In this week’s lesson, we continue with the theme of Jesus’ encounters with ‘regular’ sinners (that is, people who were obviously in need of a Savior, vs RELIGIOUS sinners who thought were better than they really were).

In particular, this week’s lesson will focus on two non-Jewish sinners who experienced the depth and wonder of Jesus’ grace, and also exhibited ‘great faith.

The first account will be the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and the second, will be the Canaanite woman and her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30).

Both of these accounts are great reminders that Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that His blessing would extend to ALL NATIONS! Even the location of Jesus’ encounter with the Samariatan woman (a well dug by Jacob himself) helps point to that original promise. I’m also reminded of Jesus’ teaching found in John 10, where He call Himself the Good Shepherd who has other sheep ‘not of this fold (pen).’

Memory Verse: This man really is the Savior of the world. John 4:42

Handout: The Samaritan and Canaanite Women

Craft: The Cross is for ALL Nations

Narrative:

One day, as Jesus was traveling, he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field where Jacob’s well was; it was a field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Tired from the long walk, Jesus sat beside the well while His disciples went into the village to buy some food. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

The woman was surprised that Jesus would even speak to her, because usually Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. You see Samaritans who were formerly Israelites had changed the customs of Moses, and therefore were no longer considered part of Gods’ chosen nation by the Jews.

So when Jesus asked for a drink, she was quite surprised. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me for a drink of SPIRITUAL WATER that would bring eternal life.” Jesus said this as a way of explaining to the woman that just as our physical bodies need physical water to survive, our Spiritual bodies NEED Jesus to survive.

Then Jesus told the woman all about her sinful past. At this, she replied, “You know all about me, and the sins I have committed. You must be a prophet. I have lots of questions about how to truly worship God, and look forward to the coming of the Messiah who will explain everything to us about where and how to worship.” Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. After they heard Jesus’ message they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.”

On another day as Jesus was traveling, a Gentile woman came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon and needs your help.” But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. (the word “Gentile” means NON-JEW). Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

These two stories of Jesus’ interactions with sinners who were not formally Jewish, are massively important to our understanding of who Jesus is. Though Jesus spent most of His time ministering and preaching to Jews, Jesus made it clear that He loved and cared for not just the chosen people of Israel, but for ALL. Whereas the Jews believed that the Samaritans and Gentiles were a lost cause, Jesus made it clear that He loved and cared for all people, and His salvation is available to anyone who puts their faith in Him.