Lessons from the Well

Scripture: John 4:4-30 (Message) Please read the story in its entirety; this is only a portion of the story.

26 “I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.

28-30 The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

The Gist:

Sometimes, even after reading a story in scripture for what feels like 100 times or more, something new will stand out to us. This is part two of our time in John 4, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Two things stood out to us like never before: Why did Jesus ask a question he already knew the answer to? And why did John include the detail in verse 28 about the woman leaving her water pot behind?

In this week’s podcast, we take a closer look at the second question and consider why John included the detail of “leaving her water pot at the well.” This isn’t about getting the right answer or finding a solution, but more about being curious and entering into the story to learn more about God and ourselves.

When the woman arrived at the well, the most important thing she had in her possession was her water pot, until she met Jesus. Why put this detail in the Scriptures? Today, we consider how this signals a shift in her priorities, shows an urgency and excitement, may symbolize leaving her old life behind, and highlights her transformation from shameful seeker to miraculous messenger.

Digging Deeper:

What feels "essential" to me now that may not be essential in God's eyes?

Where have I taken on a weight that I was never meant to carry?

Where is my "yes" to something causing a quiet "no" to God?

What truth do I avoid because it might require change?

Where do I feel resistance when I think about deeper surrender?

Lessons from the Well- Part One

Scripture: John 4:4-30 (Message) Please read the story in its entirety; this is only a portion of the story.

15 The woman said, “Sir, give me this water so I won’t ever get thirsty, won’t ever have to come back to this well again!”

16 He said, “Go call your husband and then come back.”

17-18 “I have no husband,” she said.

“That’s nicely put: ‘I have no husband.’ You’ve had five husbands, and the man you’re living with now isn’t even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough.”

The Gist:

Sometimes, even after reading a story in scripture for what feels like 100 times or more, something new will stand out to us. For the next two episodes, we will be sitting in John 4, the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Two things stood out to us: Why did Jesus ask a question he already knew the answer to? And why did John include the detail in verse 28 about the woman leaving her water pot behind?

In this week’s podcast, we take a closer look at the first question and consider why Jesus asked a question He already knew the answer to. This isn’t about getting the right answer or finding a solution, but more about being curious and entering into the story to learn more about God and ourselves.

We will consider how Jesus gently uses this question to get to the root of the real issue, to reveal his divine knowledge, confront truth without condemnation, and break through her defenses, as well as prepare her for the living water he is offering

Digging Deeper:

What have I been seeking or using to satisfy my heart unsuccessfully in place of God?

When I feel stressed, where do I instinctively turn for comfort?

What am I hesitant to pray honestly about?

If God is enough, what would change in how I'm living today?

Scripture

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;
let them break out in joyful song.
May You keep them safe—
their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted. Your blessings surround them like a shield.

Psalm 5:11-12 (VOICE)

The Gist

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

Today, we discuss a new perspective on what a blessing is and isn't. It's incredible how one sentence in scripture can open our hearts to something new.

We have been taught or often think of a blessing as a moment, a breakthrough, an answered prayer, or provision at just the right time, but Psalm 5:12 is pointing to something deeper. It speaks of blessing as being an atmosphere, posture or even environment that we live in.

Blessing doesn’t remove us from our difficulties or challenges, but it changes how much gets through to us living inside this blessing shapes how we interpret life, and we walk differently. Blessing isn’t something we’re waiting for, but what we remain within.

To say that blessing becomes our environment is saying I live under God’s care. I wake up in his favor, and I walk through the world protected by his presence, it’s saying, I don’t have to move toward the blessing or work for it. I wake up inside it.

Digging Deeper

If blessing is not something I chase, what parts of my life still feel like I’m striving to earn it?

What shifts in me when I imagine blessing as the atmosphere around me rather than a reward ahead of me?

What changes in my identity when I believe I am someone who lives in blessing rather than someone who receives it occasionally?

How might my decisions change if I trusted that I am already held, already covered, already favored?

What practices help me stay conscious of the environment of blessing rather than slipping back into striving?

Scripture

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; 5 it’s never rude, crude, or indecent—it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs 6 or celebrate injustice; but truth—yes, truth—is love’s delight! 7 Love puts up with anything and everything that comes along; it trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (VOICE)

The Gist

Today, we discuss why these verses make Allison roll her eyes.

Sometimes scripture is so overquoted and used in the wrong context it loses its weight and meaning. That’s especially ironic in these verses since Paul wrote them to call out and convict the people of Corinth, who thought that they already understood love.

He wasn’t writing poetry for couples or talking about romantic love in 1 Corinthians. He was writing to a church that was failing when it came to love.

In fact, it quietly describes the life of Jesus, not an ideal personality or marriage. These verses were written to confront our wills and call us to surrender back into obedience.

