Sun,
Feb 16
1. JESUS IN SYCHAR
a. On His journey to Galilee, where did Jesus and His disciples stop? John 4:5, 6.
“As Jesus sat by the well side, He was faint from hunger and thirst. The journey since morning had been long, and now the sun of noontide beat upon Him. His thirst was increased by the thought of the cool, refreshing water so near, yet inaccessible to Him; for He had no rope nor water jar, and the well was deep. The lot of humanity was His, and He waited for someone to come to draw.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 183.
b. Who came to the well, and what favor did Jesus ask of her—and what should we learn from this? John 4:7.
“The hatred between Jews and Samaritans prevented the woman from offering a kindness to Jesus; but the Saviour was seeking to find the key to this heart, and with the tact born of divine love, He asked, not offered, a favor. The offer of a kindness might have been rejected; but trust awakens trust. The King of heaven came to this outcast soul, asking a service at her hands. He who made the ocean, who controls the waters of the great deep, who opened the springs and channels of the earth, rested from His weariness at Jacob’s well, and was dependent upon a stranger’s kindness for even the gift of a drink of water.”—Ibid., p. 184.
Mon,
Feb 17
2. A DIFFERENT KIND OF WATER
a. How did Jesus call the woman’s attention to the gift of salvation? John 4:10.
“The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His word; His Spirit, His teaching, is as a satisfying fountain to every soul. Every other source to which they shall resort will prove unsatisfying. But the word of truth is as cool streams, represented as the waters of Lebanon, which are always satisfying. In Christ is fullness of joy forevermore.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 390.
b. What was the woman’s reaction to Christ’s offer? John 4:11, 12.
“The woman’s understanding did not comprehend the meaning of Christ; she supposed that he was speaking of the well before them.”—The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, pp. 140, 141.
c. How did Jesus distinguish between one kind of water and another—and how is this message to bless us, too? John 4:13, 14; Revelation 22:17.
“We should cherish love and gratitude, we should look unto Jesus and become transformed into His image. The result of this will be increased confidence, hope, patience, and courage. We shall be drinking of the water of life of which Christ spoke to the woman of Samaria. He said: ‘If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water. . . . Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ This water represents the life of Christ, and every soul must have it by coming into living connection with God. Then blessed, humble, grateful confidence will be an abiding principle in the soul. Unbelieving fear will be swept away before living faith. We shall contemplate the character of Him who first loved us.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 226.
Tue,
Feb 18
3. LIVING WATER
a. How did the Samaritan woman show that she still did not understand Christ’s words? John 4:15.
“The divine grace which He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul.
“Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing— ‘a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 187.
b. Like the Samaritan woman and the wilderness sojourners in the Exodus, how do we often fail to recognize the wonderful grace that flows from Christ? Psalms 78:15, 16, 19, 20 (first part); 114:7, 8.
“Moses smote the rock, but it was the Son of God who, veiled in the cloudy pillar, stood beside Moses, and caused the life-giving water to flow. Not only Moses and the elders, but all the congregation who stood at a distance, beheld the glory of the Lord; but had the cloud been removed, they would have been slain by the terrible brightness of Him who abode therein.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 298.
“Christ’s gracious presence in His word is ever speaking to the soul, representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting soul. It is our privilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual power implanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and actions, refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, and for that joy which brings no sorrow with it. This is the result of an indwelling Saviour.”—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 390.
Wed,
Feb 19
4. JESUS BEGINS TO REVEAL HIS IDENTITY
a. What new subject did Jesus introduce in His conversation with the Samaritan woman—and how did she respond? John 4:16, 17 (first part).
“Jesus now abruptly turned the conversation. Before this soul could receive the gift He longed to bestow, she must be brought to recognize her sin and her Saviour. He ‘saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.’ She answered, ‘I have no husband.’ Thus she hoped to prevent all questioning in that direction.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 187.
b. How did Jesus supplement her answer—and what does this remind us about all that He knows about every single one of us? John 4:17 (last part), 18; Psalm 139:7, 8, 11, 12.
“The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. ‘The Lord’s throne is in heaven’ (Psalm 11:4); yet by His Spirit He is everywhere present. He has an intimate knowledge of, and a personal interest in, all the works of His hand.”—Education, p. 132.
“Heavenly angels examine the work that is put into our hands; and where there has been a departure from the principles of truth, ‘wanting’ is written in the records.”—Child Guidance, p. 155.
“God’s law reaches the feelings and motives, as well as the outward acts. It reveals the secrets of the heart, flashing light upon things before buried in darkness. God knows every thought, every purpose, every plan, every motive. The books of heaven record the sins that would have been committed had there been opportunity. God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing. By His law He measures the character of every man. As the artist transfers to the canvas the features of the face, so the features of each individual character are transferred to the books of heaven. God has a perfect photograph of every man’s character, and this photograph He compares with His law. He reveals to man the defects that mar his life, and calls upon him to repent and turn from sin.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1085.
Thu,
Feb 20
5. JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF AS THE SAVIOUR
a. What did the woman at the well finally realize about Jesus? John 4:19. Was this recognition sufficient?
“The listener trembled. A mysterious hand was turning the pages of her life history, bringing to view that which she had hoped to keep forever hidden. Who was He that could read the secrets of her life? There came to her thoughts of eternity, of the future Judgment, when all that is now hidden shall be revealed. In its light, conscience was awakened.
“She could deny nothing; but she tried to evade all mention of a subject so unwelcome. With deep reverence, she said, ‘Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet.’ Then, hoping to silence conviction, she turned to points of religious controversy. If this was a prophet, surely He could give her instruction concerning these matters that had been so long disputed.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 187, 188.
b. When the woman manifested hope in the coming of the Messiah, what did Jesus say to her? John 4:25, 26.
“The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down, and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all. Wherever hearts are open to receive the truth, Christ is ready to instruct them. He reveals to them the Father, and the worship acceptable to Him who reads the heart. For such He uses no parables. To them, as to the woman at the well, He says, ‘I that speak unto thee am He.’ ”—The Desire of Ages, p. 194.
Fri,
Feb 21
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Why did Jesus never perform a miracle in His own behalf?
2. What resource did Jesus use to lead the Samaritan woman to the gospel?
3. What did the Master say concerning the water of life?
4. Why did Christ mention the personal life of the Samaritan woman?
5. Name a promise associated with the coming of the Messiah.