We wrote yesterday of the need to have a big heart because that is what the Father’s heart is like, so today I want to look at how Jesus demonstrated that big heart to us.
Jesus met a woman at a well – a woman that society and religious rules demanded that He shun. She was morally impure (if having notched up 5 husbands and living with an unrelated man allows us to make that judgment) and an enemy of the Jews. Jesus not only didn’t shun her, but He ever so gently led her to understand who He was. There are 3 ways that Jesus showed us His big heart.
1. Manner: Jesus had a servant relationship with us. “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27 NIV). Even though Jesus was physically tired and it was during the heat of the day, Jesus was ready to serve, calling all sinners to repentance. Although He didn’t agree with what the woman was doing, He accepted the woman with dignity and a heart of grace.
2. Message: Jesus offered the hope of the Gospel. Jesus is the Christ who gives us new life. “The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”(John 4:25-26 NLT).
The Messiah takes our sin and gives us the living water of life, the Holy Spirit. “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”(John 4:v10)…….
“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory (John 7/37-39 NLT).
As we meditate on the Bible the Spirit will speak. We will receive grace for every situation as we lean on Jesus for every situation.
Multiplication: A big heart shares the gospel and multiplies itself. The Christian life is a life of ministering to one another. In this case the woman imitated Jesus and shared the Gospel.
Our take home from this message:
Can you lead someone to Jesus? Can you show your gratitude for what has happened to you and share the Gospel? Can you help someone to grow in relationship with Jesus? Are you assured of living with Jesus forever? Can you meditate on the Bible? Can you share that skill?
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