Girls' Bible Study 2nd May 2007

Twelve Extraodinary Women

The Samaritan Woman

John 4:1-42

Why didn't the Jews associate with the Samaritans?
Samaritans' religion was considered a cult.

Genesis 33:19
Jacob brought that piece of land

"sixth hour"
She was shameful, didn't want to come with others were there.

John 4:7
Usually men didn't talk to women in public, and Jews didn't talk to Samaritans.

John 4:10
Jesus came not to save the Jews, but everyone.
Jesus turn her question back to her.

John 4:11
She takes what he says literarily

"our father Jacob" (John 4:12)
They are all related.

Jesus knows everything: good and bad.
He got her to think about her sins, shows that she can't hide it.
He didn't judge her, but wanted her to change and repent.

John 4:19-20
Conflict between what Jews believe and Samaritans believe.
It's who you worship, not where you worship that is important.

John 4:24 "worship in spirit and in truth"

Three things Jesus went over in his conversation with the Samaritan woman:

1. Living water/Eternal life
2. God forgives you no matter what
3. Place of worship doesn't matter

Why does Jesus talk about Food and Water?

• Practical things turned into spiritual metaphors
• at their level: very simple things people can understand

Harvest: Sower and Reaper
Encouragment even if we don't see the harvest.

Why didn't the disciples ask Jesus why he talked to the woman?

• Disciples were not there to question Him, but to follow Him.
• Disciples were sinners too

John 4: 25-27
Jesus bluntly said that He is the Messiah.
Significance in revealing to her?

Jesus uses her and reveals to her.
She didn't know much, but was able to go into town and tell everyone (her response).
She didn't care about hiding from people now, had to tell everyone.

John 4:39
Power of her Testimony
"he told me everything I ever did"

How does this woman's live and what Jesus said relate to us?

• Urgency of the gospel
• Nothing to boast about
• She instantly goes out, does not wait to become "better." She lets God just use her as she is.
• We have to trust that God has the power to transform anybody.

*snaps for April and Nicole for leading!!*