Jesus is not a distant God who does not know us or care about us, but an intimate God who desires to have a personal relationship with each one of His children. Each issue highlights new, ready-to-download Bible studies at ChristianBibleStudies.com, and other tools to help you become a dynamic teacher of God's Word. We are determined to stick together as one big HSM ministry. Given the cultural hostilities, Jesus easily could have sat quietly while the Samaritan woman came, drew her water from the well, and left. After opening eyes, she sat up He took hand, helped up, Peter showed her friends that she was alive Many believed in the Lord, None indicated, except all grieving believers, Could not use feet, never walked, crippled from birth, Paul looked at him intently, saw he had faith and loudly told him, Stand upright on your feet., Man sprang up, began to walk. ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS Encounters with Jesus Each one of us needs an encounter with Jesus! You need to make some major changes. That wouldve been overwhelming and probably off-putting. Crowd filled with wonder and amazement, Assorted sick and demon-possessed people brought by friends and relatives, People carried people out into the street so Peters shadow would fall on them, All cured. His encounter with the paralyzed man in John 5:1-19 is a great example. 20Our fathers worshiped onthis mountain, but you say thatin Jerusalem isthe place where people ought to worship.21Jesus said to her, Woman, believe me,the hour is coming whenneither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. It's a story about us. We often do not see ourselves as Judas; as traitors. Sometimes we want to argue about whether we should have traditional or contemporary music in a worship service at church, but all the while were not focusing on actually worshipping Jesus in our hearts and actions. How do you think the Samaritan woman feels when she hears that God is searching for people like her to worship him? Patient got up out of bed, walked around and was able to eat Her spirit returned to her Skeptical crowd amazed, Jairus declared faith in Jesus to heal. So they went looking for Himand found Him! They will direct death towards you, but fear no evil for the Lord is always with us. Blogging About The Word. Your encounter with Christ is not about you coming in contact with his presence. Your meeting with Jesus Christ will always be the most unique incident in your life. We will remember things even in our good old age. Shes never heard of living water. Blessings and thanks again! Its kinda like how we talked about Him being unexpected. Jesus said not to fear, but believe, Woman with hemorrhage Mt 9:20-22; Mk 5:25-29; Lk 8:43-48, Chronic vaginal bleeding (12 years), unsuccessful medical treatment, financially exhausted, Touched Jesus clothing (selfcare). 10Jesus answered her,If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given youliving water.11The woman said to Him, Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. When she gets back to town, the woman tells everyone she can find that shes met the Messiah! Sometimes we dont want to have our sin pointed out to us, and that can even occasionally make us not want to come to Him. Whom did He meet? Its kinda like how we talked about Him being unexpected. For was it not Jesus who said, Have faith in God? Since a personal encounter with Jesus is the first meeting of a sinner with Christ. James Stuart Bell's friends tell the stories of how their lives became the targets of the love of Jesus Christ. What principles can you draw from Jesus' conversation with the woman to help you in reaching out to others? First, you become a target. Similar to the above point, we now see that Jesus will always get to the true heart of the issue, whatever it is were dealing with. Therefore, all encounters with Jesus involve conversations. In fact, most of them wouldve gone the long way around so they could avoid Samaria completely. As nurses, these stories give us a healthy model for providing holistic care for our patients. Your email address will not be published. And are we able at all times, to feel compassion for a person who suffers loss? But also that it is not meant to be endured by ones self not even Jesus endured it all alone. But as well learn when we see more about her character in a few verses, she probably had reason to want to avoid being there at busy times. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus, (Acts 9:30). It means anything that you desire to recall but you cant, He will bring to your remembrance. Copyright 2010 2023. You will not decide where you will encounter the Lord because you will never know beforehand that you are going to meet him . It includes modern day encounters with Jesus via dreams, visions, visitations, near-death experiences, and other spiritually transformative experiences, as well as historical encounters. Jesus has been an unexpected person in her life who revealed the sin she struggles with and cares about the heart of her issues. When she gets back to town, the woman tells everyone she can find that shes met the Messiah! But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.. If you are not completely satisfied with the product you purchase, please. Jesus has been an unexpected person in her life who revealed the sin she struggles with and cares about the heart of her issues. He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.13Jesus said to her,Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,14butwhoever drinks of the water that I will give himwill never be thirsty again. We are good and bad, unfaithful, and loyal; friend and foe, mockers, and people of courage. 27Just thenHis disciples came back. We succumb to the pressures of the people, and would rather be in good standing with what is popular as opposed to what is right. Similarly, recall Matthew (the Tax Collector) and his encounter. Here are five cast-off groups that Jesus loved: 1. Susie has contributed to several p More. Others have labored,and you have entered into their labor., 39Many Samaritansfrom that town believed in Himbecause ofthe womans testimony, He told me all that I ever did.40So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. Jesus has been an unexpected person in her life who revealed the sin she struggles with and cares about the heart of her issues. It probably wouldnt have been normal for a strange man to be talking with her so casually. Be sure to check out everything happening online. When Peter heard what had happened from the servant girl and others who were with them, he ran back to the garden where Jesus had been praying for him. The Bible is full of jesus encounters with individuals and bible characters who had encounters with god, and he has been just as present throughout the years as he was during his time on earth. