Lesson 5.The Testimony of the Samaritans
A simple testimony that moves hearts and overcomes barriers

In Lesson 5, we experience one of the most remarkable encounters in the New Testament—the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This encounter, which transcends all social and cultural boundaries, demonstrates how Jesus offers His unconditional love and salvation to every person, regardless of origin, status, or past. By bringing her personal story to light and offering her the “living water,” Jesus shows that true fulfillment lies only in a relationship with God.

From this encounter develops a powerful testimony: The woman, who was previously isolated in her community, becomes the first witness for Jesus and changes the lives of many people in her town. The story reminds us that our own testimony—even if it may seem small to us—can unleash transformative power. Lesson 5 calls us to speak boldly and authentically about our own encounter with Jesus and invite others to experience His healing and renewing presence.

5.1 The Setting of the Encounter
The Road through Samaria: Jesus’ Mission Beyond Cultural Barriers Formularende

Read John 4:1–4. What was the reason Jesus traveled through Samaria?

In John 4:1–4, it becomes clear that Jesus decided to travel through Samaria for a specific reason. The Pharisees noticed that Jesus’ disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptist’s disciples. This realization could lead to tensions, as John’s followers viewed their master as the central figure and were concerned about his status (see John 3:26–30). However, John himself responded in a remarkable way, recognizing that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase (John 3:30). To avoid potential conflicts, Jesus decided to leave Judea and go to Galilee.

The direct route led through Samaria, a region that most believing Jews avoided. Instead, they often took the longer route via Peræa to avoid contact with the Samaritans. But Jesus consciously chose the way through Samaria, showing that He had a special mission and intention in that region. Jesus’ choice of route not only reveals His willingness to engage and include but also His determination to overcome barriers and proclaim the Gospel regardless of cultural or religious prejudices. His journey through Samaria already demonstrates the testimony that He will later give through His encounter with the Samaritan woman.

Read John 4:5–9. How did Jesus use this opportunity to start a conversation with the woman at the well?

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well near Sychar is remarkable in many ways. Jesus, a Jewish man and teacher, asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. This simple act breaks several societal and religious norms. Jews and Samaritans had a long history of hostility, and it was unusual for a Jewish man to speak publicly with a woman, especially a Samaritan woman.

The circumstances of this meeting are also significant. The woman came at noon, the hottest hour of the day, to draw water—an unusual time, as most women came early in the morning or in the evening when it was cooler. This timing suggests that she may have been socially isolated and avoided contact with others. Whatever the reason for her arrival at that time, her encounter with Jesus was to profoundly change her life.

By asking her for water, Jesus initiates a conversation in a simple, everyday manner that is also profound. He places Himself in a position of need, which gives the woman the opportunity to give Him something—a chance for humanity and openness. In this gesture, Jesus shows that He is not only seeking physical water but that this encounter is a symbol of deeper spiritual needs and the “living water” He will soon offer her.

The setting is rich in symbolism: a Jewish teacher and a Samaritan woman with a questionable reputation meet at the well. This contrast between their social and religious backgrounds sets the stage for a transformative encounter that will not only touch the woman’s life but also convey a deeper message about Jesus’ boundless love and acceptance.

What Taboo Exists in Your Culture That Could Hinder Your Testimony to Others? How Can We Learn to Overcome It? Discuss on the Sabbath.

Taboos that exist in our culture can often hinder our ability to give an authentic and open testimony to others. These taboos vary depending on cultural and social contexts, but some common examples include:

1. Avoiding Faith Conversations: In many cultures, it is considered inappropriate to talk about religion or personal faith, especially in public or mixed groups. The fear of offending others or getting into conflicts can lead people to not openly share their beliefs, even if they could help or inspire someone.

2. Prejudices Against Certain Social Groups: Prejudices or fixed notions about certain social or ethnic groups can also be an obstacle. If these prejudices remain unconscious, they can prevent us from approaching certain people with openness and empathy.

3. Fear of Social Rejection: It is often taboo to act against societal consensus or to be “different.” This fear can lead people to not speak openly about their faith or to actively support it, so as not to be socially isolated.

4. Maintaining Individual Distance: In some cultures, it is considered impolite to ask personal questions or to get close to others, which can make sharing faith experiences difficult. People prefer to discuss superficial topics without giving deeper insights into their own lives or faith.

How Can We Learn to Overcome These Taboos?

1. Practice Empathy and Listening: To overcome cultural barriers, it is important to develop an attitude of empathy and listen to people before we speak ourselves. This helps us better understand their perspective and find a way that brings us closer together.

2. Speak Gently and Respectfully About Faith: When we talk about our faith sensitively and respectfully, we can break taboos without hurting the other person’s culture. Instead of being intrusive, we can share experiences and stories that present faith in an accessible and understandable way.

3. Be a Role Model: Often, our testimony is strongest through our behavior and actions. A life that reflects the values and principles of faith can be inspiring and break down barriers without us having to explicitly talk about faith.

4. Seek Support in the Community: When we talk with other believers about these challenges and encourage each other, it helps us live our faith more authentically in everyday life. Sabbath discussions provide a valuable opportunity to share experiences and find solutions to break taboos in our cultures.

These points could serve as a basis for discussion on the Sabbath, to consider how we can personally and collectively contribute to overcoming cultural barriers and sharing our faith boldly and lovingly.

