Spiritual Goals and Values: Following Jesus in His Upside-Down KingdomSample

The Woman at the Well (Part 2)

Yesterday we introduced the encounter of the woman at the well. Jesus bypassed the gender bias of the day, the cultural bias He was born into, and her sin to have this encounter with her.

It was this encounter with Jesus that changed everything for this woman (as it so often does). He not only spoke to her, but He led her to repentance, revealed Himself as the Messiah, and told her to spread the Good News. He did not define her by her sin, but neither did He leave her in it.

He speaks to her about being living water, a message that essentially reveals the condition of every human heart. We all have a deep thirst that can only be quenched by Jesus.

Jesus often overturned or bypassed the values and expectations of the day, as we so clearly see within this passage.

As you read through it once more, think about, journal out, or meditate on the following questions:

From what we know about her, what did this Samaritan woman value?

How is this similar, or different, to what our society values today?

How does Jesus challenge this motivation/value?

What is the Kingdom of God value (or values) displayed within this passage?

In light of this passage, what do you think Jesus would have to say about cancel culture?

How did Jesus value (or not value) His reputation? What was more important to Him than His reputation?