Our community group is studying the book of John. Recently, we reflected on and discussed chapters 2 – 4. I’ve been writing about the stories in those chapters.
In John 3-4, we see Jesus bringing the good news to three very different people: a respected Jewish teacher, an outcast Samaritan woman, and a Roman official. These encounters remind us that the gospel is not for one type of person but for the whole world. As John Piper puts it, “The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God”(1). Each encounter reveals how Jesus meets us where we are and calls us into deeper faith.
Nicodemus
First, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher of Israel, approaches Jesus at night, full of questions but hesitant to believe. Jesus challenges him: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus struggles, caught in the tension between religious knowledge and transforming faith. Like many who rely on their own understanding, he wrestles with surrender. As Herman Bavinck writes, “God’s grace does not find men fit for salvation, but makes them fit; it does not find them attractive, but makes them attractive; it does not find them holy, but makes them holy” (2).
Samaritan Woman
Next, we meet the Samaritan woman at the well, shunned by society and ashamed. Jesus does not wait for her to seek Him—He initiates, offering living water to quench her deepest thirst. Although she is curious about that water, she engages Jesus in conversation, questioning His knowledge. When convinced that He is the Messiah, she leaves her water jar behind and runs to tell others, transformed by an encounter with Him. N.T. Wright notes, “When Jesus wanted to explain what his death would achieve, he didn’t give a theory; he gave a meal” (3). Here, He offers water, a picture of Himself as the source of eternal life.
Roman Official
Finally, in John 4:46-54, a Roman official, likely accustomed to power and status, humbles himself before Jesus, begging for his son’s healing. Unlike Nicodemus, he does not seek theological discussion. Unlike the Samaritan woman, he does not hesitate. He simply believes Jesus’ word and returns to find his son restored. “Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse,” writes Philip Yancey (4). This official models the childlike faith Jesus desires—trusting His word without proof.
The Seeker, Outcast, and Powerful
Through these three encounters, we see that Jesus comes for the seeker, the outcast, and the powerful alike. His grace meets us even with questions, shame, or desperation. Whether we come cautiously like Nicodemus, broken like the Samaritan woman, or boldly like the official, the call is the same: believe, receive, and be changed. As Tim Keller reminds us, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope” (5).
Are you a seeker? Do you carry shame or feel desperate? Jesus is calling you today.
How will you respond to Him?
References
1-John Piper, God Is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself
2-Herman Bavinck, Saved by Grace: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration. (also attributed to Augustine)
3-NT Wright, The Royal Revolution: Fresh Perspectives on the Cross, a lecture in January 2017
4-Philip Yancey, Disappointment with God
5-Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
Other posts from John
Posted in Substack – consider following me there (it’s free).
Grace Upon Grace
Look, Come, See, Follow
Jesus Clears the Temple
Slake Your Thirst
