5.5 The Testimony of the Samaritans
The Power of a Personal Testimony: One Woman Changes a City

Read John 4:27–29. What did the woman do unexpectedly?

In John 4:27–29, something remarkable happens: the woman, who was previously rather reserved and burdened with a difficult past, becomes the first witness for Jesus in her city. Although the conversation ends abruptly, she leaves her water jar behind and runs back to the city to share her encounter with Jesus. This symbolic act—leaving the jar—shows that she found something much greater than the water she originally sought. She now has a new, living source within herself.

Her reaction demonstrates the natural impulse to proclaim the Gospel when one has experienced deep spiritual fulfillment and renewal. From an encounter filled with personal revelations and transformation, she becomes a bold ambassador inviting others to encounter Jesus. She speaks without fear and leaves behind the societal expectations that might have previously held her back. Her testimony is simple but powerful: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!”

The woman’s testimony reminds us that true encounters with God not only change us but also invite others to share in that experience. Her transformation from reservation to bold testimony shows that God can enable each of us, regardless of our past or social standing, to share His love and truth. This story challenges us to openly share our faith experiences and invite others to discover Christ for themselves.

Read John 4:30–42. What happened after this encounter, and what does it teach about how the Gospel can be spread?

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman becomes the first evangelist in her city, and the Gospel spreads among the Samaritans. The people in the town come to personally experience Jesus, and through the time He spends with them, many more come to believe. The woman’s initial transformation, which led her to spontaneously testify about Jesus, develops into a wave of faith throughout the entire community.

Interestingly, Jesus interrupts this narrative by reminding His disciples of the image of the harvest. He shows them that proclaiming the Gospel is an urgent task that requires patience and willingness to go beyond cultural and societal prejudices. For Jesus, this spiritual harvest is more important than the need to eat. His goal is to bring the message of salvation to all people, including those whom the disciples might consider “foreign” or “unworthy.”

The account highlights two important lessons about spreading the Gospel:

1. Personal Testimony as a Key to Evangelism: The woman simply and honestly shared what Jesus had done for her. Her testimony touched the hearts of others, making them curious about Jesus. Even today, sharing our own encounters with God can inspire others and give them the desire to know Him as well.

2. Direct Encounter with Jesus: Although the woman’s testimony sparked the Samaritans’ faith, their belief grew through personal encounters with Jesus. They asked Him to stay with them, and He lived among them for a time, allowing them to hear His words directly. This encounter deepened their faith and made it independent of the woman’s testimony. The text shows us that mature faith grows through personal encounter and our own experience with Christ.

The Gospel spreads most effectively through authentic testimony and the willingness to provide people with direct encounters with Jesus—whether through community, teaching, or the example of our lives. The story of the Samaritans reminds us that the Gospel knows no boundaries and that everyone can experience salvation through personal experience and testimony.

What should this account teach us about how powerful a single person’s testimony can be? How powerful is your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life?

This account powerfully demonstrates that a single person’s testimony can have an enormous impact. The Samaritan woman, transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus, shares her experience and thereby touches the lives of many in her city. Her simple yet authentic recounting of Jesus awakens interest and faith in others to know Him themselves. The testimony of this one woman leads many Samaritans to recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world.

This story reminds us that our personal testimony can be powerful because it is genuine and inspires others to consider the possibilities of grace and change. When we share how Jesus has helped us, healed us, or guided us through difficult times, it can touch others more than any theological argument ever could. An authentic testimony builds trust and allows others to see that God’s work is real and accessible.

The question for us is: How powerful is our testimony? It becomes powerful when it is honest and courageous, when we authentically share how God has met us in our lives. Even if we feel small or believe our story is not particularly important—the experience of the Samaritan woman shows that God uses the simplest testimonies to reach hearts and change lives.

The story of the Samaritan woman shows us how powerful a person’s personal testimony can be and how it can authentically spread the Gospel. Her encounter with Jesus led not only to her own transformation but also to a movement of faith throughout her entire community. This experience also holds deep significance for our faith life and daily living today.

1. Courage to Be Open: The Samaritan woman experienced a radical transformation—from reserve and isolation to bold testimony. This shows that we too can openly share our experiences and God’s work in our lives. We often tend to keep our personal struggles or experiences with God to ourselves. However, it is in this openness that the potential lies to inspire others and encourage them to seek God themselves.