The gist is, our discomfort with this verse is the tension between a beautiful idea of Christ's love, and the real-world harm misapplied theology and incorrect use can have over time.

Digging Deeper

Can you relate to what we shared today about these verses from 1 Corinthians? Do they bother you because they have been made sentimental, because they refuse to let you off the hook, or something else?

How did it feel to hear that these verses weren't written by Paul to be sentimental, but surgical? What does that mean to you?

Is there a scripture that brings up strong emotional responses in you? Consider sitting down with curiosity and journaling through those thoughts.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-38 (Voice)

Early in the morning, Jesus got up, left the house while it was still dark outside, and went to a deserted place to pray. 36 Simon and the others traveling with Jesus looked for Him. 37 They finally tracked Him down.

People: Everybody wants to know where You are!

Jesus: 38 It’s time we went somewhere else—the next village, maybe—so I can tell more people the good news about the kingdom of God. After all, that’s the reason I’m here.

The Gist:

What is Holy Indifference? It's being present with/for someone without trying to "save" them or be "God" for them. It isn't indifference or apathy, it's loving someone without being consumed.

Jesus was a great example of Holy indifference. He cared deeply, but never let the urgency of others and their demands override His calling and God's plan.

Loving without being consumed requires a deep trust in God. When we practice Holy indifference, we are essentially handing people back to God again and again. We don't stop loving them, we stop holding what isn't ours to hold.

It's a heart that is: tender, not entangled, present, not pressured, and responsive, not reactive.

It's learning to listen instead of solving, care without chasing outcomes or solutions, and love without trying to manage someone else's emotions.

Digging Deeper:

If God asked me to release this particular attachment, what emotions arise in me?

When I imagine letting go of control, what part of my ego resists the most?

What would it look like to trust God without demanding guarantees?

How might holy indifference deepen my capacity to love others without needing them to be a certain way?

As promised, a fun break from the hard heart work! Take these questions to your next girls' night out or dinner party.

If your friendship were a cocktail, what would it be called and what would be in it?

If angels gave "Yelp" reviews, what would they say about you?

Which gospel personality would you invite to dinner?

If you had a podcast, what would you name it?

When do you feel most like your true self?

What's something you wish people understood about your personality?

What's your most unnecessary talent?

If we saw your Google search history, what would surprise us?

What's a habit that you have that drives your family nuts?

What's your favorite new app on your phone?

What's a Bible verse that has always struck a chord with you?

Scripture - Mark 10:17-22

When He had traveled on, a young man came and knelt in the dust of the road in front of Jesus.

Young Man: Good Teacher! What must I do to gain life in the world to come?

Jesus: 18 You are calling Me good? Don’t you know that God and God alone is good? 19 Anyway, why ask Me that question? You know the Commandments of Moses: “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not slander, do not defraud, and honor your father and mother.”[a]

Young Man: 20 Yes, Teacher, I have done all these since I was a child.

21 Then Jesus, looking at the young man, saw that he was sincere and responded out of His love for him.

Jesus: Son, there is still one thing you have not done. Go now. Sell everything you have and give the proceeds to the poor so that you will have treasure in heaven. After that, come, follow Me.

22 The young man went away sick at heart at these words because he was very wealthy,

The Gist

The young man in these verses is the only person in the Gospels (outside the disciples) Jesus personally invited to follow him. He is also the only one in the Gospels to walk away from Jesus's invitation.

Today, we discuss what we can learn from the young man and how we are actually very similar to him. This story illustrates the difference between following commandments and following Jesus.

The tragedy of the story wasn't that the young man had wealth, but that his wealth had him! The only thing worse than being far from God. . . is being close enough to hear His voice, feel His love, and still choose something else over Him.

Digging Deeper

What part of my identity would I struggle to live without?

Is there anything I've quietly decided is "off limits" to God?

Where am I slowly walking away from God, not outright, just not stepping fully toward Him?

Three GREAT Small Group Questions to answer regularly:

1) Where have I said "yes" to God? 2) Where have I said "no" to God? 3) Where have I seen God at work in my life?

Scripture

Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak,
and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert;
Waters will flow where there had been none. Isaiah 43:19 (The Voice)

The Gist

What does it look like when community is fractured (family, marriage, friends, church, neighbors, etc.)?

We are left feeling disoriented, our identities are a little shaken, and we get the "lonely in a crowd" feeling.

BUT how do we rebuild? Today, take a closer look at what rebuilding should look like: Don't rush, resist the lies that fear tells us, rebuild in small numbers, choose quality over familiarity, embrace the "in-between" season, be patient in your grief.

Digging Deeper

Am I trying to rebuild community or control it?

What past hurt might be shaping how I'm showing up for community right now?

Where am I guarded when God might be asking me to open gently?

Have I forgiven the community that disappointed me - or am I still bracing for impact?