The Revelation of Jesus
The Revelation of the Messiah: An Encounter Beyond Prejudices

Jesus reveals to the Samaritan woman that He knows her deepest secrets by disclosing her life and personal situation. Instead of dealing with these painful truths, she evades and redirects the conversation to religious disputes. However, Jesus brings the discussion back to the essential point: true worship is not tied to a specific location but must be done in spirit and truth. Finally, He reveals to her that He is the Messiah, and not in front of a large crowd, but to a simple, marginalized woman. This encounter shows that Jesus knows no barriers regarding origin or moral status—the Gospel is accessible to all and overcomes all human boundaries.

5.5 The Testimony of the Samaritans
The Power of a Personal Testimony: One Woman Changes a City

Surprisingly, after her encounter with Jesus, the woman left her water jar behind and hurried into the town to tell the people what she had experienced. Her honest and simple invitation, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did,” sparked curiosity and led many Samaritans to come to Jesus. Her personal testimony served as a powerful catalyst that led many people to believe in Jesus. This story demonstrates how a single encounter with Christ can change the lives of many and that even a simple personal testimony can have far-reaching effects. It teaches us that the Gospel, when shared authentically, can overcome barriers and open hearts.

5.6 Summary
The Testimony of the Samaritans: How a Personal Testimony Spreads the Gospel

In John Chapter 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and reveals to her that He is the Messiah. This encounter changes the woman’s life, and she subsequently rushes into the town to report about Jesus. Her testimony leads many Samaritans to believe in Him. Through her simple account and invitation to meet Jesus herself, the Gospel spreads throughout her town. This story illustrates how a personal encounter with Christ and an honest testimony can change the lives of many people. It emphasizes that the Gospel can overcome barriers and reach people of all backgrounds.

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