Willow Creek Community Church August 23, 2026 40m

Willow Welcomes Megan Fate Erickson

Name: Willow Welcomes Megan Fate Erickson
Uploaded: 2026-08-23T18:58:12+00:00
Duration: 40 min 59 s
Description: The sermon's central theme is about receiving God's love and the danger of seeking validation from others. It references Jesus meeting the woman at the well in John chapter 4 and uses the analogy of an empty cup needing to be filled. The takeaway is to recognize our tendency to seek approval and to instead seek our fulfillment from God.

Read full transcript 36 segments

It was fun thinking through this unique It was fun thinking through this unique series of being welcomed. I went back series of being welcomed. I went back series of being welcomed. I went back to the very first time I was ever to the very first time I was ever to the very first time I was ever welcomed. And it was actually on a welcomed. And it was actually on a welcomed. And it was actually on a Wednesday night, midservice, midweek Wednesday night, midservice, midweek Wednesday night, midservice, midweek service. Remember those? And uh it was service. Remember those? And uh it was service. Remember those? And uh it was nine years ago. And I was looking back nine years ago. And I was looking back nine years ago. And I was looking back and I was like, what did I teach then? and I was like, what did I teach then? and I was like, what did I teach then? And I looked at my notes and I was like, And I looked at my notes and I was like, And I looked at my notes and I was like, oh, bless my heart. But I love that the But I love that the the word of God the word of God the word of God doesn't change. But have you noticed we doesn't change. But have you noticed we doesn't change. But have you noticed we do? do? do? And so I'm going to teach the exact same And so I'm going to teach the exact same And so I'm going to teach the exact same passage I taught the first time I was passage I taught the first time I was passage I taught the first time I was welcomed to Willow. welcomed to Willow. welcomed to Willow. And it was so beautiful to receive it And it was so beautiful to receive it And it was so beautiful to receive it aresh aresh aresh and new and a and and then I get to pray and new and a and and then I get to pray and new and a and and then I get to pray for you that you would receive it a for you that you would receive it a for you that you would receive it a fresh and a new wherever you need to fresh and a new wherever you need to fresh and a new wherever you need to know it the most. John chapter 4 is know it the most. John chapter 4 is know it the most. John chapter 4 is where we're headed. If you have your where we're headed. If you have your where we're headed. If you have your Bibles, you can turn with me. And as you Bibles, you can turn with me. And as you Bibles, you can turn with me. And as you do, what Jesus does in this moment do, what Jesus does in this moment do, what Jesus does in this moment is he meets someone in a very personal is he meets someone in a very personal is he meets someone in a very personal way. at a well.
way. at a well. way. at a well. A well where people would come, they A well where people would come, they A well where people would come, they would gather water for the day and then would gather water for the day and then would gather water for the day and then they would return home. they would return home. they would return home. Nine years ago, I told you about my mo Nine years ago, I told you about my mo Nine years ago, I told you about my mo my life illustration and that was of a my life illustration and that was of a my life illustration and that was of a cup. I talked about how I I grew up cup. I talked about how I I grew up cup. I talked about how I I grew up going to church. I was trying to going to church. I was trying to going to church. I was trying to introduce myself to welcome myself. I I introduce myself to welcome myself. I I introduce myself to welcome myself. I I grew up going to church and I and I grew up going to church and I and I grew up going to church and I and I always heard that God loved me and that always heard that God loved me and that always heard that God loved me and that sounded great. And then he and then I sounded great. And then he and then I sounded great. And then he and then I heard the command, "So love him and love heard the command, "So love him and love heard the command, "So love him and love others." I said, "Yes." So I took my others." I said, "Yes." So I took my others." I said, "Yes." So I took my little cup of love and I would splash little cup of love and I would splash little cup of love and I would splash love on people. Thank you very much. And love on people. Thank you very much. And love on people. Thank you very much. And then I went to like school and I was on then I went to like school and I was on then I went to like school and I was on sports teams and you know and then I got sports teams and you know and then I got sports teams and you know and then I got my first job and then I got married and my first job and then I got married and my first job and then I got married and then I had kids and I more kids. and I more kids. And it wasn't until I had kids that I And it wasn't until I had kids that I And it wasn't until I had kids that I realized that though we are called to realized that though we are called to realized that though we are called to love people. I highly recommend it.
