Description
John 4:5-42
The story of the woman at the well is one of the most well known in the Bible; many Christians can easily tell a summary of it. On its surface, the story chronicles ethnic prejudice and a woman shunned by her community. But take a deeper look, and you’ll realize it reveals a great deal about Jesus’ character. Jesus knew this woman’s personal sordid history, but still accepted her and ministered to her. Furthermore, by reaching out to the Samaritans (a despised ethnic group), Jesus showed that his mission was to all people, not just the Jews. Our human tendency is to judge others because of stereotypes, customs, or prejudices. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. Above all, the story, which unfolds in this passage, suggests that Jesus is a loving and accepting God, and we should follow his example.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Pastor / Worship Leader
Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made -this is the day when he can be found. So, I welcome each of you today. And in the name of the God of all creation, the breath of life, Living water, our Saviour, and friend Jesus Christ I invite you: Come as the hungry, feed on his Word. Come as the thirsty, drink of his Love. Come as the faithful, worship the Lord
Time of Praise and Worship
This Is Our God
David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, & Travis Cottrell, © 2006 CCTB Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) First Hand Revelation Music (Admin. by The Loving Company) (Admin. by The Loving Company (Mechanical))
O Come to the Altar
Chris Brown. Mack Brock, Steven Futick, Wade Joye, ©2015 Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Jesus Son of God
Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, & Matt Maher, ©2012 Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC), Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)
[Traditional Options]
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW 533; LBW 250; LSB 901; LW 198, NCH 67; PH 489
The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
BH 75 215; CH 683; EH 645/646; ELW 502; HWC 468; HLC 46; LBW 456; LSB 709; LW 412; NCH 248; PH 171/174; UMH 138; WIS 425
My Song Is Love Unknown
BH 75 486; EH 458; ELW 343; LBW 94; LSB 430; LW 91; NCH 222; PH 76; RS 572; TFWS 2083; WOV 661
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Loving and accepting God, we ask you to open our minds to receive your word today. Help us to recognize you in your glory and to find ourselves fully known in you.
Worshipers
Giver of living water, restore to us the abundant life in relationship with you. Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Jesus, we thank you that you come to meet with us and love us just as we are. Thank you for not leaving us to lives darkened by confusion and sin, but revealing yourself to us each and every day. Help us to listen to your word and to find our fulfillment in You alone.
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
For each way we put our own understandings above your wisdom, For each time we resist your command to be reconciled with those who believe differently from us,
Worshipers
Direct us in the way of peace, we pray.
Pastor / Worship Leader
For our silent sins, our quiet acts of violence, and our indifference to the suffering round us, Forgive us, Loving One, and quench our thirst with your grace; Remake us into vessels of tenderness and compassion.
Worshipers
For Christ’s sake we pray. Amen.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Because of God’s great love for us, we have peace with God and access to God’s grace all through Jesus Christ who, while we were still sinners, died to free us from the bondage of sin.
Therefore, we may ask of Christ to give us the living water that quenches the dryness of our souls. In this we know we are forgiven.
Worshipers
Thanks be to God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Exodus 17:1-7
Leaving the Desert of Sin where God’s miraculous provision of manna had commenced (cf. chapter 16), the Israelites went from place to place, as the Lord directed them. It is significant to note that God was in no hurry to bring the Israelites into the land of Canaan. While Israel’s later “wilderness wanderings” were the result of their sin at Kadesh-barnea (cf. Numbers 13-14), the wanderings here are designed to serve as Israel’s “boot camp” experiences. While the Israelites are without water, it is apparent that it is God’s will for this to be their dilemma. The incident at Massah and Meribah is seminal in two very different ways. The events of this chapter are developed into two major themes in the Scriptures. First, Massah and Meribah becomes an epitaph of the hardness of the Israelites’ hearts (and not just that first generation) as well as for the Gentiles. Second, Massah and Meribah is an evidence of the grace of God and of His presence and provision for His people.
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
