LIVING BY THE MERCIES OF GOD

Romans 11:33-12:2

What if someone accepts God’s great invitation to come to him as we learned from Isaiah 55? The invitation went out to those who have nothing, the spiritually bankrupt, and have lived sinfully apart from God. What would be the next step in someone’s spiritual journey? After covering many fundamental theological aspects about God, the Apostle Paul wanted the Romans to practically live out their faith by the mercies of God. His starting point was a doxology, a short hymn of praise, in which an important question is raised. What can anyone give to God who knows all things and owns all things? Paul’s answer, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1). We are called to offer our entire life to God and to live out our days being His agents of mercy and grace to the world around us.

I. Offer ourselves as living sacrifices (v. 1; Romans 6:13; 1 Cor. 6:19)

II. Do not be conformed to the world (v. 2; Gal. 1:4; 2 Cor. 4:4)

III. Be transformed by the renewal of the mind (v. 2; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Cor. 10:5)

IV. Live out the mercies of God (v. 8-20)

CONCLUSION:

A great portion of Scripture that shows the active mercy of our God, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). God’s mercy is so great that He laid down his life for us while we were at our worst. What can we offer God in return for what He has done? Maybe, a better question is, “what does God want from us in return?” We come to God and offer ourselves as broken as we are and live our days as living sacrifices. We dedicate ourselves to Him daily by not conforming to the mold of this world but allowing God to continually transform us into the people He wants us to be. Let us live out our days being His agents of mercy to the world around us and help others find the transforming power of our God.

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Ephesians 2:8-10

There is a great paradox within the Christian faith, specifically regarding faith and works. There are many people in this world who are trying to earn their salvation by doing good works. They will do so many good things like feeding the homeless, caring for the sick, and providing for the needy. However, this scripture makes it clear that salvation is not achieved through good works. Now one might be tempted to assume that, if salvation is only through faith and not through good works, there is no need for good works. However, Scripture shows us the purpose and boundary of good works: Good works are done for God, not for our salvation.

I. Salvation is by Grace through Faith (v. 8a; Ephesians 2:1-7; Titus 3:5-7)

II. Salvation is a gift from God (v. 8b-9; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:4-7; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:6; Isaiah 64:6)

III. We are His workmanship (v. 10; Colossians 1:10; Hebrews 13:20-21)

Thank God that salvation is not attained by good works, because there is not enough good works in this world to reconcile the wretched sinners we are with the pure and holy God our Heavenly Father is. By grace we have been saved through faith. But the journey doesn’t end there. Through Christ, we are a new creation, His masterpiece, and we have been given good works from our Heavenly Father so that we may grow to be more like Him. Let us live our lives devoted to the Lord, walking in the path of righteousness laid before us by Him.

JESUS: The Word, The Life, and The Light

John 1:1-13

Two common questions that are often asked are: “Who is Jesus?” and “Where does he ever state that He is God?” When you think about it, there are no greater questions for one to ask than those. If Jesus is God than it should have direct bearing on everything with think and do. One, if Jesus is God then everything belongs to Him and he is in control of all things. From atoms, to molecules, to chemical bonds, to chemical reactions, to physical properties of water, to quantum mechanics, to nuclear bombs, Jesus knows them all because He made all things. The unique properties of a water molecule that give its critical Hydrogen Bonding that sustains life on our planet, Jesus designed it that way. The Apostle John spent three years with Jesus and discovered something marvelous. Divinely inspired, the Apostle wrote His Gospel account declaring who Jesus was in first three verses. All the miracles and teachings that John records after that have one singular purpose, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).

I. Jesus is the Word (v. 1-2; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 3:16-17)

II. Jesus is the source of all life and light (v. 4-5)

III. The witness to the Light (v. 6-9)

IV. Jesus gives eternal life to those receive him (v. 10-13; John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-12)

CONCLUSION:

It is good to remind ourselves why John wrote this Gospel account. It took three years for John to figure out exactly who Jesus is, but he doesn’t want anyone to struggle understanding who Jesus is. His purpose in writing is clear: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). As we study week after week this glorious Gospel, John personally chose every word recorded and miracle performed by Jesus to support his goal. Today, if you hear God’s voice, believe in Jesus as both Lord and Savior and have life in His name. If you have been living in darkness, if your thoughts have been crippling you, if you feel empty within, put your faith in Jesus and receive Him as Lord and Savior. If you are a believer, but you have fallen away, come back to Him by repenting of your sins and receive Him as Lord and Savior. May God help us all to live as His children, may He be our Light and Life today.