2. The Impact of an Authentic Testimony: The story teaches us that the Gospel is most effective when it is authentic and heartfelt. The woman simply shared what she had experienced with Jesus—and this moved the people. In our daily lives, we can encourage others and build trust by sharing our personal experiences with God. A testimony does not need to be perfect or complex to be powerful; honesty and authenticity are the keys.

3. God Can Use Each of Us: This story reminds us that God can use us, regardless of our background or past, to reach others. The woman at the well became the first evangelist in her city despite her past and social status. Likewise, we are capable of being guides to Jesus for others if we allow Him to use us and do not let others’ opinions hold us back.

4. Spreading the Gospel Across Boundaries: The Gospel is a message that transcends cultural and social boundaries. Jesus proclaimed the Gospel to a people whom Jews often rejected at that time. The encounter shows that God’s love knows no barriers and that we are permitted to reach people with the Gospel message regardless of their background, status, or culture.

This story calls us to courageously and honestly give testimony in our daily lives while recognizing the transformative power of our own faith. It reminds us that each of us has a unique story that can touch the lives of others and bring them closer to God. The question for us is: Are we ready to share our testimony boldly and authentically, thereby showing others the way to Jesus?

Your personal testimony can be the light that illuminates someone else’s path.

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

October 31, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 4

¹ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

² Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

⁴ Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

⁵ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

⁶ And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

⁹ If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

¹⁰ Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

¹¹ This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

¹⁴ And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

¹⁶ Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

¹⁷ But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

¹⁸ And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

²² For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

²³ And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

²⁴ And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

²⁵ Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

²⁶ The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

²⁷ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

²⁸ For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

²⁹ And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

³⁰ By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

³² And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

³³ And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

³⁴ Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

³⁵ And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

³⁶ And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

³⁷ Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Acts Chapter 4 describes a crucial phase in the early Christian community, where the apostles Peter and John appear before the Sanhedrin. After healing the paralytic at the temple gate, they experience both the growing number of believers and the resistance of the religious leaders against the spread of the Gospel. This chapter highlights the tensions between the new Christian movement and the established religious authorities, as well as the apostles’ unwavering dedication to proclaiming the word of God despite persecution and threats.

Commentary

Verses 1–4: After Peter and John publicly preach about the kingdom of God, the high priests, the temple captain, and the Sadducees intervene. Their rejection is based on the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which contradicts the Sadducees’ beliefs. They arrest the apostles and imprison them until the next day to suppress their activities.

Verses 5–12: The next morning, the religious leaders, including high priests like Annas and Caiaphas, as well as scribes, gather. They confront Peter and John with questions about the authority and the name in which they acted. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly testifies that the healing of the paralytic was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom the leaders had crucified. He emphasizes that no other name brings salvation, highlighting Jesus’ uniqueness as the Savior. The leaders are astonished by the apostles’ wisdom and courage but do not recognize the healing as sufficient grounds to deny their authority.

Verses 13–22: The religious leaders realize that Peter and John are uneducated, ordinary men and know that they were with Jesus. Nevertheless, they cannot find any fault with the healing since the healed man himself testifies. Given the increasing number of believers (five thousand men), the leaders are concerned about the growing movement. They decide to threaten the apostles to prevent them from continuing to preach the Gospel. However, Peter and John disagree and clarify that they must obey God rather than human authorities. They refuse to deny their testimony, underscoring their determination and faith.

Verses 23–31: After their release, Peter and John return to the community and report their encounters with the high priests. The community responds with collective prayer, asking God for strength to continue boldly proclaiming the word. They recognize that persecution is part of God’s plan and request healings and miracles in Jesus’ name. Their prayer is answered, and the Holy Spirit fills those present, enabling them to spread God’s word with joy and power.

Verses 32–37: The first Christians live in community, sharing their possessions and caring for one another. There are no needy among them because the apostles manage and distribute the community’s resources. An example is Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, who sells his land and gives the money to the apostles. This sense of community strengthens the unity and solidarity of the early church.

Summary

Acts Chapter 4 portrays the courageous defense of the Gospel by Peter and John before Jerusalem’s religious leaders. Despite opposition and threats, the apostles remain steadfast in their faith and mission to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. The community of believers grows and lives in deep unity and solidarity, evident through their mutual care for the needy and the generous support from members like Barnabas. This chapter emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church and the believers’ unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel despite persecution and resistance.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/31-10-2024-acts-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/

5.4 The Revelation of Jesus
The Revelation of the Messiah: An Encounter Beyond Prejudices

Read John 4:16–24. What does Jesus do to show this woman that He knows her innermost secrets, and how does she respond?

