”A New Start” - The Samaritan Woman | 25Feb24 | Malcolm Cox

Introduction
Do you like a new start?
- Feels good when we've been stuck
- True for people -- true for groups

The desire for hope leads people to make good choices 
Making a fresh start involves courage, hope, faith, risk

What can we learn from this story to help us make good choices when a new start opportunity comes our way?


Question: How did Jews and Samaritans feel about one another?

Question: Modern examples? 

Point: They were stuck in animosity.

The new thing Jesus does with the woman is prophetic of what he will do with and for all people after Pentecost.

Discussion

Q: Her current situation?

Q: What changes as a result of her encounter with Jesus?
She sees through His parables and glimpses the truth behind His words when so many others, including Jewish experts and scholars, could not.
Nic - 'you are Israel's teacher...'

Q: What are we to learn from this encounter?
About Jesus?
He makes the uncomfortable comfortable
Talks to her as an equal
Loves all
What change in our thinking is required?
Believe God can change 'lost causes'? - including ourselves
Trust he loves you and wants personal connection with you?

Conclusions
Testimonies change lives - even whole towns
The 'unlikely' might be the most open
Jesus wants everyone in his Kingdom


Lord's Supper
We are considering many 'new things' - charity, staff, youth ministry
Keep focus on Jesus
“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 NIV11)
Water a significant theme in John (first miracle)
“one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:34 NIV11)