PLEASE BE A BLESSING TO US!

Roof Contribution Announcement

 Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 New Bethel AME Church is asking for your assistance, as we continue to maintain our local assembly for a place of fellowship and worship.  We have a goal to obtain funding to replace our roof by the end of this calendar year.  We are asking you to partner with us in making a monthly or one-time donation.  There are multiple ways to make your contribution.  Please feel free to give online via New Bethel’s website (http://www.newbethelameredtop.com), via the donate icon, Givelify, or mail your contribution to the address listed below. Please add the comment ‘roof donation’. We appreciate your continued efforts

We need $1,000.00 more PLEASE help us!

Lord I thank you, I can see the NEW ROOF going on by Christmas.

 

Sunday School Lesson

December 8
Lesson 2 (KJV)

DAVID’S GRATITUDE

 

DEVOTIONAL READING: Deuteronomy 26:1–11
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 16:7–36

1 CHRONICLES 16:8–12, 28–36

8. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

   9. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

   10. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

   11. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

   12. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.
   28. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

   29. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

   30. Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
   31. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

   32. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

   33. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

   34. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

   35. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

   36. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

 

KEY VERSE
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.—1 Chronicles 16:8

 

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Tell why much of the text is in the nature of a psalm.

2. Explain how David’s gratitude is reflected in the imperatives give, sing, remember, etc.

3. Identify one of those imperatives most lacking in his or her worship and make a plan for improvement.

 

HOW TO SAY IT

Asaph
Ay-saff.

Benaiah
Be-nay-juh.

Jahaziel
Juh-hay-zuh-el.

Levites
Lee-vites.

Uzza(h)
Uz-zuh.

Introduction

1. “The King of …”

Even though we may not live under a monarchy, the word king is still an important part of our vocabulary. We often use it to signify that someone or something is the best in its category. In baseball the pitcher who leads the major league in strikeouts is termed the Strikeout King, and the leader in home runs is called the Home Run King. NASCAR driver Richard Petty became known as simply the King because of his accomplishments in the sport.
In music, Elvis Presley is generally given the title of King of Rock and Roll, while Michael Jackson receives the accolade of King of Pop. Fans of the genre would likely disagree over who the King of Country is, depending on their preference for older or more contemporary versions.
If one were to create a title such as “King of Psalms,” there is no question who would be the recipient of that honor; it would have to be given to King David. It is he who became known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1). If David were to be offered such an honor, he most likely would refuse to accept it because his music was devoted to the praises of a far greater king: the Lord God of Israel. Whatever talent David possessed, he recognized it as being a gift from that same God.

1. Lesson Context

Today’s lesson text closely follows the passage covered last week. There David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem amidst great celebration and joy (see 1 Chronicles 15; lesson 1). After the ark was placed inside the tent that David had provided for it, burnt offerings and peace offerings were sacrificed (16:1). These expressions of worship were needed following the first attempt to transport the ark (see chapter 13). Likely they were partly given in repentance for the previous flippant attitude toward transporting the ark; partly they were offered undoubtedly to thank God for restoring and repairing their relationship with Him.
A burnt offering was completely consumed on the altar, signifying the worshipper’s complete devotion to the Lord. Peace offerings were given with a desire to establish fellowship or communion between the worshipper and the Lord. They included a shared meal among the worshippers. On this occasion, David blessed the worshippers, then provided each one with food for their meal (1 Chronicles 16:2, 3).
David then appointed some of the Levites “to minister before the ark of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:4). That ministry was to focus primarily on leading the people in worship, specifically in the area of music. David desired to show utmost reverence toward the sacred space associated with the ark of the covenant. He assigned specific individuals to play certain instruments and even appointed two priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, to sound trumpets regularly before the ark (16:4–6).
Chief among the men appointed by David for these sacred tasks was Asaph, who had already assisted in bringing the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:17). Asaph’s authorship of certain psalms was noted in last week’s study (see lesson 1 commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16). David commissioned a special psalm of thanksgiving for Asaph for use on this important day and then for use in any future occasions of celebration and praise (16:7). David did not want Asaph to sing a solo or lead a professional chorus. Instead, this appears to have been an opportunity to teach the people a new worship song.
The resulting psalm contains sections that are similar to three psalms found in the book of Psalms (compare 1 Chronicles 16:8–22 to Psalm 105:1–15; 1 Chronicles 16:23–33 to Psalm 96; and 1 Chronicles 16:34–36 to Psalm 106:1, 47, 48). None of these three psalms are credited to David, nor is the psalm in 1 Chronicles 16 specifically attributed to him. He could have commissioned another writer to provide a psalm for Asaph (1 Chronicles 16:7). David, whose heavy involvement in this ceremony has already been noted, also could easily have composed a psalm for this occasion. The new song called attention to the Lord’s goodness to His people throughout their history. It also challenged His people to give God the glory due His great name.