In John 4:16–24, Jesus brings the woman at the well into direct contact with the truth of her life by revealing her innermost secrets. When He asks her about her husband, He touches a sensitive point in her life, prompting her to recognize Him as a prophet. However, instead of further opening up to this truth, she tries to steer the conversation toward an old religious controversy—the proper place of worship. This attempt shows how people often avoid deeper self-awareness by diverting to familiar topics.

However, Jesus does not engage in the discussion about the place of worship but uses the opportunity to convey a greater truth: Worship is not an external ritual nor is it bound to a specific place. True worship occurs “in spirit and in truth.” Thus, Jesus calls the woman to go beyond cultural and religious boundaries and seek a deep, personal connection with God.

Through Jesus’ revelation that God is Spirit and that worship must be based on truthfulness and inner devotion, the woman understands that she needs more than just religious practices—she is invited to seek God in her own heart. This simple yet transformative truth prepares her to receive more and opens her heart to the living water that Jesus offers. Jesus’ response reminds us that true worship is not tied to external places or traditions but is rooted in an authentic and direct relationship with God.

Read John 4:25–26. How does Jesus reveal His identity to her?

In John 4:25–26, Jesus does something extraordinary: He reveals to a simple Samaritan woman that He is the Messiah—the clearest and most straightforward self-declaration of His identity in the Gospels before His arrest. He does not choose a large gathering or respected individuals but a woman who is considered an outsider in society and struggles with her past. This choice demonstrates Jesus’ love and appreciation for every individual, regardless of social status or background.

This encounter highlights that Jesus did not come only to impress large assemblies but also to reach those on the margins of society who feel lonely or worthless. Revealing His identity to this woman shows us that God meets us on the most personal level, where we often feel the most vulnerable and unrecognized.

By knowing her secrets and yet revealing His identity, Jesus not only gives her deeper self-awareness but also a clear reason to believe in Him. This encounter shows that true encounters with God often happen where we feel forgotten by the world, and that His love embraces and renews us in our deepest brokenness. Jesus’ revelation as the Messiah to this Samaritan woman reminds us that God’s grace and revelation are open to everyone—regardless of past, culture, or social standing.

What should this account teach us about why the Gospel must tear down the barriers we build between people?

This account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman vividly shows us that the Gospel knows no cultural, social, or moral barriers. Jesus speaks with someone whom society views as an outsider—a Samaritan woman with a complicated life story. For many Jews of that time, a conversation with her would have been unthinkable. Yet Jesus overcomes these boundaries to bring her the message of salvation and renewal.

The Gospel requires tearing down barriers because God’s love and salvation are intended for every person, regardless of origin, social status, or past. When we judge and exclude people based on external standards, we hold back the transformative power of the Gospel and block others from accessing God. Jesus’ actions teach us that genuine love and the pursuit of unity in faith should transcend human prejudices.

This story calls us to become aware of our own prejudices and to dismantle them so that we can make room for the Gospel to truly build bridges. The Gospel itself is a call to reconciliation and to valuing every person as God’s beloved child. Tearing down barriers means living and proclaiming Jesus’ message of love and redemption in a way that reaches everyone—without conditions or reservations.

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman reminds us that God’s love and His message know no social or cultural boundaries. In our daily lives and faith journey, this story calls us to question our own prejudices and barriers and to be ready to meet the people around us with openness and empathy.

1. Breaking the Limits of Acceptance: Just as Jesus overcomes the societal barriers between Jews and Samaritans, we are also called to overcome prejudices and divisions that separate us from others. Whether in school, the workplace, or the neighborhood—true love and acceptance should go beyond origin, status, or past. Jesus’ example teaches us that every person is valuable and that the Gospel is meant for everyone.

2. Seeking Authentic Encounters: Jesus shows that true worship and encounter happen “in spirit and in truth.” In our own faith life, this means seeking God not only in external forms or specific places but experiencing Him in a deep, authentic relationship within us. Similarly, we can learn that encounters with other people should also be honest and without masks—without relying on superficial judgments or societal categories.

3. God’s Love as a Foundation: Jesus reveals Himself to the woman as the Messiah—not to a privileged or respected person but to someone whom many see as an outsider. For us, this is a powerful reminder that God’s love is unconditional. This love should shape our interactions with others and strengthen our trust that God knows and accepts us, no matter where we are in our lives.

