THE WOMAN AT THE WELL John 4 I. Introduction. A. Jesus broke down traditions when they interfered with his work. B. Traditions can be respected--so long as they do not cause one to fail in obeying God or they do not lead away from God: I Cor. 9:22. C. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans--especially women. 1. But Jesus used "good neighbor"(Luke 10:31-37). 2. A Samaritan leper retured to thank Jesus: Luke 17:11-19. 3. Rebuked James & John for wanting to destroy a village: Luke 9:52-54. 4. Only a small group remains. D. But Jesus overruled their prejudices to teach the truth. II. Body. The woman at the well(John 4:1-26). A. Sitting at Jacob's well: v. 6. 1. Jacob's Well: a. Mentioned only here. b. Apparently constructed by Jacob to assure his own supply of water. c. Believe they have located it: cleaned in 1935. 2. Creator asked something of creation. 3. She could only supply temporary. B. The woman's question: v. 9. 1. No Social dealings. 2. Business: OK. a. Lydia. b. Other women in epistles. 3. Samaritans were a mixed race. C. His answer: v. 10. 1. Should have realized her dependence on him. 2. He can give real satisfaction. D. The woman wonders: v. 12. 1. As a spring--never ending. 2. Would be--if could beat that well. 3. As woman spoke of Jacob, men speak of Christ & apostles in great reverence--ignore his teachings. 4. Worship by own standards. E. Eternal life promised: v. 15. 1. Woman's desire: v. 15. 2. Jesus teaches: v. 16-19. a. Knew her past & her condition. b. Impresses with her needs. c. He was able to save. F. Jesus is a prophet: v. 19. 1. More than that! 2. Resorted to argument: v. 20. G. True worship: 1. Can be carried on in any area: v. 21. a. Men tend to view certain places as sacred. b. Not just Gerizim and Jerusalem. c. Released from time and space. d. Important: Object, attitude, & items. 2. To be of knowledge: v. 22. (There is ignorant worship: Acts 17:23) 3. Possible for all men: v. 23. a. Worship springs from inner man. b. Outward & material to be expression of love, devotion & desires. 4. Worship is in truth--if not revealed--based on untruth. 5. There is a vain worship: Matthew 15:9. H. Jesus broke down barriers: Romans 1:16.-jy