1. Call to Worship
   (1 CHRONICLES 16:8–12)
2. Praise the Lord (vv. 8–10a)
3. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

   The psalm is a call to all God’s people. The word “people” in this verse is plural, meaning “peoples” (compare Revelation 10:11; 17:15). Thus, not only does David desire that all of God’s people engage in giving thanks, he also intends for the people of other lands to hear about all that the Lord has done (see 1 Chronicles 16:19–27).

   9. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

   The exhortation continues with the command to sing psalms (such as this one) to the Lord. As in the previous verse, the worship of the Lord is not always meant to be private. The worshipper is to talk of the Lord’s wondrous works.
   The world could use more talk about the Lord. Such conversations include telling all of what God has done in creation and the history of His people. We should also share personal testimonies about His work in our lives as David models elsewhere (Psalms 19; 30; 34; 63; 142, etc.). Christians have a greater story to share than David knew: we tell of Jesus’ mighty work for all the nations (Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 2:11–22; Hebrews 11:32–40; Revelation 15:3, 4; etc.).

   What Do You Think?
   What are some of God’s wonderful works we can and should proclaim in worship services?

   Digging Deeper
   In what ways have you found memory and proclamation of God’s work to be connected to your own moral behavior?

   10a. Glory ye in his holy name.

   The Hebrew word hallelujah is translated here as glory. The holy name of the Lord is ample reason to glorify Him. In a biblical context, one’s name is associated with the person’s character or reputation (Exodus 20:7; Proverbs 22:1). The name of the Lord is truly above all names, for His character and reputation are far superior to any possible rival (Exodus 3:14, 15; Psalms 8:1, 9; 20:1, 5, 7; etc.; compare Philippians 2:9–11).

4. Seek the Lord (vv. 10b, 11)

10b. Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Today, the heart is connected primarily to romantic affections. Throughout the Old Testament, heart often indicates the inner person that is home to one’s deepest desires (Genesis 6:5; Exodus 4:21; 35:21; etc.). For one’s heart to rejoice shows that the heart is pursuing or has found what it most wants.
The discipline of seeking the Lord is found throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 14:2–4; Isaiah 55:6; Jeremiah 29:13). The Psalms regularly admonish worshippers to seek the Lord (Psalms 9:10; 24:6; 27:8; etc.). The people do not seek someone who intends to stay hidden. God has revealed himself in many ways throughout history (Hebrews 1:1, 2). This seeking is an unending though fruitful quest on earth (1 Corinthians 13:9–12). Our search will be completed when we are with the Lord for eternity (Revelation 21:3).

11. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

The Israelites may be tempted to seek strength by the worship of foreign gods (Exodus 32:1; Numbers 25:1–3; 1 Kings 18:18–40) or by forming treaties with other nations (Exodus 34:12, 15; Joshua 9:3–15; 2 Chronicles 35:20–24). Instead of trusting God, the Israelites may be tempted to put their trust in a mighty military (Judges 7:1–8; 1 Samuel 8:10–12; 1 Kings 22:1–39) or by using oppressive economic practices to make them secure in wealth (Isaiah 10:1, 2; Amos 2:6, 7; 8:4–6). Instead of relying on these worldly sources of power, David exhorts the people to seek God’s strength (compare 1 Samuel 2:10; Isaiah 45:24).
To seek the Lord’s face continually suggests that a person should strive to know Him well. Moses is described as someone “whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Yet, not even Moses was permitted to see the face of the Lord in the sense of viewing His glory directly (Exodus 33:18–20). Jesus later tells His disciples that seeing Him is seeing God (John 12:44; 14:7, 9; compare Colossians 1:15–20). The climax of seeking the Lord’s face will be seeing Him face-to-face in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:4).

FACIAL RECOGNITION

Specialized computer applications identify a person by examining his or her face. In the mid-1960s, programmers Woody Bledsoe, Helen Chan, and Charles Bisson used computers to select from a database a small group of faces that most nearly resembled the face in a photo. As one might expect, results changed when photos varied by lighting, camera angle, and even facial expression of the subject.
Nevertheless, the technology continued to improve. Today, an algorithm analyzes the position, size, and shape of the subject’s eyes, nose, cheekbones, and jaw. By looking at specific characteristics, the program can seek the face of a person with increasing accuracy.
A common command in Scripture is to use “facial recognition” of a sort to know God! How are you growing in your recognition of God’s face?
—J. E.

1. Remember His Works (v. 12)
2. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.

   The exhortation to remember the Lord is common in the Old Testament (examples: Deuteronomy 8:2, 18; Ecclesiastes 12:1). His people tend to forget Him without constant reminders (Deuteronomy 32:7–9, 18; Judges 3:7; 1 Samuel 12:9–15; compare 1 Corinthians 11:20–29). If we remember the Lord’s marvellous works and his wonders, we will be less apt to act unfaithfully.
   The judgments of the Lord refer to more than judicial decisions. The Hebrew word can refer to the principles and commandments He has given His covenant people to live by (Exodus 21:1; Deuteronomy 4:14; Psalm 119:175). For the people to have received such judgments from the Lord is just as much a sacred privilege as having witnessed His wonders (Psalm 147:20).
   First Chronicles 16:13–27 (not included in today’s text) highlights the Lord’s works on behalf of His covenant people—works they should remember. Also included are exhortations to sing to the Lord and to speak of His great works to other peoples (1 Chronicles 16:23, 24).

3. Call Extended
   (1 CHRONICLES 16:28–33)

4. To the Nations (vv. 28, 29)
5. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

   God has always had a plan to provide salvation for the kindreds. Within the Old Testament, in which the nation of Israel is God’s “peculiar treasure” (Exodus 19:5), there are hints of His intention to bless all the people in the entire world (Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Isaiah 2:2; 11:9; Micah 4:1; etc.). Jesus fulfills that plan (2 Corinthians 5:17–19; Colossians 1:21–23). It will come to full fruition in Heaven, where the righteous from “all nations, and kindreds” will find their home (Revelation 7:9).

   29. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

   True worship is expressed in more than words. It must include action, specifically an offering (Leviticus 7:29; 9:7; 22:29; contrast Psalm 51:17; Micah 6:6–8). Such an offering could be an animal, raw grains or other produce, fruits and grains already prepared as food and drink, or other valuable goods (Exodus 25:21–29; Leviticus 2; 22:21; 23:13, 18, 37; etc.). The most important feature of an offering is the excellence of the gift—so good as to be perfect (example: Leviticus 3:6).
   One should keep in mind the historical backdrop of this psalm: proper transportation of the ark of the covenant following an improper attempt (1 Chronicles 13; 15)—an attempt that was unholy in manner. The quality of holiness is central to God’s character (Joshua 24:19; 1 Samuel 2:2; etc.). To worship in the beauty of holiness means not only being aware of God’s holiness but also approaching Him as His holy people (1 Peter 1:15, 16). This can happen only as we obey Him. God desires that His covenant people live holy lives. Christians must understand that this is the primary reason God has given us His Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8; compare Hebrews 12:14).

