Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the rock
Background Information
After the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt, God took care of them on the long journey through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula and eventually back to Canaan. But when they were hungry or thirsty they doubted God's presence and complained about their leader Moses. God provided manna and quails for food when they were hungry (Exodus 16) and today's story tells how God provided water from a spring beneath the desert limestone. The place was named to indicate how they tested God (Massah) and complained about Moses (Meribah). Both today's Psalm 95:8-11 and Numbers 20:1-13 give other versions of the same story.
Questions
1.Have you ever been leader of a group when things went wrong and people in the group blamed you?
What did you do? Imagine how Moses felt. What did Moses do?
2. What are the fears and discontents that sometimes cause us to question God's presence among us?
3. How has God acted in your life when you faced hardships or complained about people in leadership?
Romans 5:1-11 - Salvation through God's love in Christ
Background Information
Paul explains his theological ideas about justification by faith and its benefits (vs 1-2) leading to reconciliation with God (vs 10-11). Paul says that even suffering can lead to hope because God's love is poured out into our hearts (vs 3-5). God's love is demonstrated by Christ's willingness to live and die for us, not because we deserved it, but because God freely gave his love while we were yet sinners (vs 6-10).
Questions
1. Think of an important human relationship you have had which was somehow spoiled or broken. What were the consequences? What was lost? How did you feel? Was there ever reconciliation? If so how did it happen?
2. What are the consequences of a broken relationship with God? Have you ever had that experience? What can bring you back to God and heal the relationship?
3. In vs 3-4 Paul talks of the good that came from his suffering. Have you ever had good come from suffering?
4. How can you know that someone loves you? How do they show it? How do you know that God loves you?
5. If God pours his love into your heart, how can you pass that love on to others?
John 4:5-42 - Christ, the water of life
Background Information
Jesus talks longer with the Samaritan woman at the well than he does with anyone else in all the Gospels. He accepts her and discusses deep theological issues with her despite the fact that she was marginalized on the basis of ethnicity, gender and moral standing. In verses 7-15 Jesus moves from asking for a drink to quench his thirst to speaking symbolically of the living water he offers which is like a bubbling life-giving spring. In verses 16-19 Jesus helps her to face and reveal her true self , and in so doing he talks about true worship in spirit and truth" (vs 20-24) then reveals his true self as the Messiah/Christ (vs 25-26). The disciples arrive and are shocked (vs 27). The woman goes off to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah (28-30). After a discussion with his disciples about food representing their shared mission (vs 31-38) we hear about the effectiveness of the woman's witness and the Samaritans who came to believe that Jesus was the Savior of the world (vs 39-42).
Questions
1. What kind of people are marginalized in our society and by the majority in our churches and institutions? Jesus calls us to break down the barriers which divide us. How are we trying to do this in our church?
2.In addition to the literal meanings of water in Exodus and this gospel, what symbolic meanings does water have in Scripture, in the sacramental life of the church, and in your own personal experience?
3. Jesus says that instead of conflicts about place and style of worship, they should worship in spirit and in truth. How important is place and style of worship to you? Why? What would you be willing to change?
4. The woman could not hide her true self from Jesus. What is there about yourself which you are hiding? Do you think God knows? How does knowing Jesus help you to know yourself better?
