Living Water and the Woman at the Well: A Sermon Outline by Keith Badowski

Living Water and the Woman at the Well
Sermon outline by Keith Badowski

1. Samaria—located between Galilee and Judea. Place to be avoided. Jewish origins, intermarried. Jews felt Samarians distorted Jewish faith. Samaritans believed Jews had compromised truth while in exile in Babylon. Jesus came for purpose, instead of going around. Messiah to the WHOLE world. ANOINTED one, sent by God—to the whole world.

2. Jesus’ method of conveying his message to be understood by ALL used objects at hand. Object lesson to reveal Spiritual Truth. Used Metaphor. Water = salvation, washed clean of sin. Thirst = yearning for connection with God. Sin breaks connection with God.

3. Deep down we all know Right vs. Wrong. We’re hardwired by the creator. C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity, see Book One “Right and Wrong As A Clue to the Meaning of the Universe”.

4. Doing wrong, sin, breaks relationship with God and others. Notice that the woman comes to the well during the day to avoid others. Jesus knows she is lonely, i.e. thirsty for connection. Living water offer gets her attention.

5. Metaphor of Living Water is appropriate. Arid climate, daily need to draw water, worse task in daytime. Jesus tied his spiritual message to her actual physical needs and experience. She understood, paid attention.

6. Still had to overcome obstacles, but Jesus let nothing stop him.
a. the Jewish vs. Samaritan barrier
b. gender
c. need for food
d. her efforts to hide her core problem
How willing are WE to traverse obstacles to share living water with others?

7. Are WE willing to go to those people and places others avoid?
When we represent Christ to others we need to take more time.
a. build trust
b. no judgment
c. meets needs
d. patience to develop intimacy, willingness to admit hurts, regrets, mistakes
e. Intro Jesus, forgiveness. Our opportunity to offer Living Water.

8. Jesus persisted despite her side-stepping. “I have no husband.” Temple worship controversy. Like so many, she dodged admission of wrong doing. Some lie, web of deception to cover up. The woman is ashamed but didn’t outright lie or flee. She perceived his connection to God and power. Jesus knew her whole life, so he might also satisfy her thirst for release, a new start, connection with God.

9. Jesus did not berate or ignore her. He welcomed the opportunity to teach truth. Neither Samaritan nor Jew has lock on Worship style (contemporary vs. traditional), the correct building (temple) to worship in, or location. None of those details matter. What matters to God is TRUTH and SPIRIT. Holy Spirit and Truth of God, Jesus is the source. Do WE worship in truth and spirit here?

10. Woman doesn’t understand all Jesus says, at least not fully. But she understands the Messiah is coming. He will reveal TRUTH, explain everything. Jesus knows she is ready for BIG TRUTH that He is the Messiah.

11. Her response is VERY BIG. She immediately tells others. Come hear! He told me everything I did. In her JOY she wants others to receive Living Water too! Freedom from the burden of sin, reunited connection to God. As a result, many Samaritans believed in Jesus.

12. What had been your response to Jesus’ Living Water? Nearly as Joyful? Inclusive of others? Nearly as effective as this woman at the well?