Scripture: John 4: 1-30, 39-42
Main Themes: Relational power vs. dominant power, grace, testimony, identity, community transformation, curious faith
Discussion Questions:
- Encountering Jesus at the Well
- In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman in the bright light of day—unlike Nicodemus who comes to him under the cover of night in the previous chapter. What does this contrast reveal about how people come to faith?
- What strikes you about the way Jesus interacts with the Samaritan woman? How does he show relational power instead of dominant power?
- Relational Power
- Pastor Mark referenced a BUILD gathering where relational power was described as “power with” rather than “power over.” How do you experience these two kinds of power in your daily life?
- How might we as a church live more fully into relational power, especially in the way we welcome others or advocate for justice?
- Testimony and Transformation
- The woman leaves her water jar behind and rushes to tell her community about Jesus. Why do you think she was so compelled to share?
- Have you ever had a moment when you felt truly seen or known, like the woman at the well? How did that change you?
- Our True Identity
- The sermon quoted Rev. Joanna Adams: “There are so many voices that would tell us who we are… but all of that is a lie. We are first and last the beloved of God.” What are the voices in your life that try to define your worth?
- What helps you return to your identity as God’s beloved?
- Applying the Sermon
- What’s in your well? What sources of living water—grace, love, justice—are bubbling beneath the surface of your life right now?
- As you go into this week, how can you leave behind your own metaphorical “water jar” and live out your testimony with joy?
