Thirsty Hearts & Living WaterJohn
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4:1-42
Jesus SEES (you) - You are God’s masterpiece!
You are God’s masterpiece! Now that’s not a very modest thing to say, but according to The Bible, in the second chapter of Ephesians:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
You are God’s masterpiece, child of God!
But sometimes we don’t feel much like a masterpiece. I think it’s very easy to let the things of this world define us. Things like our drive to have “enough” money or stuff; or the need to be affirmed for how good we look, or how much people like us; sometimes it’s a need for power of some kind.
Voices That Define Our Identities
When I was in middle school I failed a test in my science class. I remember distinctly that I wanted these two peers in my class to like me, to think I was cool and to be my friends. Those guys were not too intellectually curious…maybe not the sharpest, so they really didn’t understand the class and they had really poor grades. I had always done well in school. I didn’t have straight A’s but mostly, and I had never had a C. But, these guys I wanted as friends – so that kind of defined me as I was starting middle school.
So I purposely didn’t turn in my homework. My teacher watched me carefully. It was like she knew something about me that I didn’t tell anyone. When we had a major test one day…I literally failed it on purpose. I remember sitting in my desk overwhelmed with the sight of an “F”. I mean, this might really boost my friendships, I thought...but what would I tell mom and dad? I was stressed and it must have showed. When the bell rang, my teacher approached me and wanted to talk privately. After everyone else left the room, she looked me and, “Doug, I know you understand more than you’re test shows. I believe in you…you are more than you think you are! I’m going to change that mark to a “C” today because I know you. You can do better than this. Don’t try to be like anybody else. Just do the work.”
She looked past the guy I was pretending to be and said, “I believe in you” (It was very loving).
I was shocked, I was so amazed at her kindness that I wanted to cry. I was also mortified to bring home a “C”. But, I had been seen (loved) by my teacher. I worked really hard the rest of that year, and did well in that class. I loved that teacher, because she taught me - in one loving act – not to let other people define me. I guess she taught me I was a masterpiece.
What does Jesus do with a thirsty heart?
In today’s gospel we see a Samaritan woman coming to the well to get water.
What we know about her is:
She came to get water at the worst time of the day – midday when it was burning hot, no one else would be there. That was the point – to avoid everyone else. Most people would come at sunrise, when it’s cooler. She’s been defined by judgment the community places on her.
Jesus reveals that she has had 5 husbands, and now lives with one who isn’t her husband. But he’s not uncovering a shameful past or exposing her life of sin. Notice, that Jesus never says anything like, “go and sin no more.” We don’t if she had been widowed, divorced, or abandoned 5 different times and is currently depending on someone she lives with, just to survive.
But Jesus SEES her. Not only did Jesus speak to her, but he speaks with compassion and named her predicament….
She was thirsty, but not just for water. Her heart was thirsty…
She is empowered by Jesus’ love. She calls him a prophet! And next, she dares to pose … THE question that divides Samaritans and Jews: Where is it proper to worship?
Then what does Jesus do?...he teaches her… he interacts with her – even though she is a Samaritan (the Jews of that time thought Samaritans were idol worshippers – and unclean to even talk to).
I want to notice that this Samaritan woman is an intelligent and devout woman…of faith! In fact, she discovers herself, you might say, as Jesus SEES her, respects her, and teaches, and loves her.
What a huge big contrast she is to Nicodemus, who we looked at last week. Nicodemus, the Jewish leader and teacher, he wasn’t sure what to believe about Jesus. But this Samaritan woman proclaims Jesus is a prophet. Nicodemus hides in the dark, secretly. The Samaritan woman runs to town, among all the people who might ostracize her, and publicly asks if Jesus could be the Messiah!
When the Samaritan woman focuses on Jesus, she is no longer defined by what everybody else thinks of her. Jesus SEES her and frees her to be herself… suddenly she’s a Masterpiece!
What does Jesus do with a thirsty heart?
Sometimes you and I let the wrong things to define us. Stuff gets in our head. It’s very normal.
Like the Samaritan woman or like me as a middle school student – we don’t always recognize how thirsty our souls really are.
Jesus sees you, my brothers and sisters. And Jesus wants to help you discover again today who you are… the masterpiece that you are. In fact, we read together just a couple of weeks ago, the following verse:
“to all who received him, who believed in his name he gave power to become children of God,
John 1:12, NRSV
Yes, you are a child of God.
3 Ways to Grow in Your Understanding of Who God Says You Are
Scripture – Read God’s word. Time in scripture reminds you of what God has said, reminds you that God SEES and loves you. Here are 3 core promises for you today:
You are Deeply loved – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” –1 John 3:1 NIV
You are More than a conqueror – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” –Romans 8:37 NIV
You are Fully forgiven – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins…” –Ephesians 1:7 NIV
Another great place to re-start reading the Scripture today is by looking at the life and words of Jesus in the four Gospels.
Silence – Often, when we pray, it is one-sided. (We do all the talking, leaving no room for God to get a word in) When you pray, remember it is a conversation. Take time to include silence throughout so that God can reveal what is on His mind, too.
Service – This could be a word of encouragement to someone, meeting a tangible need of a neighbor, or offering a listening ear to someone who is discouraged. Your identity in Christ is an extension of Jesus, and sharing that love you are spreading the love of God to the world. Every person being targeted today also needs to be reminded that they are a masterpiece, each one needs your love.
God will lead you and guide you in this moment. It’s your concern for others that is God’s image at work in you. Let that guide you!
You are God’s masterpiece! You are a child of God! Amen.
Pastor Doug Cox