This post is written by Y Bonesteele as a companion for Unit 20, Session 2 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 7: From Heaven to Earth (Spring 2023).
An encounter with Jesus changes your life. Those of us who have been born again in Christ understand the overwhelming joy we feel in knowing and trusting Him. Sometimes, however, it’s difficult for us to figure out how to share that good news with others. But Jesus doesn’t just command us to go and tell others the gospel message, He shows us through His life and actions how we are to go about doing so. The story of Jesus’s encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-14) is one example that can teach us some basic principles.
1. Show Value to All People
Jesus saw all people as God’s image-bearers and did not treat people differently because of their culture, gender, race, position, or income. He initiated the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (v. 7), surprising her because it was so countercultural for Him to do so. It would be like a pastor initiating a conversation with a Buddhist prostitute on the street. Jesus was breaking down every wall imaginable: talking to a woman; talking to a sinner; talking to a foreigner. But in Jesus’s eyes, no one is beyond hope; no one is unapproachable; everyone deserves to know “the gift of God” (v. 10).
2. Present the Offer of True Satisfaction
Whether we realize it or not, everyone is searching for true satisfaction, complete wholeness and happiness that will never end. “Eternal life” can be an elusive term that perhaps people today aren’t really searching for. But if you describe it in a way that people can understand, as Jesus did for the woman at the well, those who don’t know Jesus can see what they’re missing—a chance for true satisfaction. For the woman, that meant never thirsting and never having to keep drawing water (v. 15). For us today, it might mean never having to search for happiness in things that don’t last or having a relationship that is completely reliable and faithful. Jesus offers true satisfaction because He is Holy God who died for our sins to give us that eternal satisfaction and relationship with God. That’s something that people will ask for if we present it in the right way.
3. Be Real About Sin
Jesus then revealed the sin He knew about the woman—her promiscuity (vv. 17-18). He didn’t do this to shame her. He did it to show her that He knew her sin and that sin is something that can affect the gift that He’s offering. Sin is real because we know we do bad things and dishonor God and others all the time. It must be acknowledged and confessed and repented of.
4. Teach True Worship
The conversation then diverted to the topic of worship. Following God is about worshiping God. All of us are created to worship. If we’re not worshiping God, we’re worshiping something else: our job, our relationships, popularity, wealth, celebrities, etc. To access eternal life, true satisfaction, we must learn to worship only God and worship Him in spirit and in truth (vv. 23-24). What does that mean? First, simply, worship the right God, the triune God: the Father, the Spirit, and the Truth—Jesus. Second, worshiping God in spirit and in truth means to give Him your all, heart, soul, and mind—that’s your spirit—and with full transparency and honesty—that’s in truth—with the power of the Spirit and in the powerful name of Jesus.
5. Introduce Jesus as the Savior
The Samaritan woman then realized, Hey, I’ve heard about this Savior (Messiah/Christ) before. Jesus then revealed Himself as the one and only (v. 26). Jesus is the center of it all. He is the only One that saves. He is our Savior, our Messiah, our Christ. There is no good news without Jesus. There is no point to your message without Him mentioned.
6. Sense the Urgency
In the story, after the disciples came back to Jesus, He told them that the harvest is ready (v. 35). The time is now, not later. Jesus was referring to the harvest of people. People are ready to hear about Jesus because true satisfaction cannot be found without Him, and people are desperately searching in the wrong places. We need to make the most of the opportunities given to us to share this good news because there will come a time when we will be out of opportunities.
7. Be Joyful with Obedience
Lastly, Jesus taught the disciples that the sowers and reapers will rejoice together (v. 36). Whether the person tells you off or whether he or she accepts Jesus as Savior, your obedience is enough. That’s all Jesus asks for. It should bring you an immense amount of joy to take part in growing the kingdom and being obedient to the Great Commission. Jesus found such joy and satisfaction in sharing about Himself with the woman that He wasn’t hungry anymore (v. 32). And as a result of talking to one woman, that woman shared Jesus with her whole town, and many turned to believe (vv. 39,41). What a great harvest! All starting from one question: Can you give Me something to drink?
Who, then, is God nudging you to talk to, to ask a question of, to initiate a conversation with? Just do it. You’ll be glad you did.
Y Bonesteele is the content editor for The Gospel Project for Adults.