love people. I highly recommend it. love people. I highly recommend it. I had developed a really unhealthy I had developed a really unhealthy I had developed a really unhealthy habit. Here's what I would do. I would habit. Here's what I would do. I would habit. Here's what I would do. I would love people. That's good. But then I love people. That's good. But then I love people. That's good. But then I would hold out my now empty cup in their would hold out my now empty cup in their would hold out my now empty cup in their direction direction direction to be filled back up by their opinions to be filled back up by their opinions to be filled back up by their opinions of me or approval of me or acceptance of of me or approval of me or acceptance of of me or approval of me or acceptance of me. And I wouldn't just do it to people. I And I wouldn't just do it to people. I do it to my job. I still do it to my kids. I still do it to my kids. I do it to Scott. I do it to Scott. I do it to Scott. Honestly, I do it to you. Honestly, I do it to you. Honestly, I do it to you. It's so easy. It's so weird nine years It's so easy. It's so weird nine years It's so easy. It's so weird nine years later saying, "I still do it." later saying, "I still do it." later saying, "I still do it." Can you relate? Right. And it's weird Can you relate? Right. And it's weird Can you relate? Right. And it's weird because it kind of works. Like if people because it kind of works. Like if people because it kind of works. Like if people like you, it like feels good. If if you like I don't know, let's go If if you like I don't know, let's go with the youth for a second. Like if you with the youth for a second. Like if you with the youth for a second. Like if you guys like post something and then like guys like post something and then like guys like post something and then like everyone likes it and you hey kind of everyone likes it and you hey kind of everyone likes it and you hey kind of works, right? But what it does is it works, right? But what it does is it works, right? But what it does is it unintentionally like makes you a slave unintentionally like makes you a slave unintentionally like makes you a slave to people's opinions. You just keep to people's opinions. You just keep to people's opinions. You just keep coming back and back and back and more.
coming back and back and back and more. coming back and back and back and more. And the problem is especially with And the problem is especially with And the problem is especially with relationships is you're holding your relationships is you're holding your relationships is you're holding your empty cup likely in the direction of empty cup likely in the direction of empty cup likely in the direction of people who are holding their cup in your people who are holding their cup in your people who are holding their cup in your direction too. direction too. direction too. So, it kind of doesn't work. So, it kind of doesn't work. So, it kind of doesn't work. What Jesus does with this woman is he What Jesus does with this woman is he What Jesus does with this woman is he addresses the places she's been running addresses the places she's been running addresses the places she's been running to be filled. to be filled. to be filled. Because point number one, we're all Because point number one, we're all Because point number one, we're all thirsty. We all long to be filled. We all long to be filled. And so, he loves her enough And so, he loves her enough And so, he loves her enough to address it. to address it. to address it. And then here's what he does. And here's And then here's what he does. And here's And then here's what he does. And here's my prayer. And I want to actually pray. my prayer. And I want to actually pray. my prayer. And I want to actually pray. He takes her cup. He takes her cup. He takes her cup. He tilts it upward the way a cup was He tilts it upward the way a cup was He tilts it upward the way a cup was designed. Ah, no. Yes. No. Because think designed. Ah, no. Yes. No. Because think designed. Ah, no. Yes. No. Because think about it. This has no use.
