Read John 4:5-42
Recall last Sunday’s Gospel, the story of Nicodemus, John 3:1-17. How is that incident similar to this one? How do the key players, the woman, and Nicodemus, differ? How does Jesus’ ambiguity, or use of words with two meanings, appear in this incident? What does the woman mean, in v. 11, by “living water”? What did Jesus mean? Read 2 Kings 17:24-41. What is significant about this story taking place in Samaria? What do you find to be the most surprising aspect of this episode? What does this tell you about Jesus as Messiah?


Prayer for the week
Lord Jesus, give us the vision to see you when you come into our lives. Help us to be patient with your elusive presence. Preserve us from trying to figure you out on our terms; help us to be hospitable and receive you on your terms. And when at last you speak to us, help us to respond to your voice, to answer when you call our name, then to follow you where you lead.   Amen.