4. The Gospel as a Bridge: The Gospel itself is a message of reconciliation and a call to unity. When we appreciate people in their diversity and break down prejudices, we create space where God’s love can work. This story encourages us to live out the Gospel by reaching out to people who think or live differently and opening ourselves up to genuine connection.

In daily life, Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well shows us that love and healing begin when we become aware of our own prejudices and learn to see people through God’s eyes. This way, we can not only proclaim the Gospel but also make it alive through genuine relationships and community.

True strength is shown when we lay down prejudices and approach others with an open heart.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-4-the-revelation-of-jesus-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 3

¹ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

² And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

³ Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

⁴ And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

⁵ And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

⁶ Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

⁷ And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

⁸ And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

¹⁰ And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

¹¹ And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

¹² And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

¹³ The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

¹⁴ But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

¹⁵ And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

¹⁶ And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

¹⁷ And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

¹⁸ But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

¹⁹ Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

²⁰ And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

²¹ Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

²² For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

²³ And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

²⁴ Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

²⁵ Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

²⁶ Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, continues the narrative from the New Testament Gospel of Luke, documenting the spread of Christianity following the ascension of Jesus Christ. Chapter 3 of Acts marks a significant turning point in the early church by describing the first public miracle performed by the apostles Peter and John. This passage, known as the Healing of the Lame Man, illustrates not only the power of Jesus working through his disciples but also the growing tension between the emerging Christian community and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The healing at the temple serves as a catalytic event, leading to intensified persecution and an expansion of the apostles’ missionary efforts.

Commentary

Verses 1–10: The Healing at the Temple

The scene opens at the ninth hour (3 PM), a time of prayer in the temple, as Peter and John gather to pray. The lame man, crippled from birth, sits daily at the “Beautiful Gate” (the temple’s entrance) and asks visitors for alms. His daily presence at the temple gate underscores his dependency and lowly social status as a beggar.

When he recognizes Peter and John, he asks for alms, but Peter responds in an unexpected way. Instead of money, Peter says, “Look at us!” — a call for a personal encounter and trust. Peter then explains that he does not have material wealth but offers healing in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” This declaration emphasizes the authority and spiritual power granted to the apostles.

The lame man is immediately healed, stands, walks, and accompanies them into the temple, praising God. This instantaneous healing, demonstrated through the man’s walking and leaping, attests to the reality of miraculous works through the apostles. This miracle not only represents physical healing but also signifies spiritual liberation and the arrival of God’s Kingdom.

Verses 11–26: Peter’s Sermon to the Crowd

People who recognize the formerly lame man are astonished and shocked by what has happened. Observing their wonder, Peter seizes the moment to deliver a powerful sermon.

Peter begins by acknowledging the crowd’s amazement and redirects their attention from the apostles’ own power to God, saying, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?” He clarifies that the healing was not by human strength but through the power of God. Peter references the glorification of Jesus, whom the leaders had handed over to Pilate and denied.

Peter condemns the rejection of the Holy and Righteous One, identifying Jesus as the “Prince of Life” whom God raised from the dead. This declaration underscores Jesus’s divine nature and role as Redeemer. Peter emphasizes that faith in Jesus’s name is the source of healing, highlighting the miracle’s spiritual significance.

Peter then calls the crowd to repentance, saying, “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” He references Moses’s prophetic words, stressing the need to listen to the prophets. The call to repentance and the announcement of Jesus’s return connect the lame man’s healing to the Christian eschatological hope.

Theological Implications

The healing of the lame man symbolizes the holistic healing that the Gospel brings—physically, spiritually, and socially. It demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and affirms the apostles as legitimate leaders of the church. Emphasizing Jesus’s name and faith as the means of healing highlights Jesus’s central role in God’s redemptive plan.

Peter’s sermon links the miracle to the necessity of repentance and the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah, establishing a clear distinction between the old religious system and the new Christian faith. Acts 3 thus reveals the power of the Gospel and the transformative impact of faith on individuals and communities.

Summary

Acts Chapter 3 describes the remarkable healing of a man lame from birth by Peter and John at the “Beautiful Gate” of the temple. This miraculous act draws the attention of the Jerusalem crowd and leads to a public sermon by Peter. In his message, Peter emphasizes that the healing occurred not by human strength but through the power of Jesus Christ, whom they had denied. He calls the audience to repentance to receive forgiveness for their sins and points to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. The healing of the lame man and the subsequent sermon mark a pivotal moment in the spread of early Christianity, affirming the apostles’ divine authority and presenting the Gospel’s message to a wider audience.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-10-2024-acts-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/

5.3 “Sir, Give Me This Water”
Living Water: From Physical Need to Spiritual Healing

To what extent does Ezekiel 36:25–27 reflect the truth that Jesus wanted to convey to Nicodemus and the woman at the well?