about it. This has no use. about it. This has no use. This has no use. This has no use. This has no use. You can't use this cup if it's on its You can't use this cup if it's on its You can't use this cup if it's on its side. So, he tilts her cup upward the side. So, he tilts her cup upward the side. So, he tilts her cup upward the way a cup was designed. And then he way a cup was designed. And then he way a cup was designed. And then he fills her, but he doesn't stop filling fills her, but he doesn't stop filling fills her, but he doesn't stop filling her. You know, it's interesting. Like I her. You know, it's interesting. Like I her. You know, it's interesting. Like I Here's one way I've even really thought Here's one way I've even really thought Here's one way I've even really thought through this, maybe even more than I through this, maybe even more than I through this, maybe even more than I should, is I I sometimes I would like should, is I I sometimes I would like should, is I I sometimes I would like run to the Lord and I'd get filled up run to the Lord and I'd get filled up run to the Lord and I'd get filled up and then I'd splash it again and then and then I'd splash it again and then and then I'd splash it again and then I'd run to the Lord and it was I'd run to the Lord and it was I'd run to the Lord and it was exhausting. My spiritual disciplines exhausting. My spiritual disciplines exhausting. My spiritual disciplines became some massive burden to me and became some massive burden to me and became some massive burden to me and something I had to do. But the beautiful something I had to do. But the beautiful something I had to do. But the beautiful thing about walking by the spirit is thing about walking by the spirit is thing about walking by the spirit is that it's constantly being filled. And that it's constantly being filled. And that it's constantly being filled. And then the natural byproduct is love. You then the natural byproduct is love. You then the natural byproduct is love. You don't have to try to love. You just have don't have to try to love. You just have don't have to try to love. You just have to spend all of your energy and time to spend all of your energy and time to spend all of your energy and time receiving it. Imagine the baby cup underneath Niagara Imagine the baby cup underneath Niagara Falls. Falls. Falls. That's what he wants to do. And I want That's what he wants to do. And I want That's what he wants to do. And I want to take a moment and pray. I want to to take a moment and pray. I want to to take a moment and pray. I want to open up our hands. I want to come open up our hands. I want to come open up our hands. I want to come expectant. I want to seek the Lord expectant. I want to seek the Lord expectant. I want to seek the Lord because he promises to be found when we because he promises to be found when we because he promises to be found when we do. But I want to seek him with all of do. But I want to seek him with all of do. But I want to seek him with all of our heart.
our heart. our heart. I want to seek him with all of our I want to seek him with all of our I want to seek him with all of our heart. And I want to see what happens. heart. And I want to see what happens. heart. And I want to see what happens. And then when we get to walk out these And then when we get to walk out these And then when we get to walk out these doors to the food fair, how beautiful doors to the food fair, how beautiful doors to the food fair, how beautiful would it be if we just loved a bunch of would it be if we just loved a bunch of would it be if we just loved a bunch of people first instead of waiting to be people first instead of waiting to be people first instead of waiting to be loved by them? How beautiful would that loved by them? How beautiful would that loved by them? How beautiful would that be if whatever you have planned be if whatever you have planned be if whatever you have planned tomorrow, you were to walk into that tomorrow, you were to walk into that tomorrow, you were to walk into that room secure and with eyes to go? who room secure and with eyes to go? who room secure and with eyes to go? who needs to be loved instead of am I okay? needs to be loved instead of am I okay? needs to be loved instead of am I okay? Do you know what I mean? Can you Do you know what I mean? Can you Do you know what I mean? Can you imagine? You probably can't. imagine? You probably can't. imagine? You probably can't. No, you can. And I want you to. So, No, you can. And I want you to. So, No, you can. And I want you to. So, let's take our sanctified imaginations. let's take our sanctified imaginations. let's take our sanctified imaginations. Maybe imagine the rooms you've been. Maybe imagine the rooms you've been. Maybe imagine the rooms you've been. Imagine where your body is placed right Imagine where your body is placed right Imagine where your body is placed right now and the relationships he has. now and the relationships he has. now and the relationships he has. Imagine the opportunities of influence Imagine the opportunities of influence Imagine the opportunities of influence that you have. And if you're open to it, that you have. And if you're open to it, that you have. And if you're open to it, would you open up your hands this would you open up your hands this would you open up your hands this morning as a picture of your heart or morning as a picture of your heart or morning as a picture of your heart or your cup and which direction you long to your cup and which direction you long to your cup and which direction you long to be filled? So, will you pray with me?
Father God, we I wonder where everyone Father God, we I wonder where everyone comes in. I wonder how full they feel comes in. I wonder how full they feel comes in. I wonder how full they feel right now just between you and them. right now just between you and them. right now just between you and them. Lord, I pray that they would search Lord, I pray that they would search Lord, I pray that they would search their heart and just confess to confess. If your spirit is already to confess. If your spirit is already doing a a work of awareness of where doing a a work of awareness of where doing a a work of awareness of where they're running to be filled, Father, I pray Father, I pray that we that we that we would let you love us this morning. Let him love you. Let him love you. So, Father, I pray as Paul prayed in So, Father, I pray as Paul prayed in So, Father, I pray as Paul prayed in Ephesians Ephesians Ephesians that you would fill us to the measure of that you would fill us to the measure of that you would fill us to the measure of all the fullness of you.
