A Midweek Message from St. George's Church Stamford.

Small Group Questions for Tues 22nd Sept
The Invitation Part 3 – John 4:1-42

1. Jesus ‘had’ to go through Samaria and therefore the village of Sychar where he meets this woman (v4-5). In what ways does that relate to your own story? Share with others when and how Jesus crossed your path. Who took the initiative?
2. Imagine how different it might have been if Jesus had not made his journey through Samaria and instead avoided Sychar. Who are the people or what are the situations we are tempted to avoid in our daily lives that Jesus might be calling us to cross boundaries for? What might we do differently?
3. Can you think of an example when you made a connection with someone or someone made a connection with you that opened up a conversation about faith? How can we do so naturally? How do we bring the conversation round to Jesus in the right way?
4. Notice how gently Jesus brings up the key issue in this woman’s life and reveals how he is the source of life that will bring healing. How can we apply the same principle and get to the heart as we speak into the lives of those we meet? How can we be more open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
5. What does it mean to worship in (the) Spirit and in truth (v23-24)? What should this look like in this season?
6. Consider the teamwork involved in sharing the invitation (v36-38). Which part do you play (giving a first invitation, spending time with people and doing the hard work, or reaping the harvest)? How and to whom could you say ‘come and see’ this week?
7. Pray together and ask God to help you have confidence in the good news that Jesus really is the Saviour of the World (v42), ask him to show you the one person he wants you to speak to this week (through whom many more may hear the good news!) and ask him to help you put the principles we have learnt into practice as you speak with them.