THE WORD DWELT AMONG US

John 1:14-18

After spending three years with Jesus, the Apostle John wanted his readers to know who Jesus is. He introduced Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and is God. All things were created through Him and for Him and nothing came into creation without Him. With all of the glorious foundational truths presented, John moved to his climax, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (v. 14). The infinite, eternal Son of God stepped out of eternity and clothed himself in humanity with all its limitations. He was tempted in every way yet never sinned. He allowed himself to be humiliated by being falsely accused and tried for blasphemy which led to His death on cross. The incarnation of Christ is one of the most compelling aspects of the deity of Christ…. Jesus became a Man without ever ceasing to be God. He is the God-Man, God in the Flesh, which is critical for our faith.

I. THE WORD DWELT AMONG US DISPLAYING THE GLORY OF GOD (v. 14-15; Col. 2:9; 14:9-11; 17:24)

II. FROM HIS FULLNESS WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE UPON GRACE (v. 16; Eph. 2:7-9; 2 Cor. 12:9)

III. MOSES BROUGHT THE LAW, BUT JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF GRACE AND TRUTH (v. 17-18; Exodus 32)

CONCLUSION:

Throughout his prologue, John declared profound truths about Christ’s deity and incarnation.

Jesus, who existed in intimate fellowship with the Father from all eternity (v. 1), became flesh (v. 14), brought the full expression of grace and truth to mankind (v. 17), and revealed God to man (v. 18). The incarnation of Jesus is one of the greatest miracles performed by God. The eternal Word became a man by adding humanity to his deity. He could have come to condemn the world for all its sins, but instead came to seek and to save the lost. Instead of receiving grace and truth; it could have been righteous indignation and judgment, justice and condemnation. To those who receive Jesus as Lord, they are adopted as His children and are lavished with His grace. No exceptions: “we have all received”. No limitations: “grace upon grace.” A heaping, lavish abundance of grace. And where does it come from? “From his fullness”. Jesus, the Word, from his divine power freely gives grace upon grace through his inexhaustible supply. That is our God. Come and receive Jesus as your Lord…abundant grace awaits all who do.

Behold, the Lamb of God

John 1:19-34

Four hundred years of silence separate the prophet Malachi and the appearance of John the Baptist. Without any divine revelations from God, the people were in darkness. The rich faith of their ancestors had faded, and the hearts of many had grown cold. Just at the right time, there was a man sent from God who came to bear witness to the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:6-8). Like the opening statement to a court case, the Apostle John’s prologue introduced the facts of the case proving who Jesus is. The apostle John wrote for people to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and that by believing they would have life in His name (John 20:31). To accomplish his goal, the apostle John chose to call his first witness to give testimony, John the Baptist. John the Baptist was an alarming figure wearing strange clothes and living in the wilderness having a strange message (Mark 1:4-8). John the Baptist is a bridge between the Old and New Covenants, between the Law and the Gospel, all paid for by the Lamb of God, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

I. John revealed his identity (v. 20-23; Malachi 4:5-6; Deut. 18:15; Isaiah 40:3-5)

II. John revealed why he was baptizing (v. 24-27; Matt. 3:7-11)

III. John revealed who Jesus is (v. 29-31; Leviticus 4:32-35; Isaiah 53:6-7; Luke 1:30-35)

IV. God revealed what to look for (v. 32-33, Matt. 3:13-17)

Conclusion:

