Week 5: Jesus Sees the Marginalized

Rewind and Reflect
What stood out to you the most from week three? 

When have you felt like something was separating you from God? Which parts of the last session reminded you that nothing can stop him from loving you? 

In session four, we are going to see the way Jesus broke down cultural and societal boundaries to care for women.

Watch “Jesus Sees the Marginalized” with Jennie Allen, Bianca Juárez Olthoff, Jada Edwards, and Sadie Robertson Huff (10 minutes).

Review
Jada, Jennie, Bianca, and Sadie discussed the way Jesus “busted through” cultural barriers to meet with the Samaritan woman. Which divides did he bridge by engaging in conversation with her at the well? 

How did the Samaritan woman react after talking with Jesus? 

Jennie talked about the reconciliation we experience through faith in Christ. His death and resurrection made the way for sinners to be forgiven and reconciled to God. If you have experienced that relational peace with God, when is the last time you shared it with someone? How did it go?

Dig In
Read John 4:3–39. In this passage, we read the longest recorded conversation Jesus had with anyone. Why is knowing the location, as well as the sex, race, and religion, of the two who talked important for understanding the significance of this discussion? What made this event so unique? 

How did Jesus identify himself to the woman? How did she then describe him to her town when she ran back to tell everyone? 

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17–21. Jennie paraphrased its message: “We have been reconciled to reconcile.” In what ways have you been an ambassador for Christ, helping others become reconciled to God? What does it look like to pursue peace in your relationships?

Make It Matter
Jesus had a serious theological discussion with the woman at the well. In doing so, he honored her personhood and showed her respect. Think of women in your community who are seeking to know God better. How can you engage with them and encourage their yearning for God? 

Our global community is more connected now than ever. Think of someone near you who is unlike you, whether ethnically, religiously, or otherwise. In what ways can you make a connection with them this week?

Reflect
Jennie’s daughter befriending a Rwandan girl gives us a concrete example of breaking down cultural barriers in the name of love. Spend time thinking through your circles of influence and how you can reach out to someone different than you.

Jesus revealed himself to the woman, telling her, “I am he” (the Messiah she’d been waiting for) in John 4: 25–26. When did you discover Jesus’s true identity? Who could you share that good news with this week?