John 4:16-26 (NIV)

As we continue on in the story of the woman at the well, we have to hold in our minds the tension present already in the social realities between Jews and Samaritans, men and women. But then we have to layer onto that the story particular to this Samaritan woman. Her showing up at the well in the heat of the day was no accident. It was a clear signal that she was probably a social outcast. Typically you’d go in the morning or evening to get water. But we’re about to discover why she didn’t. And she’s about to learn something that would change everything.

----------REFLECT----------

1. This woman’s shame caused her to change the subject with Jesus. How does shame impact your relationship with Jesus?

2. In the midst of talking about mountains with a woman that probably hadn’t been able to worship for a long time because of her status, Jesus signals that she would soon worship the Father, and suggests that she could be a true worshiper. What social outcasts among you need this kind of invitation?

3. Even the Samaritan woman has a longing for Messiah, trusting that he’ll explain everything. You can almost imagine the questions she’s holding deep down. What are some of those deep questions for you? What is it that you are desperate for Jesus to make sense of?

----------CONNECT----------

FACEBOOK >> 

ivalabama.org >>