The Source of Vision (The Samaritan revival)

John 4:31-35 (9/23/07)

          THE SCENE: The background for our Scripture is Jesus going out of the box (again), to encounter one person.  Not a leader, not a person of wealth, one of negative influence.  She has been  educated in the “doctrine,” is loyal to where to worship, but is now impacted by the Person of Christ.  She is leaving to bring the men of the town back to Jesus.  The disciples show up as she is leaving.  They “marvel” at what is happening, but say nothing.

          THE SOURCE: vs.31-32-The disciples asked Jesus to eat, and we see His response.  Does He have to spiritualize a simple request like eating?   This isn’t about not eating, but it is about the focus on the “seen” or “unseen.”  What is your source?

          Vs. 33-34  Jesus has “meat” in His life that they haven’t caught.  They are wondering how does He do it?  How can He keep going like this?   What’s His plan, what’s His purpose?  His meant it not to set up a new ministry.  His meat is not to take over the town.  His meat is to do the “will” of His Father and finish His work.  He is always about that isn’t He?  His Father’s business is driving Him.  It is His Father’s house, His Father’s business, His Father’s work.  That is the energy in His life.  That is what will keep Him focused, HIS SOURCE.

          THE “SEEING:” vs 35  It’s funny how your source will change your vision.  A man’s treasure is where his heart is.  Jesus is seeing a readiness in the “world” for change.  Jesus is saying BEHOLD! (In the active imperative!) It is saying “see this.”  Then Jesus said “lift up, (exalt) your eyes.”  “See this.”  (Imperative).  “Look on the fields.” “See this,” (Imperative).  In other words Jesus is saying see this, see this, see this!!  He has told the Samaritan woman, the “hour is coming and NOW IS for a new kind of worship!  Now the disciples are told SEE, SEE, SEE. What is your source, and what do you see?