   What Do You Think?
   What are some ways to ensure that your worship is characterized by a holiness that honors God’s holiness?

   Digging Deeper
   How should holiness in worship reflect the fact that God’s people are set apart for His special purposes in the world? How do Psalm 29:1, 2 and 1 Peter 1:15, 16 inform your response?

   B. To All Nature (vv. 30–33)

6. Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

   The command to fear reflects a concern that proper reverence be shown to the Lord, particularly in light of what happened during the first attempt to carry the ark (see 1 Chronicles 13). The phrase all the earth is emphasized by appearing three times within this psalm (see 16:14, 23). The Lord’s control over the entire world stabilizes and sustains it. Nothing throws it out of its orbit; the planet remains in the place assigned by its Creator. When God desires to remove it from its place in order to establish the new heavens and earth, that will indeed happen (2 Peter 3:10–13).

   31. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

   The entire heavens and the earth, which the Lord has created (Genesis 1:1), are now called on to rejoice in their Maker. People—who are not only created by God but made in His image (1:27)—should witness among the nations, in the chorus with all creation, that the Lord reigneth. None other is worthy of this declaration.

   32a. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

   The members of this choir continue to grow in number as the waters and the land and all their inhabitants add their voices. The sea, far from being a tranquil retreat, often represents chaos (Psalm 46:2, 3; Proverbs 8:29; Habakkuk 1:14). Its worship of the Lord reveals that even the seemingly untamable depths, with all its creatures, falls under God’s power and yearns to see His greatness (Job 41; Psalm 74:13; Jonah 1:17; 2:10).

32b. Let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

The fields represent a contrast to the sea. Far from being chaotic, they can be depended on to provide for the people as long as God blesses the fields to yield their bounty. Their rejoicing looks like bountiful food for people and their animals, a riot of thriving vegetation.

33. Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

Elsewhere trees “clap their hands” in praise to the Lord (Isaiah 55:12). This image helps round out the growing picture of all creation worshipping the Lord. It does so because the Lord’s judging will include the release of all creation from the curse of sin. Paul pictures the creation as groaning even now for that deliverance from the “bondage of corruption” (Romans 8:19–23) that will one day take place.

What Do You Think?
What can you do to become more aware of God’s presence in the everyday world?

Digging Deeper
Which psalms do you find especially suited to teaching how to see God’s world in a way that is worshipful to Him?

ALL NATURE SINGS

Throughout history, natural sounds and patterns have shaped the works of classical composers. Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is an example of this. This work consists of four concertos, each incorporating the sounds of each of the four seasons. Ludwig van Beethoven’s sixth symphony, also known as the Pastoral Symphony, takes the listener on a leisurely stroll in the Vienna countryside. Claude Debussy clearly identifies his inspiration for La Mer (The Sea) as he takes us on an ocean voyage. Chirping birds greet the dawn in Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt, and a frantic piccolo takes us on Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee!
Long before any of these composers lived, another songwriter sang of the music of nature. David heard these sounds as worship. The roar of the oceans, the rustling of the trees, and the gentle whisper of the winds over a field all sing of the sovereignty of God. Are we listening?
—J. E.

III. Call Concluded
(1 CHRONICLES 16:34–36)

1. Repeated Praise (v. 34)
2. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

   The final two phrases of this verse are repeated with slight variations several times within the Old Testament, often accompanied by a command to give thanks (2 Chronicles 5:13; 7:3; Ezra 3:11; Psalms 107:1; 136; Jeremiah 33:11). Such repetition suggests the refrain’s importance. No one can overstate the fact that the Lord … is good.
   Being repeatedly reminded of God’s goodness and mercy prompts His people to thank Him for all that He does. That thankfulness in turn should direct the people to walk in the Lord’s ways (Romans 2:4).