When religious leaders peppered John the Baptist with questions, he denied all their claims. He was simply a “voice of the one calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way for the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). The baptizer’s message was simple but urgent: Prepare your hearts by repenting of sin, for the Messiah had come. This Messiah came not to offer political, economic, or societal change, but rather spiritual transformation beginning with the forgiveness of sins. To all who are wayward and bound in darkness, John’s words still ring true, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” In A.W. Tozer’s And He Dwelt Among Us, he noted that the “Lamb of God, the seed of Abraham, David’s greater son, the Lamb that was slain-He specializes in hard cases and He takes away sin-yours and mine. He forgiveth iniquity and pardoneth sin. You confess it; He forgives it. You name it; He destroys it. You expose it; He removes it. You own it; He takes it out.” So come and behold the Lamb of God, Jesus, who was slain for all of mankind’s sins. Repent, believe, and have life in His name.

Come and See

John 1:35-51

In John 1, the Apostle John introduced us to Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus is the pre-existent and co-eternal Word of God who became flesh (John 1:1 and 14), the creator of the universe (verses 3 and 10), the life and true light of men (verses 4, 5, and 9), the only begotten Son of God “full of grace and truth” (verse 14), superior to Moses (verse 17), and the only one who has seen the Father (verse 18). John the Baptist exclaimed that Jesus was the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (verse 29) and again on another day ““Behold, the Lamb of God!” (verse 36). That was enough to send two of his disciples on a spiritual journey to learn more about Jesus. After Jesus personally invited Philip to follow Him, Philip approached his skeptical friend Nathanael about coming to Jesus. Philip overcame his arguments with the simple invitation, “Come and see” (verse 46). The invitation still stands for all of us, come with all your doubts and questions and see who Jesus really is.

I. Jesus asked the greatest question (v. 38-39)

II. Jesus has a specific calling for us (v. 40-42)

III. Jesus invites us to follow Him (v. 43-45)

IV. Jesus knows everything about us (v. 48-51)

Conclusion:

Today, there are approximately 2 billion Christians worldwide and what we have studied is the beginning of it all. Five men, John, Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (Bartholomew) had unique encounters with Jesus which changed their lives forever. Two friends longing to learn more about Jesus go together on a journey of faith. The Gospel is shared between brothers that would produce a great leader of the early church. For others, it will be a direct encounter with God that changed them. God will overcome our misconceptions, even prejudices, to make us his own. To those who accept Jesus’ invitation to come and see, Jesus is the Messiah (Andrew), the One prophesied about in the Old Testament (Philip), and the Son of God and the King of Israel (Nathanael). What are you seeking today? What misconceptions do you have about Jesus, His church, or His followers? Just like the first disciples, Jesus is inviting everyone to simply come and see for yourself who He is. He is patient and kind and is willing for no one to perish. Come as you are and see Jesus for who He really is.

Water Into Wine

John 2:1-12

Road signs often give us directions and provide important information that would have been unknown otherwise. John recorded seven miracles to act like signs to help prove that Jesus is the Christ. After calling some of his disciples, the first sign (miracle) of Jesus that John recorded was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus attending a wedding celebration was in stark contrast to the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt. 11:18–19). Instead of being a voice in the wilderness, Jesus chose to spend time with people where they were and minister to them as they went about their daily activities. The changing of water into wine happened with little recognition outside of his followers. Jesus revealed his glory to anyone who was willing to see it. Sometimes that will involve miracles, but other times it is profound teaching that can only come by God. In whatever way God chooses to interact with you today, I pray that you would believe in Jesus as the Christ and have life in his name (John 20:31).

I. A joyous wedding on the verge of chaos (v. 1-4)

II. Jesus performs his first miracle (v. 6-10)

III. The purpose of the miracle (v. 11)

Conclusion:

What is the significance of Jesus’ first sign? With little recognition of the problem, nor appreciation in how Jesus solved it, the glory of God was experienced by His followers and a few spectators. By turning the water into wine, Jesus displayed his power, sovereignty, might, and lordship over all of Creation. He can circumvent the laws of nature by supernaturally creating molecules. He can bypass time needed for fermentation to produce good wine. He doesn’t need necessary ingredients, like grapes and sugar. Whatever Jesus wills in His mind and desires in His heart simply happens. Our response should be like His first followers. Let us see the manifestation of the glory of God through Christ and believe in Him. Believe and have life in His name (John 20:31).

