John 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read John 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus travels from Judea to Galilee, needing to pass through Samaria. He arrives at Sychar and sits by Jacob's well, tired from his journey (vv. 1-6).

Key verse

“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers.”
John 4:23 (WEB)

Outline

John 4:1–6 Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
John 4:7–15 The Offer of Living Water
John 4:16–26 Jesus Reveals Truth
John 4:27–42 The Woman’s Testimony and Response
John 4:43–54 Signs and Faith in Galilee

Discussion questions

In v6, why is Jesus sitting by the well?
In vv. 9-10, why is the Samaritan woman surprised by Jesus' request?
Jesus' statement about worshiping in spirit and truth, vv. 21-24: what does this suggest about the nature of worship?
The woman's acknowledgment of Jesus as a prophet, v19: why does this matter in the context of their conversation?
When have you felt compelled to share a significant experience with others, like the woman did in v28?

Go deeper

Passages that echo John 4: John 7, John 6, Revelation 22.

Before next time: read John 5.