Looking Beneath the Surface

Introduction:

We might be very surprised to discover the addictions & sin issues that fester in homes all around us. When we pause & take a deeper look, we find that people desperately need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. So how do we reach people with the gospel? One important skill is sharing the gospel is the ability to see past outside appearances & look at the heart of an individual. The heart holds real needs that the gospel can address. Jesus was brilliant at looking past people’s defenses & into their hearts. What can we learn from this story on how to look beneath the surface?

I. (4:4-9) Start from where people are.

A.    4:4 – he had to go through Samaria. (Jews avoided Samaria at all costs) 

1.     We expect people to come to us – when Jesus commanded us to go to them.  
a)    Is the seed is still in the barn? - Haggai 2:19
2.     We can reach out to people at school; work; and at home (neighbors, etc)

B.    4:7 – Jesus starts a connection by pointing not at her need – but his own.

C.    This teaches us sometimes we have to start from lower than they are.

1.     David Yarbrough: We are only beggars telling other beggars where we found bread.

2.  4:9 - After his request for water – she responds suspiciously.

D.    But yet, Jesus sees in her an opportunity and doesn’t stop.

II. 4:10-14 – Use conversation as an opening for spiritual things.

A.    Jesus’ statement shifted their conversation to spiritual matters.

1.     Living water would have been a common spiritual interest.

2.     Several OT references to living water. Zech. 14:8; Ezek 47:9

3.     Jesus tells her he is the water of life…

B.    Regarding our teaching today:

1.     We can raise questions or make statements that shift conversations.

2.     Start with things you agree upon.  See Acts 13:16-22.

3.     Then move into areas where more teaching can be done.

III. 4:15-18 – Lay the proper ground work.

A.    She wanted the living water. Did she really understand?

1.     4:16 – go call your husband… not only would this statement make her realize His supernatural capabilities….

a)    It would make her come to face to face with her situation.

B.    We must do all this w/o condemning a person.

1.     4:17-18 - He could have dwelt on her being an adulteress.

2.     See 3:17; Lk. 19:1-; John 1:29 – He came to save the world; not condemn it.

C.    2 Cor. 5:18-20 – our focus should be to inform others about God’s forgiveness.

IV. 4:19-26 – Once the groundwork has been laid – make the proper application.

A.    4:19-20 – she turned the subject away from herself to where one should worship.

B.    4:21-25 – Jesus answers her questions while effectively turning the conversation back to the original subject. 4:26 – he confronts the woman w/who he is.

V. 4:28-42 – Her response is amazing.

A.    4:28 – forgot her water pot.    4:29 – God has come….God cares….for me!

B.    When a person is truly evangelized they in turn become an evangelist.

1.     4:39 - Power of a life turned around can’t be denied!

2.     4:40-42 – people of Sychar believed because of the woman’s testimony.

C.    What does this say to you about the love of God?

D.    What does this say about the Lord’s desire for evangelism?

Conclusion: Do you need to catch up to the source that gives out living water?

A.    Nothing else will satisfy. Rev. 22:17