“Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”
John 4:29 (KJV)
Before you start
Jesus, a Jewish man, asks a Samaritan woman for water at noon, crossing lines of culture, religion and gender. He knows her story, offers "living water", and she becomes the first to bring her whole town to Him.
Read John 4:1–42 aloud from any translation. Invite volunteers to read; never put anyone on the spot.
Icebreaker · 5 minutes
What's your go-to drink when you need a pick-me-up?
Observe · what does it say?
- What lines does Jesus cross by speaking to her?
- What does He offer her (verses 10–14)?
- What does she do at the end?
Interpret · what did it mean?
- Jesus knows her past. How does He treat her?
- Why is it striking that she becomes the messenger to her town?
Apply · what does it ask of us?
- Is there something you feel you have to hide to belong?
- How can our chapter be a place where people are fully known and still welcome?
On your campus
Host an "Everyone's Welcome" study, especially for students who've been hurt by church. Keep the door open and the judgement out.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You see all of us and still invite us in. Help us receive that, and offer it to others. Amen.
Take home
Invite one new person to sit with you this week.
What is shared in this study stays in the room. If anyone is in crisis, call or text 988; in immediate danger, call 911.