   What Do You Think?
   How would you explain God’s goodness to someone who wonders why there is so much evil in the world?

   Digging Deeper
   Under what circumstances would you use or not use the Bible in your explanation?

   B. Request for Deliverance (v. 35)

3. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

   Thus far this psalm has featured a series of exhortations to praise, give thanks to, and worship the Lord. For the first time, words of request appear. The people’s praying to be delivered from the heathen (translated “nations” in 1 Chronicles 16:31) reveals that salvation in this context concerns physical well being, not primarily spiritual realities.
   The heathens are called to know that the Lord is king (1 Chronicles 16:31), but the song recognizes that they often pose a threat to God’s covenant people. The plea for deliverance springs not from selfish or vengeful motives but from a desire that the Lord’s name (His character and reputation) be exalted (Psalm 115). When God acts on behalf of His people, He gives them fresh material for which to give thanks.

   What Do You Think?
   What techniques can we use to ensure that we continue worshipping God actively during difficult times?

   Digging Deeper
   What do the successes and failures in this regard reveal about human nature? Give biblical examples.

   C. Response of Praise (v. 36)

36a. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

The psalm concludes with a final tribute of praise that foreshadows the very picture of Heaven (Revelation 7:11, 12; 21:22–27). God by His nature is to be blessed, and the saved will spend eternity blessing Him.
One can only imagine the rousing response of Amen that climaxes this unforgettable day. The people react as the songwriter and leaders intend.

Conclusion

1. Eyes of Gratitude

I’ll never forget the first time I put glasses on, back in the seventh grade. My teacher had noticed my squinting to see the blackboard. I went through the tests with an eye doctor and didn’t think too much about it. Then came the day when I first put on my glasses. Just before doing so, the lady said to me, “Look across the street.” I did. Then she had me put on the glasses, and she said again, “Look across the street.” I couldn’t believe how clear everything was; it was amazing! I had no idea how poor my vision was until I could see clearly.

We are accustomed to praying with our eyes closed. That way, we can shut out distractions and approach prayer with the right frame of mind. But it doesn’t hurt to pray with our eyes open—to see the many reasons around us for which to be thankful. This is something we can do as we drive (we don’t want to close our eyes then, anyway!) or when we walk through the neighborhood or look out the window—or across the street. Such a practice can enhance our spiritual vision and deepen our sense of God’s presence in everyday life.

1. Prayer

Father, we thank You for the mercy You demonstrated to all of humanity in the sending of Jesus, our Creator and Savior. May our worship of Him be offered each day in word and deed from grateful hearts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1. Thought to Remember

Make each and every day a day of thanksgiving.

 

 

KIDS CORNER

How to Find Abundant Life

Sunday, December 8, 2019

John 4:10-19

John 4:10-19

(John 4:10) Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

In John 3, Jesus spoke with THE teacher of Israel who came to talk to him at night. In John 4, John reported Jesus’ second lengthy teaching opportunity when He spoke with a Samaritan woman under the bright noonday sun, a woman He spoke to after she came to Jacob’s well to draw water. She never expected to meet the Messiah, and perhaps went to the well at noon to avoid talking with anyone because of her reputation. As Jesus taught Nicodemus, so Jesus took the opportunity to teach a person who would have been despised by most rabbis, Pharisees, and Jews for racial, moral, and spiritual reasons. But Jesus came to take away the sins of the world and the true moral guilt of anyone who would believe in him; still, we find it remarkable that Jesus, the Son of God, would take the time to teach this Samaritan woman about the way of salvation.

Jesus is “the Gift of God.” Remember, “God gave His only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). The gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ is the gift of God. Restoring a right relationship with God by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a gift of God. The merciful forgiveness of sins is a gift of God. Becoming a child of God is a gift of God. God gives all these gifts through Jesus Christ, THE Gift of God.  Jesus came to give other gifts not listed above to those who would receive him and become the children of God; but primarily in this verse, the emphasized gift of Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit. In the previous chapter, Jesus also spoke to Nicodemus about the gift of the Holy Spirit and how to receive this gift. To teach his readers more about the Holy Spirit John carried Jesus’ teaching into chapter 4.