We pray all this in the precious name of We pray all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. He begins in verse one. in verse one. Now Jesus Now Jesus Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard learned that the Pharisees had heard learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more that he was gaining and baptizing more that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John. Although in fact it disciples than John. Although in fact it disciples than John. Although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized but his was not Jesus who baptized but his was not Jesus who baptized but his disciples. So he left Judea and went disciples. So he left Judea and went disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Quick back once more to Galilee. Quick back once more to Galilee. Quick geography lesson. You ready? Judea would geography lesson. You ready? Judea would geography lesson. You ready? Judea would be down here. We have a map. Judea here. be down here. We have a map. Judea here. be down here. We have a map. Judea here. You see it down below in the green. Up You see it down below in the green. Up You see it down below in the green. Up top you have Galilee. So he is going to top you have Galilee. So he is going to top you have Galilee. So he is going to be going from Judea to Galilee. Now be going from Judea to Galilee. Now be going from Judea to Galilee. Now quick context, he is a Jewish rabbi. quick context, he is a Jewish rabbi. quick context, he is a Jewish rabbi. Jews do not associate in this day and Jews do not associate in this day and Jews do not associate in this day and age with Samaritans. So if you notice age with Samaritans. So if you notice age with Samaritans. So if you notice the pink right in the middle between the pink right in the middle between the pink right in the middle between Judea and Galilee is a place called Judea and Galilee is a place called Judea and Galilee is a place called Samaria. Now Jewish men of that time Samaria. Now Jewish men of that time Samaria. Now Jewish men of that time would never never never do the fastest would never never never do the fastest would never never never do the fastest route because we know any the fastest route because we know any the fastest route because we know any the fastest route between two two points is what?
route between two two points is what? route between two two points is what? Straight line. Nope. Because that would Straight line. Nope. Because that would Straight line. Nope. Because that would require a Jewish man actually going require a Jewish man actually going require a Jewish man actually going through Samaria. So every Jewish man at through Samaria. So every Jewish man at through Samaria. So every Jewish man at this time would always go around this time would always go around this time would always go around Samaria. He would take the long road. Samaria. He would take the long road. Samaria. He would take the long road. And this is not driving a car. This is And this is not driving a car. This is And this is not driving a car. This is walking. walking. walking. He would go around. By the way, He would go around. By the way, He would go around. By the way, [laughter] do any of you have people in [laughter] do any of you have people in [laughter] do any of you have people in your life that you just kind of want to your life that you just kind of want to your life that you just kind of want to go? go? go? Me either. So that's Me either. So that's Me either. So that's you know you know you know like you're at the thing and you just like you're at the thing and you just like you're at the thing and you just find yourself in a different room then find yourself in a different room then find yourself in a different room then no no no but look how other he is. Verse four now but look how other he is. Verse four now but look how other he is. Verse four now he that's Jesus he that's Jesus he that's Jesus had to go what? had to go what? had to go what? Through Samaria. Every time I see that Through Samaria. Every time I see that Through Samaria. Every time I see that word through. You know what I think of word through. You know what I think of word through. You know what I think of is that little kids book. The one that's is that little kids book. The one that's is that little kids book. The one that's like you know the tall wavy grass book. like you know the tall wavy grass book. like you know the tall wavy grass book. Anyone? You know the one where it's like Anyone? You know the one where it's like Anyone? You know the one where it's like can't go over it, can't go, can't go over it, can't go, can't go over it, can't go, gotta go.
