John Chapter 4 - January 23, 2009

4:2 - I think Jesus didn't baptize, so people wouldn't be able to arrogant think they were better than others who hadn't been baptized by JESUS himself! I think it is every leaders dream to see people other than themselves baptizing...seeing the people in their churches step up and lead others to Christ. 

4:6-7 - This is about noon in the middle east...which if you don't know is kinda hot. Nobody in this time would draw water from the well at midday unless them were outcasts from their society. This woman was a lonely societal reject...just the kind of person Jesus is always looking for.

4:9ff - I love the way Jesus always maintains a focus on the big picture...small talk is not meaningless to him...it is a path to truth. He starts with well talk and ends up talking about fulfillment of life. He starts with husband talk and brings that around to talking bout what is ultimately an obstacle holding her back from God. What kind of difference would Christians make in this world if they were always so purposeful in their conversations?

4:19ff - It says alot about her character...she is confronted with her sin life by a complete stranger, but instead of running in the opposite direction, she proclaims Jesus as the Messiah. See, Samaritans did not believe in prophets, so when she says he must b a prophet...she means he must be THE prophet - the Messiah. Am I willing to be confronted with my own failures and turn instantly to Jesus and redemption? I hope so.

4:21 - This whole Christian gig has nothing to do with buildings...nothing to do with hymn books or choruses...organs or guitars...chairs or pews...orange shag carpet or cool stained concrete. The temple is within us and the choice we have to make is if that temple is going to be filled with the pagan gods of this world...or the Spirit and truth of Jesus Christ. That is Christianity.