I love the example Jesus set for us in His 33 years on earth.He gave people purpose, added value and equipped them to change the world. John 4: 7-40 is the perfect example of Jesus’ character and how he champions the underdog, I hope this speaks to you today.
First Read John 4: 7 -40 in your Bible.
“Please give me a drink” – with this Jesus establishes the playing field. Even though He has all the answers in life, He shows this woman that she has value, purpose & something to bring to this world. He does not show superiority but actually steps down into her world. He asks her for help! As young adults we need to know that God has equipped us to make a change. I love that Jesus puts this woman first as He gives her purpose.
Application: Start off everyday by believing that Jesus made you with a purpose. He has called you & wants you to bring value to others and this world.
“You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman” – This interaction goes against everything the culture of those days affirmed. Jesus includes this woman. He shows unconditional love. He blesses her even though she did nothing to deserve it. Jesus goes outside his comfort zone to include a stranger.
Application: Today, where could you step up and add value to someone you don’t know? Who could you bless even though you know they cannot give anything back? This is an unconditional act of service – even if it is just including someone you have been putting on the side line.
“If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” – I actually think Jesus first broke the ice. He asked first so that she could feel free to ask back. Jesus first showed her that she had value and something to bring, but with Him she could have so much more. He spoke value into her, then He added value.
Application: In what part of your life do you need to increase your faith? Where have you tried to do things in your own strength? Today is the day you accept Gods free gift… ask & receive.
“Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” – What we can give Jesus will run out. We can bring water and drink it & end up thirsty again; but when we receive what God wants to give us in return, will last for eternity.
Application: Jesus doesn’t ask a lot, only that we believe. And that belief will refresh us, it will bubble up like a spring in us and bring eternal life to you and to others. Live by faith and not by sight.
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the testimony of the woman , “He told me everything I ever did!” – Because of this revelation – the goodness of Jesus, His grace on her life and her being able to forgive herself – the Samaritan woman went from obscurity to greatness. Her testimony changed a whole village. She couldn’t hold onto this for herself, she had to overflow into the lives of others.
Application: Your relationship with Jesus is personal, but it’s not private. It must be public. Write down what God has done in your life and go share it with someone today. This is living counter culture.
Wessel Coetzee – Hillsong Cape Town Powerhouse Pastor