The Cleansing of the Temple

John 2:13-25

What are you passionate about? It could be a hobby, a favorite sports team, or a particular idea. Something you care so deeply about, that you’re willing to defend your stance. In John 2, we see that Jesus was extremely passionate about the reverent worship of God. The temple was meant to be a place where people could gather to offer sacrifices and praises to God, but instead it became a sleazy marketplace. So, in a sign of righteous anger, Jesus cleansed the temple. Do we care about the worship of our God? As believers, the most important time of the week should be the time we gather together to worship our Lord. The focus isn’t putting on the best show or attracting the most people, but giving praise and glory to God. God deserves nothing short of our utmost praise and worship. He conquered death. In three days, He rose from the grave. By His blood, we have been saved.

I. Jesus cleanses the temple (v. 13-17)

II. Jesus gives a puzzling response (v. 18-22)

III. Jesus knew what was in man (v. 23-25)

Remember that the main purpose of the book of John is “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭31‬). In this one event, Jesus shows that He is the Son of God. His passion for the reverent worship of God points to His relationship with the Father. Jesus eventually eliminates the need for the old sacrificial system of worship with His blood. Let us not corrupt worship, but let us look to the cross. God knows every single one of us, and even still, He sent His Son for us. God deserves our utmost praise and worship and all the glory.

You Must Be Born Again

John 3:1-15

When a religious leader came to Jesus at night with questions, Jesus cut to the heart of the matter and told him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This was a shocking statement that confused a well-respected and educated man who had devoted his life to honoring God and obeying His commandments. In one sentence, Nicodemus was told that everything that he has done for God up to that point is useless. Many of us are like Nicodemus, we are educated. We are respected within the community. We have integrity and a good sense of morals. To Nicodemus and all of us, Jesus simply tells us, “You must be born again, or you will never see the Kingdom of God.”

I. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night (v. 1-2; John 2:23-25)

II. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be “born again” (v. 3-8; Ezek. 36:24-27)

III. Jesus dealt with Nicodemus’ ignorance (v. 9-13; Joel 2:28-29; Jer. 31:33)

IV. Jesus explained how one can be born again (v. 14-15; Numbers 21:6-9; Isaiah 45:22)

Conclusion:

Whether it is Nicodemus, Charles Spurgeon, or us, we all need to look to Jesus hanging on the cross, believe, and have life. Jesus told Nicodemus he had to be born again, born of both water and the Spirit. We will not see the Kingdom of God, nor step foot in it unless that happens. Like the wind, the Spirit moves-we don’t know where it came from nor where it is going, but we see the evidence of it. If we would look to Jesus, the Son of God, and believe we would have life in His name. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). Can you see Him there dying for you in agony? Nail pierced hands and feet? The crown of thorns smashed unto his brow. Stripped naked exposing his battered and torn flesh. He is gasping for air and choking from fluid filling his lungs. Can you see Him? Look to Jesus, believe in Him as your Lord and Savior, be born again, and have life in His name.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

John 3:14-17

John’s gospel does not describe a hard and cruel God who is indifferent to our feelings and sufferings. Rather it speaks of a God who loved us so much He would send His only son to take our place on Death Row. If that isn’t love, what is? The negative perspective so many people have about God shows how confused and distorted our perceptions are as human beings. John 3:16 has been the life verse for so many. There is no other verse that has been memorized more and shared with loved ones in just about every occasion. Martin Luther wrote, “If you want to find God, then inscribe these words in your heart. Don’t sleep, but be vigilant. Learn and ponder these words diligently: ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’ Let him who can write, write these words. Furthermore, read them, discuss them, meditate, and reflect on them in the morning and in the evening, whether awake or asleep!” As we prepare our hearts for remembering the Resurrection of our Lord, let us refresh our hearts and minds on this powerful verse.