gotta go. gotta go. So, it's like a nice jingle until you So, it's like a nice jingle until you So, it's like a nice jingle until you realize what it says. realize what it says. realize what it says. Cuz think about your life. Think about Cuz think about your life. Think about Cuz think about your life. Think about the trial. Think about the hard person. the trial. Think about the hard person. the trial. Think about the hard person. We want to go over around, but he had to We want to go over around, but he had to We want to go over around, but he had to go through. And here's we'll find out go through. And here's we'll find out go through. And here's we'll find out why. So he came to a town in Samaria why. So he came to a town in Samaria why. So he came to a town in Samaria called Saikar near the plot of ground called Saikar near the plot of ground called Saikar near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there. And Jesus Jacob's well was there. And Jesus Jacob's well was there. And Jesus tired tired tired as he was from the journey sat down by as he was from the journey sat down by as he was from the journey sat down by the well. It was about noon. Have you the well. It was about noon. Have you the well. It was about noon. Have you ever pictured Jesus tired? ever pictured Jesus tired? ever pictured Jesus tired? Isn't that wild that it says that? Fully Isn't that wild that it says that? Fully Isn't that wild that it says that? Fully God, fully man. The only difference God, fully man. The only difference God, fully man. The only difference though between he and he and me is he though between he and he and me is he though between he and he and me is he knows what to do when he's tired. He sat knows what to do when he's tired. He sat knows what to do when he's tired. He sat down. You know what I do? I get more down. You know what I do? I get more down. You know what I do? I get more coffee. But he sat down by the well. It was But he sat down by the well. It was about noon when a Samaritan woman came about noon when a Samaritan woman came about noon when a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Now the Samaritan woman to draw water. Now the Samaritan woman to draw water. Now the Samaritan woman comes to draw water. Thankfully it's comes to draw water. Thankfully it's comes to draw water. Thankfully it's easier to teach this during the summer easier to teach this during the summer easier to teach this during the summer because it's a little bit hot. Anyone?
because it's a little bit hot. Anyone? because it's a little bit hot. Anyone? But we love it, right? So we're about to But we love it, right? So we're about to But we love it, right? So we're about to go into not hot for a few years. And um go into not hot for a few years. And um go into not hot for a few years. And um but it's hot. Now imagine the blazing but it's hot. Now imagine the blazing but it's hot. Now imagine the blazing heat of the Middle East. heat of the Middle East. heat of the Middle East. So if a woman needed to go get water So if a woman needed to go get water So if a woman needed to go get water from a well and had to hike in order to from a well and had to hike in order to from a well and had to hike in order to get there, what time would she go? get there, what time would she go? get there, what time would she go? Morning. So what do we know about the Morning. So what do we know about the Morning. So what do we know about the woman? If she's showing up at noon, what woman? If she's showing up at noon, what woman? If she's showing up at noon, what do we know about the woman? I love all the answers. doesn't Thank I love all the answers. doesn't Thank you. Nice and loud. Thank you. Because you. Nice and loud. Thank you. Because you. Nice and loud. Thank you. Because everyone else is like everyone else is like everyone else is like doesn't want to be seen. doesn't want to be seen. doesn't want to be seen. Can you relate? Or seasons of your life? Maybe this Or seasons of your life? Maybe this season. Maybe that's why you're viewing season. Maybe that's why you're viewing season. Maybe that's why you're viewing online. online. online. Do you have Do you ever have those Do you have Do you ever have those Do you have Do you ever have those seasons? seasons? seasons? She did. So, she shows up at noon, thus She did. So, she shows up at noon, thus She did. So, she shows up at noon, thus telling that she is very relatable.
telling that she is very relatable. telling that she is very relatable. actually to us but really actually to us but really actually to us but really relatable to the consequence of a sin in relatable to the consequence of a sin in relatable to the consequence of a sin in general, right? I mean, think about if general, right? I mean, think about if general, right? I mean, think about if you're hiding what that always makes me you're hiding what that always makes me you're hiding what that always makes me go back to Genesis chapter 3, right? go back to Genesis chapter 3, right? go back to Genesis chapter 3, right? Adam and Eve, what happens? They listen Adam and Eve, what happens? They listen Adam and Eve, what happens? They listen to another voice other than the Lord's to another voice other than the Lord's to another voice other than the Lord's and their immediate response is that and their immediate response is that and their immediate response is that they hide and they cover. They hide and they hide and they cover. They hide and they hide and they cover. They hide and they cover themselves. They don't want they cover themselves. They don't want they cover themselves. They don't want to be exposed. It's kind of like why to be exposed. It's kind of like why to be exposed. It's kind of like why when someone's like, "How are you?" and when someone's like, "How are you?" and when someone's like, "How are you?" and you're like, "Good. How are you? You you're like, "Good. How are you? You you're like, "Good. How are you? You know what I mean? It's why you feel that know what I mean? It's why you feel that know what I mean? It's why you feel that effort to kind of like just do better, effort to kind of like just do better, effort to kind of like just do better, do better, do better, do better. Because do better, do better, do better. Because do better, do better, do better. Because we want to cover anything that we don't we want to cover anything that we don't we want to cover anything that we don't think is doing good enough. You want to think is doing good enough. You want to think is doing good enough. You want to cover that not enough feeling by doing cover that not enough feeling by doing cover that not enough feeling by doing something that is enough for somebody something that is enough for somebody something that is enough for somebody else. That's what we carry all those else. That's what we carry all those else. That's what we carry all those burdens, right? And so she experienced burdens, right? And so she experienced burdens, right? And so she experienced hiding and covering and she was trying hiding and covering and she was trying hiding and covering and she was trying not to be exposed. Why? because she not to be exposed. Why? because she not to be exposed. Why? because she experienced, right? All the things we experienced, right? All the things we experienced, right? All the things we talk about all the time, shame, guilt, talk about all the time, shame, guilt, talk about all the time, shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, all the very relatable fear, anxiety, all the very relatable fear, anxiety, all the very relatable words that are very common. Why?