“Living water” is the flowing or running water of a stream or river; it appears to be alive because it is moving. “Living water” is contrasted with well water that is not spring fed, or water in a cistern or a pond that can become stagnate. The traditions of the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Samaritans could be compared to the water in a cistern. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we open our minds and hearts to receive living water. Jesus offered to give the woman water that was far superior to well water, even water from Jacob’s well. The woman took Jesus’ words literally, probably as He intended; then, He could move their conversation in the spiritual direction that He wanted to lead her to faith in him. Jesus was truly talking about giving her the gift of eternal life through the Holy Spirit, who would live within her and give her never-ending spiritual life. We understand Jesus’ meaning more fully when we look ahead to another of Jesus’ conversations. In John 7:37-39, Jesus cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ (Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified).”

In human flesh, Jesus, the Son of God, embodied the expression of the merciful, forgiving love of God for all people. In Jesus Christ, God showed His love for Samaritans and people of questionable moral character. Jesus the Messiah asked her for a drink. If she had known the full truth about Jesus, she would have asked Jesus to meet her moral and spiritual needs, which were truly more important to her than her physical needs.

(John 4:11) She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water?

Jesus’ way of life and speaking expressed His concern and openness toward the Samaritan woman, so she spoke freely and openly with Jesus. She said she did not know what Jesus meant by “living water.” She only knew of one nearby water source—the water in Jacob’s well, and she saw that Jesus did not even have a way to draw out that water. She may have suspicioned that Jesus wanted to talk to her about water other than well water. So, she may have decided she would divert Jesus from speaking of moral or spiritual matters that giving her “living water” or “spiritual water” might involve.

(John 4:12) “You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?”

The woman asked Jesus who He was; she was already amazed that He would speak to her, a Samaritan woman, because Jesus was a Jew. The Samaritans honored Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the same as the Jews). God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The descendants of 10 of Israel’s 12 sons (10 of the 12 tribes of Israel) had composed the Kingdom of Israel, from which the Samaritans descended after the kingdom had been destroyed as part of God’s punishment for their idolatry and immoral practices. The woman did know about and believe in the promise of a Messiah that God was going to send, because His coming is foretold in the Bible books accepted by the Samaritans (the Five Books of Moses). As interpreted by both the Jews and Samaritans, in Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18:18, the LORD promised that He would send a Prophet and Messiah, Moses wrote, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet” and “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.” There was much Messianic expectation throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea at that time. She wanted to know if Jesus thought He was greater than their greatest ancestor, Jacob, who became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. She could think of no one greater than Jacob other than the Messiah who was to come. She might have asked herself, “Could Jesus have thought that He was the Messiah?”

(John 4:13) Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again;

First, Jesus spoke the truth to her about the physical water that meets physical needs. We know that after we drink physical water, we will need more physical water later and usually our body will tell us when we need to drink more water. On a deeper level, the teachings of Moses and the laws of Moses and the religious traditions that the Jews and Samaritans accepted would not completely and forever satisfy their spiritual thirst.

(John 4:14) but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Jesus came to give spiritual water, spiritual truths, and a spiritual presence with God that will totally and forever satisfy our moral and spiritual needs. When we take Jesus and His teachings into our heart, mind, and soul, then the truth and presence of Jesus will satisfy us more and more and give us the blessings of eternal life now and forever. We have already seen that Jesus primarily meant the Holy Spirit when He spoke of “Living Water.” As John the Baptist proclaimed, Jesus would baptize those who believed in him with the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, we will never be thirsty for any other spirit. The Holy Spirit will totally satisfy spiritually everyone who believes in and follows Jesus. For a conscientious student of the Bible and prayerful believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will spiritually satisfy abundantly and reveal deeper truths about God and eternal life that can be described as “gushing” it is so life transforming.