I. For God so loved the world (1 John 4:8-9)

II. He gave His only begotten Son (Gen. 22; Romans 5:6-8)

III. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish (John 3:36; Romans 6:23; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 8:12)

IV. Whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life (John 14:6; John 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12)

Conclusion:

To a man searching like Nicodemus, Jesus first tells him he must be born again and then follows with a message for the ages. John 3:16 is one verse that you could spend your entire life meditating over and still never exhaust its fullness and importance. In just twenty-five words the entire Gospel is given: it starts with God, warns of judgment, and ends with the promise of eternal life. Eternal life is not earned by begging, crying, working, or joining a church. It is offered as a free gift to all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is unfortunate that so many false teachers have tried to add to the Gospel distorting its simplicity yet profundity. I pray that Christ’s words will be sufficient for you today. May His words overcome all your doubts and all the lies the world promotes. God loves you. God gave His Son for You. You don’t have to perish. You can have eternal life. Believe that Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name.

The Importance of the Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:1-19

The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most important aspects of the Christian faith. It fulfilled prophecies written thousands of years before Jesus walked the earth (Psalm 16:10). It fulfilled the words that Jesus had spoken about his own life and death (Mark 8:31, John 11:25-26). It was important to the apostles because they would eventually give up their lives to proclaim the good news (Acts 2:29-32). It fueled the anger and animosity of the religious leaders who crucified Jesus (Matt. 27:62-64). To those who believed, Jesus’ resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. In the Resurrection, Jesus was victorious over sin and death which by our faith is ours: His Victory is Our Victory.

I. A reminder of the Gospel (v. 3-4)

II. A reason to trust the Gospel (v. 5-8)

III. The power of the Gospel (v. 9-12)

IV. Reasons why the Resurrection Matters (v. 13-19)

CONCLUSION:

But what if Christ has been raised just as the Bible declares? What if Jesus is truly the Resurrection and Life as he told a grieving family? What if He really was buried and on the third day rose again? What if many of his followers saw the resurrected Jesus and were reassured that He had conquered death and everything that he said was true? Each of us must decide what we will do with the resurrection of Jesus. By God raising Christ from the dead, our preaching is not in vain. By Jesus raising from the dead, any faith in Christ is sufficient to save us from our sins. The apostles were not false witnesses but were true witnesses who can be trusted. Our faith is not worthless because our sins are forgiven. One day will see Christ face to face along with all who trusted in Him. Believe in Christ’s words, believe in His miracles, believe in His resurrection, believe in the teaching from the Word of God. Believe and have life in his name.

Jesus Did Not Come to Judge the World

John 3:14-21

In Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we receive some of the most precious promises in the New Testament found in John 3:16-17. God has offered the world His own Son that whoever would believe in Him would not perish but would have everlasting life (v. 16). Second, God did not send his Son to condemn the world in its fallen state but to save it from perishing (v. 17). If God has given mankind such a gracious gift, what happens if someone rejects Jesus as both Lord and Savior? Simply, the promises of God will not be received by those who reject them. Like a ship that is sinking, Jesus came to a world that is already fallen and did what He could to save all that would come to Him.

I. Jesus came to save the world not to judge it (v. 16-17; Ezekiel 18:23, 31-32; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9)

II. There is judgment for those who deny Jesus (v. 18-19; 9:39; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)

III. Two different responses to Jesus (v. 20-21; 5:24)

Conclusion:

Jesus did not come to judge the world but to save it. This is what we see throughout the Gospels. To a Samaritan woman with five different husbands and living with a man who she was not married to (John 4:1-45), Jesus came to save her not judge her. To a woman caught in the act of adultery who by the Law deserved to be stoned to death was not condemned by Jesus but rather shown mercy (John 8:1-11). Jesus taught that the Prodigal Son who spent all his inheritance on loose living was welcomed back home by his father who represents how our heavenly Father will receive anyone who comes to him in repentance (Luke 15:11-32). Instead of condemning sinners, Jesus spent much of his time trying to save them. This is why Jesus was given the derogatory name, “friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19). Jesus offers the world grace, mercy, and forgiveness not ridicule, judgment, and condemnation. If we will put our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, He will rescue us from the judgment that we all deserve. Believe in Jesus as the Messiah and have life in His name.

