Sermon Nuggets Weds, March 5, 2008
Theme Witnessing
Verses John 4:7-9 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Common Connections
Although there were differences between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, there were also things they shared in common. They needed water. They were at the same place for the same reason.
A simple principle is to fish where the fish are, not where they aren’t. I think the biggest obstacle to sharing the faith with someone is that most Christians don’t really know well any who are unchurched. Jesus went to where the people were. His activities included highways and valley and mountains and seashores and marketplaces as well as the temple and synagogues and by talking to the woman at the well. He took the initiative.
So where can we meet people? Community groups, neighborhood get-togethers, inviting people over for meals, striking up conversations at school activities, sporting events. A person will walk into our homes ten times faster than into a church building. And most people do not decide to follow Christ because of a sermon, or a minister, but because of a friendship or an acquaintance or circumstances in their lives.
I learned growing up in Detroit not to talk to strangers. In the urban environment sticking to yourself and your friends was safest. That is my comfort zone. I admire people who easily reach out to people in a friendly way in the “market-place”. I admire that quality which Jesus had of striking up conversations with people and using common contacts for God’s glory. Jesus didn’t wait for someone to talk to him; He talked to them and showed his own vulnerability by requesting a drink from her.
Do you want to know one of the most important qualities of common connections? It is to always be a listener. A good listener asks factual questions and then moves to asking opinions or thoughts about subjects. That is also what Jesus did. He often started with the common connections of things people share together- fishing, farming, family, water, Holidays. And shortly their opinions and feelings were revealed.
“Tell It Often,” was written by Bethel Seminary professor Mark McCloskey. Interestingly, he reminds us that the relationship does not have to be serious or in depth to be friends and to open the door for God to work. Jesus was not hours with the woman at the well; Phillip did not spend days with the Eunuch. There may be someone whom God leads your way that you have nothing in common with except you both need gas, or he or you have a broken down car and need a lift. Going through the terrible twos (or terrible teens) together can strike up conversations with mothers.
As important as long term friendship is, do not neglect the common contacts with shared interests that lead to discussions of truth and eternal matters. Asking questions on common things can lead to opinions and sharing on important things.
Pastor Dale
