• New Testament Readings: John 4:1-42
• Old Testament Passage: Psalm 69
• Points to Ponder

“The Savior of the World”

There are so many things for Christians to learn from this incredible story, especially when it comes
to our perspective, conviction and practice of evangelism. But those will have to wait for another
study. Keeping John’s stated purpose in mind: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus
is the Christ..”, what could be his purpose for sharing the story of the conversion of a Samaritan
village?

There is no doubt that Jesus was born, lived and died a Jew and throughout the first century, many
saw Christianity simply as a sect of Judaism. This passage shows that Jesus was accepted not only by
the Jews in great numbers, but by non-Jews and even by those (the Samaritans) who were in
complete disagreement with, and also hostile toward, the Jews. This passage makes it clear that he
came for all and was accepted as the Son of God, not only by Jews but by people from all nations. As
the Samaritan villagers said to the woman: “We know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Also very clear from this testimony is that people didn’t believe just because others told them
without investigating the truth of those claims. But under the close scrutiny of doubters and
skeptics, people became convinced of Jesus’ true identity.

• Questions to Consider: Jesus is for everyone, not just for a few specific or select people or
nations. Jesus and his message cross all political, racial, cultural, religious and social lines. What
implications does that have for you personally and for the church in today’s world?