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. She doesnt know to look for it or hope for it. There they beheld God seated at his right hand. Now His disciples come back, surprised to see Jesus talking to a strange Samaritan woman, and she takes the opportunity to slip away. But He has His own plan and its often different from mine and always better. People, I think, that tell us a lot about not only the story of the passion, and the incredible intensity of the mood and emotions; but I think encounters in Jesus passion is a story about humanity. Others have labored,and you have entered into their labor., 39Many Samaritansfrom that town believed in Himbecause ofthe womans testimony, He told me all that I ever did.40So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. Read the first chapter of my first book for free! But the opposite is true. Click below to download a bucket list. Since she knows Hes a Jew, she knows He believes Jerusalem is the place to worship. Former Senior Writer & Cultural Advocate at Thought Catalog Buy Conversations for Smart People Connect on Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram. Matthew 8:23 says that Jesus went up on the mountain, and called to him those whom he desired; and they came to him. But have you ever thought about how many encounters with Jesus there are recorded in the Bible? The Word in Life Study Bible, New Testament Edition, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville; 1993), pp. These conversations were not about personal sins or specific religious views and practices, nor were they a set of talking points or a political platform. Those individuals are: Nathanael the skeptic, the Insider - Nicodemus and the Outcast . I encourage you to read through these encounters and ask yourself if there is anything in your life that you need to be healed from, forgiven of, or encouraged by. This 30 day series highlights the many different encounters people of the New Testament had with Jesus as recorded in all four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 10Jesus answered her,If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given youliving water.11The woman said to Him, Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. She tells them that He knew everything about her, Hes a prophet, and her enthusiasm for Him makes them want to meet Him themselves. Paul preached, was persecuted, Slave girl with spirit of divination, earned money for owners by fortune telling, Paul got annoyed and ordered the spirit to come out of her, Spirit came out immediately; girl no longer useful to owner. As always, theres some hubbub from people who arent into what Jesus is doing and dont understand exactly whats happening, and this leads Him to move on for a bit. For one thing, its noon and shes probably not used to seeing anyone at the well. Does evangelism make you nervous? I might expect Him to teach me one thing, but He teaches me another instead. I must warn you, Im extremely bold and fearless. Jesus was interested in establishing common ground with others. I know thats happened to me. Like most of us, the answers handed down to them didn't seem to work in the real world. What results can we expect to see when a person is set free from Satan's power? Converse with Jesus daily in prayers. Saul saw him and that experience revolutionized his life and ours forever. Paul went back to preaching, Paul visited him and cured him by putting his hands on him, Cured. There are numerous examples of Jesus having conversations and working in partnership with the Trinity. So much so that you will never forget it. As Hes heading to Galilee, He passes through Samaria. Do we find empathy in the stories of people who we do not know? And what does that mean to us? There are more than 30 such encounters. 6:14-15) and this must include forgiving the sins of the past as well as of the present. He gently lets her realize whats going on with herself. Contact others socially (4:7). Jesus is patient and reveals things to us when we need to hear them in ways that we can respond to. S.,Willow Park, TX 76087. My wife will testify to that! Do we follow the goodness of our heart regardless of the surroundings about us? Many people are replete with false beliefs about what should happen after they have their initial personal experience with Jesus Christ. Its easy for us to get distracted by secondary issues and skip the truly important issues. Only Believers do! They believed her based on her testimony about Him, but then they encountered Him and believed even more. None of them knew in advance that he would have an experience with the Lord. Most Jews wouldnt have interacted at all with her because they wouldve thought it would make them unclean. Afterward he appeared to two of his disciples while they were walking into town from Bethany.. Then he [Jesus] restored sight to two blind men who had been sitting by the roadside.. And lastly he appeared to all eleven apostles as they sat at dinner. (Matt 28:9-10). But I love that as soon as He explains it to her, shes all ineven though it seems she doesnt completely understand what Hes talking about. Introduction Getting the Most Out of Encountering Jesus This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their. Second, this encounter changed Jacob's understanding of God. He gently lets her realize whats going on with herself. We need Johns in our life in order to survive, I think. Now were going to see what happens when a Samaritan woman has an encounter with Jesus. But really good for us. New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller explores how people are changed by meeting Jesus personallyand how we can be changed encountering him today. This