S 04 Ep 02 | John 4:1-26

SCRIPTURE: JOHN 4:1-26

Jesus reveals to the woman at the well that grace and truth are both fully present in Him at all times.

Read: John 4:1–26; John 1:14

Examine: What stands out in this passage? What questions do you have? What do you feel? How does it encourage or challenge you?

Grace and truth are fully present in Jesus always. We see His truth when he confronts our sin, corrects our choices, challenges our motives, and calls us to greater obedience. We see His grace when he forgives, pardons, cleanses, and shows us mercy and compassion even in our sin.

Question: Which of these aspects of Jesus are you most apt to emphasize over the other? Perhaps you like to think of His truthfulness in confronting sin, calling our error, and challenging people to radical obedience. Or maybe you prefer to emphasize the patience, mercy, and gentleness of Jesus that we see in His grace. Why can’t we have one without the other?

Discuss:

1. Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, speaks directly to a Samaritan woman — something scandalous in that culture. What does His willingness to cross that line show us about His grace toward us?

2. Jesus changes the subject to the woman’s marriages (v.16-18). What does this say about His truth toward us?

3. “Living water” points to something only Jesus can give — Himself, and the life of the Spirit. What are we drinking from instead, hoping it will finally satisfy? How does this show both His grace and truth toward us?

Apply: Where do you most need Jesus’ truth in your life right now? Where do you most need His grace in your life?

What might it look like to embody these two aspects of Jesus? How can you grow more in showing and living out grace? How can you grow in being more truthful? Give specific examples of each.

Prayer: Spend time thanking Jesus for His perfect embodiment of grace and truth. Pray for God to show you ways to show grace this week. Pray for God to show you where you need to be more truthful in your speech and posture toward others. Ask God for His help to live out both of these well.