This article, titled “John 4:27-42,” is based on a message by Refuge Calvary Chapel that delves into the Thursday Men’s Study session led by Mike Bonomo. The study focuses on the specific Bible text of John 4:27-42, and it is a part of the ongoing series called “The Gospel of John – Refuge Man-to-Man Men’s Bible Study.” This particular session took place on September 28, 2023, providing a valuable opportunity for men to gather together and explore the teachings of the Gospel of John. The video serves as a resource for those interested in deepening their understanding of biblical principles and applying them to their lives.
John 4:27-42
Summary
In John 4:27-42, we see the continuation of the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. After the woman left to tell her fellow villagers about Jesus, His disciples urged Him to eat something. However, Jesus responds with a profound statement about His food being to do the will of God and finish His work. The disciples remain puzzled, not fully understanding the significance of His words.
Meanwhile, the Samaritan woman successfully convinces her fellow villagers to come and see Jesus for themselves. Many of them believed in Him due to the woman’s testimony, but their faith was deepened when they heard Jesus speak. Jesus stayed with them for two days, teaching and ministering to them.
This passage highlights the importance of doing God’s will, the power of testimony, and the inclusive nature of Jesus’ message.
Context
The passage takes place after Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and engages in a conversation with her. This encounter breaks several societal norms of the time, as Jews did not usually associate with Samaritans and especially not with Samaritan women. Through their conversation, Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah, and the woman believes in Him.
Key Themes
- Inclusion and Compassion: Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman and the subsequent response from the villagers emphasize the inclusive nature of His message. Jesus breaks down social and cultural barriers and extends His love and salvation to all people, regardless of their background.
- Testimony: The power of personal testimony is evident in this passage. The Samaritan woman’s testimony about Jesus convinces her fellow villagers to come and see Him for themselves. The villagers’ faith is further strengthened when they have their own encounter with Jesus. This highlights the importance of sharing our own experiences with God to impact others.
- Doing God’s Will: Jesus emphasizes that His food is to do the will of God and complete His work. This statement demonstrates Jesus’ unwavering commitment to fulfilling the purpose for which He was sent. It serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize aligning their lives with God’s will and fulfilling their God-given purpose.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
- The Disciples’ Reaction
- The disciples urge Jesus to eat something, concerned about His physical well-being.
- Jesus responds with a statement that confuses them, stating that His food is to do the will of God and finish His work.
- The disciples fail to fully understand the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ response.
- The Woman at the Well
- The Samaritan woman, filled with excitement and belief, leaves her water jar and goes back to her village to tell her fellow villagers about Jesus.
- Her actions display a genuine faith and desire to share the good news with others.
- Jesus Reveals His Knowledge
- Jesus acknowledges the woman’s past and reveals His knowledge about her, which astounds the woman and leads her to recognize Him as a prophet.
- This revelation deepens the woman’s faith in Jesus.
- The Disciples Return
- The disciples return from buying food and find Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman.
- They do not question Jesus about His interaction, but their silence suggests surprise or confusion.
- Jesus’ Teaching on the Harvest
- Jesus teaches the disciples about the spiritual harvest, using the metaphor of crops and laborers.
- He emphasizes the urgency of the harvest, indicating that the time is ripe for people to believe in Him and receive salvation.
- The Samaritans Believe
- The villagers come to see Jesus based on the woman’s testimony, but their faith is deepened when they hear Jesus speak.
- Many of them believe in Jesus, recognizing Him as the Savior of the world.
- Jesus’ Stay in Samaria
- Jesus stays with the Samaritans for two days, teaching and ministering to them.
- His presence and teaching have a profound impact on the Samaritan community.
Application
This passage encourages us to prioritize doing God’s will and fulfilling our purpose. Jesus prioritized His mission over physical needs, highlighting the importance of aligning our lives with God’s purposes. We are reminded that our true fulfillment comes from doing the will of God.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the power of personal testimony. By sharing our own experiences with God’s love and grace, we have the potential to impact others and lead them to faith. The Samaritan woman’s testimony played a crucial role in the villagers’ belief in Jesus. Our own stories of encountering God can serve as a catalyst for others to experience the transformative power of His love.
Lastly, this passage highlights Jesus’ inclusive message. He broke down societal norms and barriers to extend His love and salvation to all people. We are called to follow His example by reaching out to those who may be different from us, offering love and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
In John 4:27-42, we see Jesus prioritizing God’s will and mission over physical needs, emphasizing the power of personal testimony, and extending His love and salvation to all people. The disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ deeper meaning, while the Samaritan woman and her fellow villagers demonstrated genuine faith and belief. This passage serves as a reminder for us to prioritize doing God’s will, share our stories to impact others, and embrace Jesus’ inclusive message of love and salvation.