Sermon Audio

A nobleman seeks Jesus out to heal his son. In this, we see the seed of faith, though misguided, grow in this man until he comes to understand and believe in the person of Jesus. As we see the man move closer and closer to true faith, we are reminded that sowing for the harvest sometimes takes time but is never in vain.

(NOTE: there is an audio buzz until the 12:00 mark) Jesus instructs the disciples about cultivating a heart for the harvest as the Samaritans stream out to Jesus because of the Woman's Testimony.

Jesus gently leads the Samaritan woman to the living waters. He shows her true need and the true worship of the Father.

Jesus takes His mission to a most unlikely place. He goes through Samaria and there finds a woman at a well. She is an outcast but is offered the gift of God freely. Jesus promises those who drink His water will never thirst again.

As we look closer into this last statement of John in chapter three, we see a summary of all we have learned in chapter three. The believer in Christ has an unshakeable hope based on the Father's love for His Son - and this is where our Christian life is anchored

John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is greater than he. In responding to his disciples complaint about Jesus' increasing ministry, John shows us the tools for fighting against "self" and pride. Holding fast to the gospel and the truth of Christ is how we fight the temptation of pride.

Jesus continues His conversation with Nicodemus as he explains why man must be born again and why the Son of Man must be lifted up. In this section, Jesus shows Nicodemus why man refuses to come to the light and why man remains condemned.

John gives us picture of those in chapter 2 who "believed" but to whom Jesus did not entrust himself. Nicodemus is shown that his problem lies in the fact that he has not been born again. This is what we all need to hear. Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Jesus enters the Temple, runs out the sellers, and turns over the tables of the money-changers. Jesus is Zealous for true worship and so should we be. But Jesus also demonstrates that He is the true temple. He is the true place where worship, prayers, and sinners are accepted by God. Only through Him do we find peace with God, and He knows the inner most depths of our hearts.

Jesus does the first of His "signs" in the gospel of John. Turning the water used for ceremonial cleansing into wine is a picture of what Jesus came to do. He has taken away the outward ritual cleansing and has ushered in the new era of the New Covenant.