week I had the opportunity to teach a lesson on a woman in the Bible who loved God. Died. 7A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus knows exactly what this womans biggest struggle is. At age twelve, His parents found Him at the temple in Jerusalem, "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions" ( Luke 2:46 ). Most people wouldve come to the well in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures wouldve been cooler. This series emphasizes the love and compassion of Christ for humanity and His creation. Since hes gone back to heaven we must by necessity touch him by faith. The Bible is full of accounts of people having an encounter with Jesus. How did He connect with them? Youre living in sin with someone right now. Later, said not to sin anymore or worse things could happen, Healed, up and walking, going to the temple and apparently reformed, Born blind, financially destitute (beggar), Jesus put mud made with his saliva on patients eyes, told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam, Physically healed (able to see); believed, witnessed to family and others in community, Jesus initiated encounter; no faith indicated. The woman at the well personal encounter with Jesus, John 4:17-26. Jesus encounters individuals in unique ways that will allow them to recognize him as the risen Lord. Examples: He connected with peoples thoughts and feelings. Lazarus came out, still wrapped in strips of cloth. She's been amazed by Him and believes Him when He says that He's the Messiah. Most Jews wouldnt have interacted at all with her because they wouldve thought it would make them unclean. Jesus asked questions in more than half of the conversations He had. Where do you get that living water? How have you encountered Jesus? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.13Jesus said to her,Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,14butwhoever drinks of the water that I will give himwill never be thirsty again. I, for one, have always loved this time of year as far as the Christian/Catholic calendar goes. I picked the Woman at the Well in John 4 because I think its maybe my favorite example of this. These people knew not Christ nor did they experience his presence and power. 9:9-13), Herod, introduced by Pilate (Luke 23:6-16), Nathaniel, invited by Philip (John 1:45-51), an adulterous woman brought by the scribes (John 8:1-11), at Peters house with his mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31), with a Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark u:24-30). The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. So when we come to Him, we should learn to expect the unexpected! His reputation as a persecutor, and imprisoner of Christians preceded him. Read on to learn more. However, no one had been able to be healed because an angel never came down from heaven to stir up the waters until Jesus arrived at this site. If you remain quiet, you will feel like any moment and you are going to explode. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Crowd amazed; Pharisees skeptical, Boy with epilepsyMt 17:14-18; Mk 9:17-27; Lk 9:37-42, Disciples unable to heal because of their lack of faith. And Jesus says this, "For this is the way God loved the world. So when we come to Him, we should learn to expect the unexpected! Just as Barnabas did for Saul. We no longer are defined by our sin but are now defined by our relationship with Christ (see 2 Cor. But Jesus introduces her to this question. They thought he was just telling them stories, but he was actually teaching them about God and how he wants us to live our lives. I also enjoy that unlike major Christian holidays, even where there is a commercialization of Easter, you really cannot wholly take the crucifixion, death, and resurrection, and turn into something for secular consumption. Samaritans also had their own version of the Pentateuch and their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which will become important later in this story. (Mark 11:22) We are living in times where people strongly believe in science and technology, so much so that they fail to look at the supernatural things around them. A Closer Look at a Jesus-Style Encounter. the first meeting of a sinner with Christ, doctrines of him are not taught and preached. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.. She frequently teaches or speaks at women's Bible studies or events. If you happen to overhear my ramblings you may think that Im going koo-koos. He asked Philip if he knew where Jesus was staying, but Philip didnt know (John 1:43). He did not need a special environment or control over the circumstances to discuss things of eternal significance. As I examine Sauls personal encounter with Jesus three things will stand out. People, I think, that tell us a lot about not only the story of the passion, and the incredible intensity of the mood and emotions; but I think encounters in Jesus passion is a story about humanity. Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see thatthe fields are white for harvest. Anything that you will ever receive from the Lord comes via conversation. Shes now the one asking for a drink. Jesus interacted with all kinds of people. He understood that new ideas need to be connected with existing frames of reference if they are to last. Jesus said to her,Give me a drink.8(For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 35Do you not say, There are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Thats what He begins to do with the woman here. Patient immediately stood up straight and began praising God. John 21:1-19, What can you conclude fom this passage about the physical, emotional and spiritual oppression that a person under demonic influence experiences? 23Butthe hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Fatherin spirit andtruth, for the Fatheris seeking such people to worship Him. Instead, we should focus on being a light to them and loving them. Peter and his brother Andrew had an encounter with Jesus, Matthew 4:18-20. 7A woman from Samaria came to draw water. 41And many more believedbecause of His word.42They said to the woman, It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves,and we know that this is indeedthe Saviorof the world..