How does John 4:7 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Introduction to the Two Passages • John 4:7 – “A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’” • Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Shared Themes between the Well and the World • Divine Initiative ‑ At the well, Jesus starts the conversation. ‑ In the Great Commission, He sends believers to start conversations worldwide. • Crossing Boundaries ‑ Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman, breaking ethnic, religious, and gender barriers. ‑ The Commission directs disciples to “all nations,” shattering every boundary. • Meeting Real Needs ‑ Jesus addresses physical thirst to reveal spiritual thirst (John 4:13-14). ‑ We are commissioned to meet people where they are and offer the living water of the gospel. • Making Disciples, Not Just Converts ‑ The Samaritan woman becomes a witness to her town (John 4:28-30). ‑ The Commission emphasizes ongoing discipling and teaching. Practical Connections for Daily Life • Start Where People Are ‑ Like Jesus asking for water, use everyday moments to point to eternal truths. • Engage Across Divides ‑ Follow Jesus’ example; step into uncomfortable spaces to share the gospel. • Proclaim and Teach ‑ Move from casual conversation to clear proclamation: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:14). ‑ Equip others through teaching, baptism, and obedience (Matthew 28:20). Scriptural Reinforcement • Acts 1:8 – “You will be My witnesses... to the ends of the earth.” • 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” • Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Key Takeaways • John 4:7 models the personal, relational start to evangelism that the Great Commission commands on a global scale. • Both passages reveal Jesus’ heart to seek the lost and satisfy their deepest thirst. • Our mission today is to initiate, cross barriers, share the living water, and disciple others until Jesus returns. |
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