“He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease”

John 3:22-36

John the Baptist was the last prophet under the old covenant (Luke 16:16). He was the voice crying out in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord as prophesied in Isaiah 40:3-8. He had gained a tremendous following (Matt. 3:4–6; Mark 1:4–5), while Jesus remained in obscurity. Jesus’ earthly ministry had just begun by the cleansing of the temple and the turning of water into wine (John 2). Some took notice such as Nicodemus, but overall, Jesus remained in obscurity. However, the time had come for the Messiah to begin his public ministry which meant that Jesus’ ministry would eclipse John’s. John had a specific role to play in preparing the way for the Messiah and he succeeded in doing so. For some that may have been difficult, but for John it was a source of great joy. We should all share in John’s joy. May our greatest joy be found in Christ and in His glorification in and through us.

I. A dispute arises among John’s disciples (v. 25-26; 1 Cor. 1:11-15; 1 Cor. 3:4-8)

II. John responds with joy and humility (v. 27-30; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7)

III. John affirms the greatness of Jesus (v. 31-35; Heb. 1:1-2; Matt. 17:5)

IV. John’s last words about Jesus (v. 36; John 5:24)

Conclusion:

John the Baptist was given the unique ministry of preparing the way for the Messiah. His role was significant. Jesus commented about John the Baptist, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11). John knew that he was not the Messiah; he was to point to the Messiah. When it was time for Jesus to initiate his public ministry, the consequence was that John’s ministry would fade into the background. Instead of being irritated and frustrated, John responded with joy and humility. John’s desire was for the Messiah to increase and for himself to decrease. Jesus was Lord; John was just a man. Jesus was God’s anointed one; John was a man with a specific calling. As John’s ministry comes to a fitting end, we have seen in glorious things: Sinners must be born again, the Savior Must be lifted up, the Sovereign one must increase, and the servant must decrease. John’s last teaching resonates with the purpose of this Gospel, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Believe in Jesus as Messiah and have life in His name.

OFFERING LIVING WATER TO SINNERS

John 4:1-26

When Nicodemus came to ask questions of Jesus, he was told that he must be born again. Nicodemus was confused how that could happen. He was thinking of physical birth, but Jesus was revealing the need for spiritual birth. Nicodemus was then told two great truths; God gave His son because he loved the world and that His Son came to save the world not condemn it (John 3:16-17). Eventually, large crowds began coming to Jesus’ ministry prompting him to leave Judea and head back to Galilee. Being moved by the Spirit, Jesus went to Samaria and met a sinful woman at Jacob’s Well. Like a living parable, Jesus came to Samaria when others would never do so to save, not condemn. Jesus’ interaction with a sinful woman transformed her life and would lead to the salvation of many. Jesus is still searching for the lost; he brings love not condemnation to the greatest of sinners and offers us living water causing us to never thirst again.

I. Jesus had to go to Samaria (v. 1-4, 10:18, 7:30, 8:20)

II. A Samaritan woman is offered living water (v. 7-15; Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13; Psalm 36:8-9; Isaiah 55:1; John 6:35; John 7:38-39)

III. Jesus exposed her greatest need (v. 16-19; 3:17, 3:20))

IV. God is seeking true worshippers (v. 21-24)

V. Jesus revealed that He is the Messiah (v. 25-26; Deut. 18:18)

Conclusion:

Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is sovereign over every event and overcomes every obstacle to save people. Racism, societal norms, or other prejudices will not prevent Christ from saving those who are His. In His sovereignty, Jesus had to go to Samaria. He had to sit at a well. He had to go there at noontime. He had to interact with a sinful woman. He offered her what no one else could, living water. Although she had a checkered past, Jesus revealed that he was in fact the Messiah. We should remember that we are not Jesus in this story, we are like the Samaritan Woman. We need Jesus to reveal our darkness, remove it, and make us true worshippers of the Messiah. We need the living water that Christ can only provide which wells up in us to eternal life. Ask Jesus to come to us like He did this Samaritan Woman and to reveal to us that He is the Messiah. Instead of deflecting or making excuses, let us receive the living water that He offers to us today.