John 4 - The Swindoll Study Bible

A FAVOR John 4:7 If you know anything about human nature, you know that one of the ways to break down that strange, distant feeling that can come when you meet a stranger is to ask for a favor. That was Jesus’ approach, and He knows human nature better than anyone. He broke down social and cultural barriers by appealing to this woman’s kindness.

HE ALREADY KNOWS John 4:16-18 I think Jesus was acting something like an attorney who has a portfolio of facts and drops a question on a witness—a question the witness is not expecting and doesn’t even know the attorney has information about. Jesus knew the truth about this woman, and He knows the truth about you and me. He always does. There’s no point in trying to pull one over on Him. He already knows it all.

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD John 4:19 Jesus is with this woman who has come to draw water, and lo and behold, He tells her the whole story of her life in a few sentences. She’s blown away. She looks deeply into this Jew’s eyes and senses that He’s not one of the haters. She can tell this not only by His voice but also by His demeanor, His words, and His willingness to break the rules. Something tells her that this is a man worth listening to. She knows that she is in the presence of someone special. In fact, she is in the presence of God.

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT John 4:24 We must learn to enter into worship. For me to appreciate a great Bach piece, I have to enter into the spirit of the music. I have to let it capture me. In order for me to enter into the spirit of a song or a statement of praise given in a testimony, I have to enter into the spirit of that moment unguarded and without resistance. As long as I am resistant to it, I will not enter into the depth of worship.

WHAT MONEY CANNOT BUY John 4:46-53 This man needed the Healer. So desperate was he that he came and begged. Jesus sent him home, and he went away trusting His words. We see that his trust was rewarded.

There are many things money cannot buy. Money can buy a lovely, king-sized bed, but not sleep. Money can buy a beautiful mansion, but not a home. Money can buy companionship all around the world, but not a close friend. Money can buy books, but not brains. Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior. Money can buy a church building, but not a place in heaven.