In the second part of John’s account of the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, the results of their conversation become evident. By returning to her people with news of her experience of Jesus, the woman became a witness to the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. By telling us this, John also reminds us that evangelism is a process, that fruit follows real faith and that harvests need reaping. Our witness can and will be used to bring others into the Kingdom of God.
Philip Burns
Rev Philip Burns is the minister of Bendigo Presbyterian Church.
‘A conversation well worth remembering’ (John 4:1-26)
John 4:1-26 highlights the life transforming conversation Jesus had with a Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus overcame social, religious and racial barriers to speak with this woman and confronted her with the truth about her own sinfulness and his own identity. By degrees, Jesus also led the woman to move her thinking away from quenching her physical thirst to seeking after the ‘living water’ that he could and does bring to those who seek and find him.
‘The moment Jesus knew that the time had come’ (John 12:20-36)
Just before the events of Good Friday, John records an event in the life of Jesus when Greek men came and sought him out. The arrival of these men has a trigger for Jesus that the ‘hour’ had come, that the cross was near, but what did the arrival of these men signify? What was John saying about what was before Jesus? And, was it ‘all over’ once that has taken place?
‘Where’s the triumph in the ‘triumphal entry’?’ (John 12:9-19)
Rev Philip Burns preaches from John 12:9-19 concerning Palm Sunday. While all the gospels report the events of Palm Sunday, John highlights Jesus as the centre of the crowd’s attention, the fulfillment of the prophet Zechariah’s prediction and the willing servant who came to do the Father’s will. Getting on a donkey may not be that impressive in itself, but getting of a cross is quite another! By riding as he did into Jerusalem, Jesus set his face toward the cross and obeying the Father’s will to the utmost
‘Journeying on to the city of the great King’ (Psalms 132, 133, 134)
Psalms 132,133 and 134 are three psalms that are linked by a common theme of being part of the ‘songs of ascent’ that were sung by the people of Israel going up to Jerusalem. Psalm 132 highlights that the city of Jerusalem was the city where God’s King lived. Psalm 133 celebrates the unity of the people of God in that city, and Psalm 134’s focus is upon the worship of God’s Name that happened there by day and night. Heaven will be all this and more for God’s people upon a ‘pilgrim journey’ to that heavenly city.
‘The view from the back seat’ (John 3:22-36)
These verses bring the conclusion of the ministry of John the Baptist into view. John was a faithful servant of Jesus who was glad to take the ‘back seat’ and point others in the direction of the One he served. As John gracefully stepped out of the limelight in this way, he also highlighted how Jesus was far more important than he, for Jesus came from the Father and with His authority to declare the truth. Faithful servants will not allow themselves to get in the way of the One they serve.
‘The other side of the story of the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)
While these verses contain some great truths that highlight the depth and breadth of God’s love in sending Jesus in to the world to be our Saviour, they also present the other side of the coin. Salvation is not automatically given out to all people. While today is the day of salvation, clearly there are many in this world who will not and do not believe in Jesus and who remain committed to their unbelief. The text should help us think soberly about the end of life and the urgency of turning in faith to Jesus Christ.
‘Spotlight on the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)
John 3:9-21 contains the most well-known verse of the Bible, John 3:16, and so this sermon highlighted the love of God, it’s reach and depth, it’s purpose and limits. God’s love for and to the world was revealed fully in the death of Jesus. By faith in Him ‘whoever believes’ is given the free gift of eternal life. Believers know and live in the light of this love of God, which we can never fully grasp.
‘On being born (twice)’ (John 3:1-8)
To many people the phrase ‘born again’ is an old cliché, but not to Jesus. When speaking with the Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus explained to him that while all people enjoy physical life, not all enjoy spiritual life and that the new birth is needed to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus was confused by this, as many people are, but yet this is the plain teaching of the Scripture which tells us that the Holy Spirit makes people new through faith in Jesus.
‘What was it that enraged the Son of God?’ (John 2:13-25)
When Jesus came to the Temple in Jerusalem, his actions were bold and dramatic. Overturning tables and setting free the animals who occupied the Temple courts, Jesus showed a great strength of character and resolve, and yet did it all in a way that showed he was fully in control of his actions. While the Jews wanted further proof of his authority that led him to do these things, Jesus pointed them forward to his own resurrection. This would be the proof of who He was and the authority He claimed.