Going Deeper… (John 4:25-42)

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 4:25-42), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

  • [35-38] Read Amos 9:11-15. Both Amos and Jesus depict cross-cultural evangelism in (supernormal) agricultural terms. From these passages, and/or from your understanding of agriculture, what attitudes or perspectives about evangelism are being conveyed or promoted? Does this describe your attitude about evangelism? Why or why not? (If not, maybe it’s a matter for prayer!)
  • [38] Jesus tells his disciples that they are caught up in the global mission begun by God and his people as recorded in the Old Testament. What is this mission? Describe some of the reluctance people (like Israel, or you) feel about participating in the mission of the Gospel. Considering the Jews’ “relationship” with the Samaritans, what do you make of the fact that Jesus’ official campaign slogan was, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)?
  • [28-30, 39-42] Jesus’ disciples, being Jews, viewed Samaria as cross-cultural evangelism, but the Samaritan woman went to people who would have been more regularly in her life: neighbors, ex-husbands, et cetera. Who are the people in your life with whom you might have evangelistic conversations? Do you have a list of people you pray for, that they would come to Christ? Considering the Samaritan woman’s confessional approach, how might you personally invite people to meet and consider Jesus?