Jesus’ journey through Samaria and His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well show us how we can live our faith authentically in our daily lives, even when there are cultural barriers. This story teaches us two essential principles that are also relevant for our lives and faith journey today:

1. Live Boundless Love and Inclusion: Jesus consciously chose to travel through Samaria, a region that most Jews avoided because they feared cultural and religious differences. By choosing this path, He shows us that God’s love includes all people, regardless of origin, status, or societal expectations. In our daily lives, this means that we should be willing to approach people who may have a different culture, belief, or way of life. Like Jesus, we can learn to seek encounters across cultural boundaries based on openness and empathy, thereby conveying faith through our actions.

2. Demonstrate Faith in Everyday Situations: Jesus’ request for water was a simple, everyday action, yet it led to a profound conversation about faith and life. This scene reminds us that our testimony often comes through small, everyday moments. In daily life, we can similarly find opportunities to show our faith through kindness, helpfulness, and authentic conversations without being intrusive. When we act consciously and with an open heart, even ordinary encounters can become significant moments where our counterpart experiences a glimpse of God’s love.

How Do We Overcome Cultural Taboos?

Our daily lives are often shaped by societal norms that deem conversations about faith or spiritual topics as inappropriate. However, Jesus’ example teaches us that there are ways to overcome these taboos without pressuring anyone or violating societal boundaries. By practicing empathy, communicating our values gently and respectfully, and demonstrating through our actions, we can reach people without forcing words. These steps encourage us to live the Gospel daily and be a testimony through authentic actions.

Discussion on the Sabbath: The Sabbath offers us the chance to encourage one another and share experiences about how we handle cultural barriers in everyday life. Through such conversations, we recognize that we are not alone and learn from each other how to boldly and lovingly convey Jesus’ message.

Every small act of kindness can be a light that brightens someone else’s day.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-1-the-setting-of-the-encounter-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 27, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 21

¹ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

² There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

³ Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

⁴ But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

⁵ Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

⁶ And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

⁷ Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

⁸ And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

⁹ As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

¹⁰ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

¹¹ Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

¹² Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

¹³ Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

¹⁴ This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

¹⁵ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

¹⁶ He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

¹⁸ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

¹⁹ This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

²⁰ Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

²¹ Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

²² Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

²³ Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

²⁴ This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

²⁵ And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

John Chapter 21 describes one of the final encounters of Jesus with His disciples after His resurrection. It takes place by the Sea of Tiberias, where Jesus miraculously appears to His disciples and gives them renewed confirmation of His authority and love. The role of Peter, who receives a special task from Jesus, is particularly emphasized, as well as the relationship between Peter and the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” This chapter concludes the Gospel of John and underscores the importance of personal faith and following Jesus.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with a seemingly ordinary scene: Peter and some other disciples return to their former activity of fishing. This return to everyday life perhaps reflects their uncertainty about how to proceed after Jesus’ resurrection. Despite all their efforts, they catch nothing all night—a sign that human endeavors without God’s guidance often remain unsuccessful.

Jesus appears on the shore, unrecognized by the disciples, and asks them if they have caught anything. His instruction to cast the net on the right side of the boat leads to an overwhelming catch, so large that the disciples can barely pull the net in. This miracle echoes an earlier encounter between Jesus and Peter, where a similar miracle occurred (Luke 5:1-11). This repetition highlights the disciples’ ongoing dependence on Jesus and His willingness to meet them even in their daily lives.

It is John who first recognizes that it is Jesus, and Peter acts immediately: he jumps into the water to reach Jesus as quickly as possible. This impulsive and passionate reaction is typical of Peter and demonstrates his deep longing to see Jesus again. When they finally arrive at the shore, they find Jesus who has already prepared a fire with fish and bread on it. This scene is a clear reminder of the Last Supper and points to the spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers His disciples.

A particularly significant moment is the conversation between Jesus and Peter. Three times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”—a reference to Peter’s threefold denial before Jesus’ crucifixion. This triple question and answer serve as a form of restoration for Peter. Jesus entrusts him with the task of tending His “sheep,” confirming Peter’s future role as the leader and shepherd of the Christian community. It is an act of forgiveness and a renewal of trust in Peter, despite his earlier failure.

However, Jesus’ repeated question also presents a deeper challenge. He is not merely asking for affection but for a deep, unconditional love and commitment. Peter, who becomes distressed at the third question, realizes that Jesus knows everything, including his weaknesses and fears. Nevertheless, Peter once again confesses his love for Jesus, and Jesus entrusts him with the leadership of the community. This demonstrates that true discipleship is often shaped by weakness and failure but can be restored through God’s grace.

Another important moment in this chapter is the brief discussion about the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” When Peter asks what will happen to this disciple, Jesus gently corrects him, saying, “What does this matter to you? You must follow me!” This response emphasizes that each disciple has their own calling and that faith is a personal journey. Peter should not concern himself with the paths of others but focus on his own following of Jesus. This statement is not only directed at Peter but also to all believers who often get entangled in comparisons with others.

The chapter concludes with a reflection on John’s testimony and the many other deeds of Jesus that were not recorded. This highlights the limitations of written testimony and emphasizes that faith goes beyond what is written. The world could not fully capture all of Jesus’ works, leaving room for the boundless impact of His life and message.

Summary:

In John 21, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. He performs a miracle by helping them catch a large number of fish after they had caught nothing all night. On the shore, Jesus shares a meal with them and restores Peter through a threefold questioning of his love for Jesus. Jesus entrusts Peter with the responsibility to lead His community and emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s own discipleship. The chapter ends with a reflection on John’s testimony and the acknowledgment that not all of Jesus’ deeds are recorded in the Scriptures. John 21 emphasizes personal discipleship, forgiveness, and the ongoing presence of Jesus in the community of His followers.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/27-10-2024-john-chapter-21-believe-his-prophets/