words that are very common. Why? words that are very common. Why? We'll come to find out her story. We'll come to find out her story. We'll come to find out her story. But she we we already know it. Because But she we we already know it. Because But she we we already know it. Because if we're paying attention as we read if we're paying attention as we read if we're paying attention as we read God's word, we go, why noon? Why would I God's word, we go, why noon? Why would I God's word, we go, why noon? Why would I keep that in there? We keep that in keep that in there? We keep that in keep that in there? We keep that in there so that we can get to know her and there so that we can get to know her and there so that we can get to know her and why he had to go through Samaria. why he had to go through Samaria. why he had to go through Samaria. She was there at noon. Verse 7. When a She was there at noon. Verse 7. When a She was there at noon. Verse 7. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Samaritan woman came to draw water, Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" drink?" drink?" I love this about Jesus. It is so I love this about Jesus. It is so I love this about Jesus. It is so practical. practical. practical. If you want to look more like Jesus, If you want to look more like Jesus, If you want to look more like Jesus, ask more questions. ask more questions. ask more questions. Have you ever I just two days ago was Have you ever I just two days ago was Have you ever I just two days ago was with someone that's like I feel like I with someone that's like I feel like I with someone that's like I feel like I really want to share my faith, but I'm a really want to share my faith, but I'm a really want to share my faith, but I'm a little bit intimidated because I don't little bit intimidated because I don't little bit intimidated because I don't know the answer to to like all the know the answer to to like all the know the answer to to like all the questions. I don't know and I don't I questions. I don't know and I don't I questions. I don't know and I don't I don't even feel like I can go like don't even feel like I can go like don't even feel like I can go like volunteer in kids ministry because I'm volunteer in kids ministry because I'm volunteer in kids ministry because I'm like they're going to ask the hardest like they're going to ask the hardest like they're going to ask the hardest ones. ones. ones. I don't even feel like I can go and and I don't even feel like I can go and and I don't even feel like I can go and and I find it so interesting. And I found I find it so interesting. And I found I find it so interesting. And I found the stat. The stat was that Jesus the stat. The stat was that Jesus the stat. The stat was that Jesus was asked was asked was asked 183 questions.
183 questions. 183 questions. He asked 307 He asked 307 He asked 307 as recorded in the New Testament. He as recorded in the New Testament. He as recorded in the New Testament. He asked 307. He was asked 183. By the way, asked 307. He was asked 183. By the way, asked 307. He was asked 183. By the way, fun fact, of the 183 that he was asked, fun fact, of the 183 that he was asked, fun fact, of the 183 that he was asked, he only answered three directly. How he only answered three directly. How he only answered three directly. How frustrating. We feel intimidated not to share our We feel intimidated not to share our faith because we don't know the answer. faith because we don't know the answer. faith because we don't know the answer. But it seems like the guy that actually But it seems like the guy that actually But it seems like the guy that actually knew the answer to every single question knew the answer to every single question knew the answer to every single question that could ever be asked didn't give the that could ever be asked didn't give the that could ever be asked didn't give the answers. answers. answers. Why? Because he's not wanting you to Why? Because he's not wanting you to Why? Because he's not wanting you to just be after the answers. He's wanting just be after the answers. He's wanting just be after the answers. He's wanting you to follow him and be after you to follow him and be after you to follow him and be after relationships, relationships, relationships, which are way harder. which are way harder. which are way harder. They're messy. It's complicated. Starts They're messy. It's complicated. Starts They're messy. It's complicated. Starts in the fall. in the fall. in the fall. Like hear [snorts] Jesus's heart here. Like hear [snorts] Jesus's heart here. Like hear [snorts] Jesus's heart here. Do you know what he wants from you? Not Do you know what he wants from you? Not Do you know what he wants from you? Not you to know all the answers.
