February 7, 2021
Devotional Reading: John 1:37-51
Background Scripture: John 1:37-51; 4:25-42
Key Verse: John 4:39
Introduction
Our lesson comes from the Gospel According to John. His name is a Greek form of Hebrew meaning, “Yahweh has been gracious.” John, an Apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of James and lastly, John was one of the “inner three” who was present with Jesus on special occasions in the Synoptic Gospels: Raising of Jairus’ daughter, Transfiguration, and the Garden of Gethsemane; let us begin our journey.
I. A Woman’s Declaration (John 4:25-30)
These verses reveal the thoughts of two groups of people with one commonality – looking for the Messias or rather Christ. They differed in how the Christ would come – the Jews believed He would be a national leader who would free them from foreign oppression. The Samaritans held the books of Genesis to Deuteronomy as scripture and emphasized the Messiah’s role as a teaching prophet.
We find Jesus responding to a woman (adulteress) who says to Jesus (without realizing who He is) of seeking the Messias or Christ who will come and tell them all things. Jesus response, He is the one. Upon the disciples return (gathering food), they marvel that Jesus was conversing with this woman.
This woman immediately went into the city to share the news with others. She tells the people, “Come see a man which tell me all things that ever I did: Is not this the Christ?” She is telling them that only the Christ can have such knowledge, do not believe me, come see for yourselves. A woman of her statue warranted people to investigate, to see such a man (Christ) for themselves. Her testimony aroused curiosity in others to witness for themselves.
II. A Crop Prepared (John 4:31-38)
Within these verses, we find the disciples dismissing the woman and ensuring that Jesus eat, but Jesus informed his disciples that He has meat, they are not aware of. He is the “bread of life.” What we see is a missed opportunity by his disciples to reason and see the “spiritual” rather than the “human” way of thinking. Instead of asking Jesus for understanding, they selected to reason amongst themselves.
Jesus uses (human nature example) of it being time for the harvest, meaning His time (crucifixion is near, the harvest is the people (they will be ripe), and they (disciples) will need to be ready to gather the harvest. If no seeds are planted, there is nothing to harvest. Jesus further explains the analogy of the harvest to his disciples in telling them other men laboured (prophets) sent to call people to repentance.
III. A Community Transformed (John 4:39-43)
This verse bears testimony from the Samaritan woman at the well who told others, “He told me all that I ever did.” Because only the Christ would have the infinite power to know about her life, our life. The end result of her testimony, many believed.
Conclusion
Your testimony has power to lead others to Christ.