(John 4:15) The woman *said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.”

After hearing Jesus, the woman kept her attention on physical water. Many people today take running water in their homes for granted, and this woman naturally wanted to avoid the labor of drawing water from a well and carrying it back to her home one bucket at a time. To move her to think about her real and more pressing problems, Jesus directed her to consider her moral and spiritual problems without condemning her. Gradually, Jesus led her to face her real needs and find him as the only solution.

(John 4:16) He *said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.”

If the woman was to receive the living water Jesus said He could give her, she would need to discover what was blocking her from receiving the Holy Spirit, the gift of Jesus. To begin the process of revealing to her the nature of her deepest needs and the solution, Jesus asked her to go and bring her husband back to talk to him. Under the circumstances of a Jewish rabbi talking to a lone unaccompanied woman, Jesus’ request was reasonable and not threatening or accusing; therefore, she answered Jesus truthfully.

(John 4:17) The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’;

Though she answered Jesus truthfully, she did not answer Jesus fully. Without suspecting Jesus might have been a prophet, she told a limited version the truth as most of us would do. She had no husband. Jesus commended her for speaking the truth. Perhaps she thought that by denying she had a husband that would end the conversation about her personal life; then, they could go on to talk about other issues without involving anyone else.

(John 4:18) for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”

Recall what John wrote about Jesus knowing what people were thinking and the way they lived; we read in John 2:24-25, “But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone,” and what Jesus said to and of Nathanael in John 1:47, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Jesus knew exactly how many men the Samaritan woman had married in the past and why she had married them. John does not tell us if these failed marriages had been the result of her husbands’ or her poor choices and sins. Believing in the five books of Moses, the woman knew that these divorces and fornication were sins. Either way, the trials and tribulations of having had five husbands had to be heartbreaking and humiliating. Neither John nor Jesus needed to describe the details of these five failed marriages and her current situation to her or to us for her to receive the forgiveness and cleansing that Jesus could give her in preparation for her receiving the living water He could give her. Notice the example Jesus gives His followers by loving her and gently leading her step-by-step to saving faith in him.

(John 4:19) The woman *said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.”

Remember Deuteronomy 18:18 above. Through Moses, God explained the role of a true prophet. “I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.” The prophet Jeremiah revealed how we can recognize a true prophet in Jeremiah 28:9, “As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” The Samaritan woman concluded that Jesus was a prophet from the fact that He could tell her about her past; therefore, she began to ask Jesus about who was religiously right, the Samaritans or the Jews.

 

How to Find Abundant Life

Sunday, December 8, 2019

John 4:10-19

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But 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 (John 4:13-14—KJV). Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14—NASB). Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14—NRSV). In John 10:10, Jesus declared, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Nicodemus thought he could have the abundant life by laboriously obeying the religious rules and regulations of religious teachers past and present. But Nicodemus found abundant life only after he believed in Jesus and began to follow him. After Jesus died on the cross, Nicodemus showed his loyalty by helping Joseph of Arimathea with Jesus’ burial. On the other hand, the Samaritan woman thought she could have the abundant life by focusing on this present world. She tried to find satisfaction in a succession of intimate affairs, officially sanctioned or not, that never began or ended well. So, she went alone to draw water from Jacob’s well in the heat of the noonday sun, where she met Jesus. She knew that materialistic living had not brought happiness, but after she met Jesus, believed the spiritual truths He shared with her, and accepted Him as the promised Messiah, she received eternal life. Drinking water is necessary to sustain physical life no matter how laborious to draw from a well. Drinking spiritual water is necessary to sustain spiritual life, but faith in Jesus is not laborious. Jesus promised that He would give spiritual water to those who believed in Him. By spiritual water, Jesus meant the Holy Spirit, who would so satisfy Jesus’ followers that they would have the abundant life and never need a spiritual substitute.

