Conversation to Revelation

John 4 (various) 10-21-07

Intro:  v.7-9 Jesus has made an invitation to the Samaritan woman to become involved in His life.  He gives her tremendous information in v. 10,13-14.  Truths have been shared, these are scriptural, powerful truths, and yet it remains information. Revelation is different. It is not the presentation of truths, but the Person of Jesus revealed into a life.

I.  The Interaction: v.16-17.  Jesus opens a door for disclosure by her.  She discloses a current problem.  She is hesitant to expose much, and we all understand that.  Why should this Jesus be different than others?  Why should He be safe?  In verse 18 Jesus exposes a continual pattern.  We seek to address the result of the action, He addresses the root of the activity.

II.  The Interruption: Revelation rarely if ever comes without an interruption of past thinking and activity.  That’s why it is revelation.  In v. 20 the woman sets forth two areas of concern, and blockage to revelation.  Two doctrines that may have been okay at one time, but not now, now that He is interrupting it.  First she is caught by the obligation of worship to her “fathers” way.  That may be harmless, unless it is more important than His new revelation. Then it becomes an idol, and there can be no other gods.  Second, she was tied to the location of worship.  Location is not wrong,  unless it blocks revelation.  In vs. 21-23 Jesus removes the location and the obligation.  The Father will be the location and worship will be in “spirit and truth,” not obligation to a system.

III.  The Inspiration: In v.25-26  He makes an identification of His Deity. The One answer she was looking for.  “I AM HE.”  That was a gift that was not spoken to many, not that directly.  He gave that revelation to a needy, open heart.  In vs. 28-30 SHE makes an identification.   Revelation has come.  She will not only be inspired, she will inspire a  community to new revelation.