Ezekiel 36:25–27 describes God’s promise of inner renewal: He will cleanse His people, give them a new heart and a new spirit, and enable them to walk in His ways. This promise reflects the profound truth that Jesus intended to convey to both Nicodemus and the woman at the well—the necessity of spiritual transformation and a new life that flows from a direct connection to God.

Like Nicodemus, the woman at the well struggled to understand Jesus’ words in a spiritual sense. Both initially thought on a worldly level: Nicodemus took rebirth literally as a return to the womb, and the woman imagined that the “living water” could free her from the daily trip to the well. However, Jesus’ message went far beyond that. He spoke not only of an external fulfillment but of an internal one—a source of life that flows in the soul and never runs dry.

Her request, “Lord, give me this water,” shows us a deep need for renewal and redemption that exists within every person. Even though the woman did not initially fully understand what Jesus was offering, she felt that His words contained a solution for her inner thirst—a fulfillment that goes beyond physical needs.

Just as God promises a new heart and a new spirit in Ezekiel, Jesus shows that the living water—the Spirit of God—can become a source of eternal life in every person. This inner transformation, which fills us with new strength and a “fleshly heart,” is still an invitation to us today. Jesus’ words remind us that true peace and true fulfillment are only possible through a close relationship with God and the presence of His Spirit.

Read John 4:16. How did Jesus respond to the woman’s request?

When the woman asked for the “living water,” Jesus suddenly changed the subject and asked her to call her husband. This sudden shift shows that Jesus looked beyond the outer words and knew the woman’s heart. He knew that she was seeking healing and renewal, but that she first needed to honestly acknowledge her life situation and inner wounds.

By asking her to bring her husband, Jesus touched a hidden area of her life. This request was not a condemnation but an invitation to self-reflection. To truly receive the renewal and the “living water,” she had to face her reality and acknowledge her needs and faults. Ellen White writes that she needed to “recognize her sin and her Redeemer” before she could receive the gift of living water (SDL 168).

Jesus’ approach reminds us that spiritual healing often begins with confronting ourselves and honestly recognizing our challenges, faults, and inner struggles. By addressing her situation, Jesus demonstrated His deep insight and love, as He did not condemn her but gently led her on the path to healing. His actions teach us that true spiritual growth and renewal often lie in the willingness to face our inner barriers and approach God with openness and honesty.

The encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, and His invitation to receive the “living water,” also speaks to a deep spiritual truth in our daily lives. The promise of a “new heart” and “living water” shows that true renewal and fulfillment flow from an authentic connection to God and that this begins with inner honesty.

1. Renewal and Self-Recognition: The woman at the well had to honestly examine her life situation and challenges to accept Jesus’ offer of healing and renewal. Similarly, in our lives, we often need to confront the hidden areas of our hearts—whether they are insecurities, fears, or unresolved problems. When we are willing to bring these areas before God, His healing power can work where we need renewal the most.

2. Inner Thirst for Meaning and Fulfillment: In daily life, we often feel an inner emptiness or dissatisfaction that worldly things alone cannot satisfy. Jesus’ offer of the “living water” reminds us that this thirst for peace, joy, and meaning can only be quenched in a relationship with Him. Instead of seeking fulfillment in external things, we are invited to continually turn to God and experience new strength and inner satisfaction through Him.

3. Transformation by the Spirit of God: Just as God promises a new heart and a new spirit in Ezekiel, we also experience, in our faith journey, that God wants to transform us from within through the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that strengthens us, solidifies our values, and helps us lead a life in harmony with God’s ways.

4. Courage for Honesty: Jesus’ request for the woman to bring her husband was an invitation to honesty, which is a prerequisite for healing. Developing this honesty with ourselves and with God can be challenging but is crucial for spiritual growth. When we are willing to honestly reflect and acknowledge our weaknesses and needs, we create space for God’s healing work in our lives.

In daily life, this means regularly taking time for reflection and prayer to entrust our inner struggles to God and seek His healing presence. Jesus’ words to the woman at the well remind us that renewal and true living water are always available when we approach Him with openness and trust.

An open heart and an honest prayer can be the beginning of true renewal.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-3-sir-give-me-this-water-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/