you to know all the answers. you to know all the answers. He wants you to have knowledge. Sure. He wants you to have knowledge. Sure. He wants you to have knowledge. Sure. Here's what he wants. A real Here's what he wants. A real Here's what he wants. A real relationship with you. Can I take a relationship with you. Can I take a relationship with you. Can I take a second as your pastor and ask, how is second as your pastor and ask, how is second as your pastor and ask, how is the relationship going? the relationship going? the relationship going? Like like is it intimate? Like like is it intimate? Like like is it intimate? Is it personal? Is it real? Are you engaged? I don't say that to Are you engaged? I don't say that to shame you. I say that to just tell you shame you. I say that to just tell you shame you. I say that to just tell you his heart. He loves you. And he doesn't his heart. He loves you. And he doesn't his heart. He loves you. And he doesn't just want to love you from a distance. just want to love you from a distance. just want to love you from a distance. In fact, all the commands that he gives In fact, all the commands that he gives In fact, all the commands that he gives are to bring us to relationship. Why are to bring us to relationship. Why are to bring us to relationship. Why would he say like, "Confess your sins." would he say like, "Confess your sins." would he say like, "Confess your sins." Why would he do that? Cuz he's like, Why would he do that? Cuz he's like, Why would he do that? Cuz he's like, "Don't hide from me. I already know. You "Don't hide from me. I already know. You "Don't hide from me. I already know. You don't have to hide from me. You don't don't have to hide from me. You don't don't have to hide from me. You don't have to cover with me. I know and I love have to cover with me. I know and I love have to cover with me. I know and I love you knowing all of you. And so he walks you knowing all of you. And so he walks you knowing all of you. And so he walks up to this woman and he engages in a up to this woman and he engages in a up to this woman and he engages in a conversation. Will you give me a drink? conversation. Will you give me a drink? conversation. Will you give me a drink? And she immediately responds because And she immediately responds because And she immediately responds because that's what happens in conversations.
that's what happens in conversations. that's what happens in conversations. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Uh and she she actually what happens Uh and she she actually what happens Uh and she she actually what happens when he approaches her with a question when he approaches her with a question when he approaches her with a question immediately she feels exposed. How do we immediately she feels exposed. How do we immediately she feels exposed. How do we know? Because listen to what she says. know? Because listen to what she says. know? Because listen to what she says. The Samaritan woman said to him, "You The Samaritan woman said to him, "You The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? for Jews How can you ask me for a drink? for Jews How can you ask me for a drink? for Jews do not associate with Samaritans. do not associate with Samaritans. do not associate with Samaritans. She feels kind of exposed. Questions can She feels kind of exposed. Questions can She feels kind of exposed. Questions can do that. do that. do that. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the Jesus answered her, "If you knew the Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you gift of God and who it is that asks you gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living and he would have given you living and he would have given you living water." Gosh, [sighs] water." Gosh, [sighs] water." Gosh, [sighs] divine divine divine encounters, encounters, encounters, like big ones, like the ones I get to like big ones, like the ones I get to like big ones, like the ones I get to talk about up here all the time. You talk about up here all the time. You talk about up here all the time. You want to know how they start? Simple want to know how they start? Simple want to know how they start? Simple questions. questions. questions. That was the exact sentence I wrote nine That was the exact sentence I wrote nine That was the exact sentence I wrote nine years ago preparing for this message. years ago preparing for this message. years ago preparing for this message. And I remember where I was.
