Over and Over and Over Again
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: John 4:5-26, 39-42
Reflection Questions
The woman went to the well in the heat of midday to avoid the judgment of others. In our suburban culture—which often values having a perfect career, a pristine lawn, or flawless grandchildren—how do you hide your "achy heart" or past failures from others?
What a profound grace that Jesus knows everything about us—every nasty thought, dark place, and failure—and yet He still waits for us with love. How does it feel to realize you don't have to "perform" for Jesus to earn His presence?
Drawing water was a heavy, grueling chore that had to be done day after day. Whether it's the endless cycle of corporate emails, quarterly reports, or the repetitive physical and medical routines of retirement, what is the exhausting "well" in your life right now? How does Jesus' promise of a permanent "spring of living water" speak to that specific weariness?
The sermon compares "well water" to trying to fix ourselves—relying on good intentions, self-help, or sheer willpower, only to fail and have to start over again. In what area of your life do you feel stuck in a loop of trying to fix yourself? What would it look like to stop trying to earn your own salvation and instead accept Christ's living water?
The Samaritan woman wasn't looking for a religious guru; she was just trying to get her daily chore done when she unexpectedly met the Savior. Looking at your busy schedule this week, how can you keep your eyes open for Jesus waiting to meet you in the middle of your most ordinary, mundane tasks?