 

Thinking Further

How to Find Abundant Life

Sunday, December 8, 2019

John 4:10-19

Name _______________________________________

1. What is the gift of God or what are some of God’s gifts to believers?

 

 

2. What are the characteristics of Jacob’s well water, and other water of that type? What happens to people who drink this type of water?

 

 

3. What might Jesus have been referring to when speaking of living water?

 

 

4. What are some results of the living water that Jesus said He could give?

 

 

5. Why did the woman conclude that Jesus was a prophet?

 

 

 

Discussion and Thinking Further

1. What is the gift of God or what are some of God’s gifts to believers? God the Father’s gift of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins and/or Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gives believers in him when He baptizes them with the Holy Spirit. Other gifts include the gift of eternal life, the forgiveness of sins, and cleansing from sins.
2. What are the characteristics of Jacob’s well water, and other water of that type? What happens to people who drink this type of water? Well water from a well that is not spring fed, cistern water, and pond water can become stagnant and taste stale, and perhaps become harmful. People who drink physical water will be thirsty again, and they need physical water to survive.
3. What might Jesus have been referring to when speaking of living water? Jesus might have been and probably was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who will completely spiritually satisfy and give eternal life to His followers
4. What are some results of the living water that Jesus said He could give? The living water that Jesus gives will gush up to eternal life. Those filled with the Holy Spirit will never be satisfied with any other spirit. The Holy Spirit will cleanse believers from their sins and prepare them for heaven.
5. Why did the woman conclude that Jesus was a prophet? Because Jesus told her about her past: the fact that she had married five husbands and the fact that the man she was currently living with was not her husband.

 

Word Search

How to Find Abundant Life

Sunday, December 8, 2019

John 4:10-19

Name ______________________________________

H K S Z D S J Q G N E G Y O X

A O T L W T A P B V T M P D S

S H Y A X U C F N D E H Y Z P

J W T H K W O I C V R Q D G R

P E U G U C B Y R U N Z R E I

R B C W N E Z A G S A C I F N

Q W H X P I N T Y W L M N Q G

B X I D G C V F H C U D K C R

P K Z O E W A I M Y X V Q J Z

I N D S O W D G L D J M F I D

S K T M Q E M E Y Q U H K B P

A O A G N L N D E E B V W L Q

R N Z I W L P U F P F Y K Z V

Q J S U S E J I G U S H I N G

T E K C U B L N P K N X O U H

 

Gift

God

Drink

Living

Water

Woman

Bucket

Well

Deep

Ancestor

Jacob

Spring

Gushing

Eternal

Life

 

True and False Test

How to Find Abundant Life

Sunday, December 8, 2019

John 4:10-19

Name ________________________________

 

Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.

1. Jesus used the woman’s bucket to draw water for them to drink and for her to take living water back to her husband in the city. True or False
2. Jesus told the woman that if she had known who He was, and if she had asked Him, then He would have given her living water. True or False
3. Since Jesus did not have a bucket, the woman asked Jesus where He could get living water. True or False
4. Jesus said that those who drink natural water will get thirsty again, but those who drink the supernatural water He gives will never need to drink well, pond, lake, or river water again. True or False
5. Jesus said that the living water He gives will become a spring of water gushing up to eternal life. True or False
6. The woman wanted Jesus’ living water so she would not need to keep coming to Jacob’s well to draw water. True or False
7. Jesus told the woman to go and get her husband and bring him back. True or False
8. When the woman told Jesus that she had no husband, He told her that she was right, that she had no husband. True or False
9. Jesus told the woman to go and bring all five of her former husbands to the well, so He talk to them about marriage and divorce. True or False
10. The woman concluded that Jesus must be a prophet. True or False

True and False Test Answers

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False

10.True

 

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the mercy You demonstrated to all of humanity in the sending of Jesus, our Creator and Savior. May our worship of Him be offered each day in word and deed from grateful hearts. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.