Monday | Week 3
Jesus and his disciples were in the Judean countryside, and John the Baptist and his disciples were near by—both were baptizing people. John’s disciples come to him confused and jealous that people are going to Jesus instead of coming to them for baptism. John’s response really sums up this first section: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). John reaffirms what his role is, and points to the truth of who Jesus is.
After this, Jesus and his disciples traveled through Samaria and stopped for a rest at a well outside of a small town. It is here that Jesus intentionally has a conversation with a Samaritan woman who is considered to have a somewhat checkered past. This is the first hint we have that Jesus came for more than just the Jews, because Samaritans are half-Jew, half-Gentile. We quickly learn that Jesus knows her story. He calls out some of what probably keeps her ashamed, causing her to come to the well at noon instead of earlier with the other women.
But the best part: he doesn’t reveal what he knows about her and then leave; he stays. He engages her anyway. He treats her with respect and kindness, and he offers her the truth about himself. He invites her into the story. This exchange is so powerful for her that she runs into town and tells everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29). Many Samaritans did come to believe! Some consider the woman at the well the first missionary, or the first evangelist.
Jesus and the disciples continued on to Galilee after a couple of days. On the way, a government official from another town approached Jesus and begged him to come and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus just simply stated: “Go, your son will live!” (John 4:50). The man left, believing what Jesus said. Before the man had even reached home, he was met on the road with the news that his son was well. When everyone compared stories, it was confirmed that at the same time Jesus said the boy would live, his fever left him. This is the first time in the book of John that we see Jesus physically heal someone without being present. His words alone have the power to heal!
Discussion Questions
What stands out in the text to you?
Which verse(s) did you really connect with?
Do you see any themes throughout the whole passage of scripture?
Did you see anything new that you have never noticed before?