1. Scripture Reading John 4:1-26

2. Introduction Jesus was asked in Luke 10:29, “Who is my neighbor?” Neighbors aren’t just those that live in close proximity to us geographically. Jesus proves that when He shows that the Samaritan was a “neighbor” to him that was beaten and left for dead (Luke 10:30-36).

3. Neighbor Neighbour-one living in the same land; dwelling around. Has a wider range of meaning than the English word. There were no farmhouses scattered over the agricultural areas of Palestine. The populations went to & fro in their toil.

4. Samaritans Considered by the Jews to be as worthless as a dog. Yet, Jesus shows that the one who was considered to be ‘worthless’ is the one who was a needy neighbor. The woman at the well was a Samaritan, not worthy in the minds of most Jews to be taught anything.

5. Why would Jesus teach her? She, like all others, needed to hear the truth. To be given an opportunity to everlasting life. To be a recipient of the new birth (Jn. 3:3). To have her sins forgiven.

6. Would you & I teach… A drunkard? (1 Cor. 6:9-11) A thief? (1 Cor. 6:10) A liar? (Re. 21:8) An adulterer? (1 Cor. 6:9) A prostitute? (Re. 21:8; Luke 15:30) A homosexual? (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

7. What do they have in common with the woman at the well & us? They are all sinners and need to hear the soul saving gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16). Sometimes I get the impression from other Christians that we are “too good” to talk to these wretched people. Matthew 22:36-39! Do you love your neighbors?

8. Conclusion Jesus has often been referred to as the “master teacher”. What a great example He is to us in how that we are to be compassionate toward those in sin. We should follow His lead in being a good teacher & neighbor.