Lessons from the Well

Scripture: John 4:4-30 (Message) Please read the story in its entirety; this is only a portion of the story.

26 “I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.

28-30 The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

The Gist:

Sometimes, even after reading a story in scripture for what feels like 100 times or more, something new will stand out to us. This is part two of our time in John 4, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Two things stood out to us like never before: Why did Jesus ask a question he already knew the answer to? And why did John include the detail in verse 28 about the woman leaving her water pot behind?

In this week’s podcast, we take a closer look at the second question and consider why John included the detail of “leaving her water pot at the well.” This isn’t about getting the right answer or finding a solution, but more about being curious and entering into the story to learn more about God and ourselves.

When the woman arrived at the well, the most important thing she had in her possession was her water pot, until she met Jesus. Why put this detail in the Scriptures? Today, we consider how this signals a shift in her priorities, shows an urgency and excitement, may symbolize leaving her old life behind, and highlights her transformation from shameful seeker to miraculous messenger.

Digging Deeper:

What feels "essential" to me now that may not be essential in God's eyes?

Where have I taken on a weight that I was never meant to carry?

Where is my "yes" to something causing a quiet "no" to God?

What truth do I avoid because it might require change?

Where do I feel resistance when I think about deeper surrender?

Lessons from the Well- Part One

Scripture: John 4:4-30 (Message) Please read the story in its entirety; this is only a portion of the story.

15 The woman said, “Sir, give me this water so I won’t ever get thirsty, won’t ever have to come back to this well again!”

16 He said, “Go call your husband and then come back.”

17-18 “I have no husband,” she said.

“That’s nicely put: ‘I have no husband.’ You’ve had five husbands, and the man you’re living with now isn’t even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough.”

The Gist:

Sometimes, even after reading a story in scripture for what feels like 100 times or more, something new will stand out to us. For the next two episodes, we will be sitting in John 4, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Two things stood out to us: Why did Jesus ask a question he already knew the answer to? And why did John include the detail in verse 28 about the woman leaving her water pot behind?

In this week’s podcast, we take a closer look at the first question and consider why Jesus asked a question He already knew the answer to. This isn’t about getting the right answer or finding a solution, but more about being curious and entering into the story to learn more about God and ourselves.

We will consider how Jesus gently uses this question to get to the root of the real issue, to reveal his divine knowledge, confront truth without condemnation, and break through her defenses, as well as prepare her for the living water he is offering

Digging Deeper:

What have I been seeking or using to satisfy my heart unsuccessfully in place of God?

When I feel stressed, where do I instinctively turn for comfort?

What am I hesitant to pray honestly about?

If God is enough, what would change in how I'm living today?

Scripture

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;
let them break out in joyful song.
May You keep them safe—
their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted. Your blessings surround them like a shield.

Psalm 5:11-12 (VOICE)

The Gist

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

Today, we discuss a new perspective on what a blessing is and isn't. It's incredible how one sentence in scripture can open our hearts to something new.

We have been taught or often think of a blessing as a moment, a breakthrough, an answered prayer, or provision at just the right time, but Psalm 5:12 is pointing to something deeper. It speaks of blessing as being an atmosphere, posture or even environment that we live in.

Blessing doesn’t remove us from our difficulties or challenges, but it changes how much gets through to us living inside this blessing shapes how we interpret life, and we walk differently. Blessing isn’t something we’re waiting for, but what we remain within.

To say that blessing becomes our environment is saying I live under God’s care. I wake up in his favor, and I walk through the world protected by his presence, it’s saying, I don’t have to move toward the blessing or work for it. I wake up inside it.

Digging Deeper

If blessing is not something I chase, what parts of my life still feel like I’m striving to earn it?

What shifts in me when I imagine blessing as the atmosphere around me rather than a reward ahead of me?

What changes in my identity when I believe I am someone who lives in blessing rather than someone who receives it occasionally?

How might my decisions change if I trusted that I am already held, already covered, already favored?

What practices help me stay conscious of the environment of blessing rather than slipping back into striving?