Speaking the Truth in Love
Lessons From The Samaritans
We are members of the Oak Ridge church of Christ. We call ourselves Christians (Acts 11:26) and we hold to the Bible as our one and only Truth. Church of Christ is a biblical description of Christians who work together for the cause of Christ (Romans 16:16). We are independent assemblies with no organization beyond our own number as described in Philippians 1:1. There are Christians across the world working with local congregations of God’s people such as described in Revelation 2-3. Christians are members of Christ’s body, which is also known as His Church (Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:23). Our mission is to stand for God’s truth (the gospel) and teach it to all people (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16, 1 Timothy 3:15). We are accountable to our one and only Head Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18).
1. THE WOMAN AT THE WELL (John 4:1-42)
Jesus goes to the city of Samaria and asks a Samaritan woman for a drink (John 4:5-8).
Jews had no dealings with Samaritans and looked down upon them with racial prejudice (John 4:9, 8:48).
Jesus teaches about living water, which the Samaritan woman wants (John 4:9-15).
Jesus teaches about the coming of worship in spirit and truth (John 4:20-26).
Notice the disciples reaction in John 4:27. It seems that they marveled that he talked with a woman.
Notice that the woman leaves her waterpot (John 4:28).
The spiritual harvest is more important than food and drink (John 4:27-38). Jesus has not eaten but teaches about the spiritual food. Jesus knows that the harvest is ready to gather - a reference to those in Samaria who would believe.
Many of the Samaritans believe based on the woman’s testimony (John 4:39).
Many more believed because of His own word (John 4:41).
Notice later Jesus stays two days with these who the Jews despised (John 4:40, 8:48).
The Samaritans had believing hearts (John 4:39-42).
- They had good hearts because they checked out what Jesus said and who he was (John 4:42, Acts 17:11).
- They seem to have been waiting for the Messiah (John 4:25, 42). There is no record of Jesus performing any miracles or miraculous healings.
2. THE GOOD SAMARITAN (LUKE 10:30-37)
Thieves strip a man of his clothes and leave him half dead (Luke 10:30).
A priest passes by on the other side of the road (Luke 10:31).
A Levite also passes on the other side of the road (Luke 10:32).
A Samaritan has compassion, bandaged his wounds, puts him on his animal, brings him to an inn, and takes care of him. He even pays for any expenses (Luke 10:33-35).
The true neighbor is the one who shows mercy. Not the priest or the Levite who were hypocrites, but a Samaritan. Jesus tells the lawyer to go and do likewise.
3. PARABLE OF THE TEN LEPERS (Luke 17:11-19)
The grateful leper returned and glorified God (Luke 17:15).
The only grateful leper was from Samaria (Luke 17:16).
The grateful leper fell on his face at the feet of Jesus, giving thanks (Luke 17:16).
Because the grateful leper had acceptable faith, he was healed (Luke 17:19).
4. PHILIP GOES TO THE SAMARITANS (Acts 8:4-12)
Philip preaches Christ to those of Samaria after the NT church (or Kingdom) has come (Acts 8:5).
The multitudes listen to (i.e., heeded) the teaching of Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (Acts 8:6-8).
The Samaritans (including Simon the sorcerer) believed Philip’s teaching of the Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ. Both men and women were baptized (Acts 8:12-13).
In order to receive the powers of the Holy Spirit, apostles had to be sent for (Acts 8:14-19).
5. CONCLUSION
It should be obvious to us all that Jesus thought highly of the Samaritans (Acts 1:8).
- Are you like the Samaritans tonight?
- Are you eager to find the Messiah?
- Are looking for the truth?
- Are you grateful to Jesus for dieing for you so you can be healed of your sins like the Samaritan leper?
- Are you sincere in your care for your fellow man when they are in need like the good Samaritan?
- When you hear the Word of Christ preached, do you then obey that word like the Samaritans?
Why not turn from your sinful life and to God and wash away your sins in the waters of baptism (Matthew 28:18-20)?
We all need to learn lessons from the Samaritans. We need to be like them in order to both enter the Kingdom of God and lead productive lives for the Lord!
Please check the scriptures we have covered tonight. We want to help you in any way we can. Contact us for Bible studies, by telephone, e-mail, or simply come to one of our assemblies. Our next live program is planned for next month on Monday, August 7, 2017 when we hope to study the topic “Standing For Truth”. We hope to see you next time on Speaking the Truth in Love!