And I remember where I was. And I remember where I was. Randy and I had been married a few Randy and I had been married a few Randy and I had been married a few years. I had a little baby. And I went years. I had a little baby. And I went years. I had a little baby. And I went to this coffee shop called Recreation to this coffee shop called Recreation to this coffee shop called Recreation Coffee in Long Beach, California. And I Coffee in Long Beach, California. And I Coffee in Long Beach, California. And I took out my remember these nine years took out my remember these nine years took out my remember these nine years ago. Remember these kids are like, "What ago. Remember these kids are like, "What ago. Remember these kids are like, "What are they?" Don't worry. So, you put them are they?" Don't worry. So, you put them are they?" Don't worry. So, you put them in and you don't even have to charge in and you don't even have to charge in and you don't even have to charge them. How cool. How cool. Um, yeah, your them. How cool. How cool. Um, yeah, your them. How cool. How cool. Um, yeah, your earbuds don't work and that you lose earbuds don't work and that you lose earbuds don't work and that you lose them on airplanes, but guess what? These them on airplanes, but guess what? These them on airplanes, but guess what? These guys, they work all the time. And I put guys, they work all the time. And I put guys, they work all the time. And I put in my my What are they called? in my my What are they called? in my my What are they called? >> Headphones. Walkman headphones. Yeah. >> Headphones. Walkman headphones. Yeah. >> Headphones. Walkman headphones. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I put them Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I put them Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I put them in because I was at the coffee shop in because I was at the coffee shop in because I was at the coffee shop working on this message and I wanted to working on this message and I wanted to working on this message and I wanted to let all the people in the coffee shop let all the people in the coffee shop let all the people in the coffee shop know how social I was planning on being. know how social I was planning on being. know how social I was planning on being. So I put them in and I stuck, you know, So I put them in and I stuck, you know, So I put them in and I stuck, you know, and I started working and that was the and I started working and that was the and I started working and that was the exact sentence I was typing. Divine exact sentence I was typing. Divine exact sentence I was typing. Divine encounters oftentimes start with simple encounters oftentimes start with simple encounters oftentimes start with simple questions. And I was trying to like questions. And I was trying to like questions. And I was trying to like wordsmith it to sound really good for wordsmith it to sound really good for wordsmith it to sound really good for you guys. You're welcome. you guys. You're welcome. you guys. You're welcome. [clears throat] And I'm, you know, I'm [clears throat] And I'm, you know, I'm [clears throat] And I'm, you know, I'm like, "Oo, that sounds good. Yeah, it's like, "Oo, that sounds good. Yeah, it's like, "Oo, that sounds good. Yeah, it's so simple. Okay, this is good." And this so simple. Okay, this is good." And this so simple. Okay, this is good." And this girl walks up to me and she goes, girl walks up to me and she goes, girl walks up to me and she goes, "Excuse me."
"Excuse me." "Excuse me." And I'm thinking, And I'm thinking, And I'm thinking, bless her heart, she doesn't understand bless her heart, she doesn't understand bless her heart, she doesn't understand social cues. That's okay. And so I gave social cues. That's okay. And so I gave social cues. That's okay. And so I gave her another one. Sorry, did you say something? She goes, Sorry, did you say something? She goes, "Oh, I'm so sorry. Am I interrupting? "Oh, I'm so sorry. Am I interrupting? "Oh, I'm so sorry. Am I interrupting? What gave you that idea?" Um, and she What gave you that idea?" Um, and she What gave you that idea?" Um, and she goes, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. goes, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. goes, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." I'm like, "Oh, it's okay. I'm so sorry." I'm like, "Oh, it's okay. I'm so sorry." I'm like, "Oh, it's okay. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Like Like Like divine [clears throat] encounters divine [clears throat] encounters divine [clears throat] encounters oftenimes start with simple questions It took me like 10 minutes to realize It took me like 10 minutes to realize that she wanted to have a conversation that she wanted to have a conversation that she wanted to have a conversation and then I literally wrote that and then I literally wrote that and then I literally wrote that sentence. I'll never forget. I was like, sentence. I'll never forget. I was like, sentence. I'll never forget. I was like, you know, you know, you know, you don't know why? because I was on my you don't know why? because I was on my you don't know why? because I was on my way to do ministry. way to do ministry. way to do ministry. Remember Jesus was on the way to do Remember Jesus was on the way to do Remember Jesus was on the way to do ministry.
ministry. ministry. How interesting. How interesting. How interesting. We will miss so many so many invitations to be a part of God's plans invitations to be a part of God's plans invitations to be a part of God's plans if we're so consumed with ours. if we're so consumed with ours. if we're so consumed with ours. I almost missed it. Thanks be to God I I almost missed it. Thanks be to God I I almost missed it. Thanks be to God I didn't because I walk over to this gal didn't because I walk over to this gal didn't because I walk over to this gal and I'm like I'm so sorry. Did you need and I'm like I'm so sorry. Did you need and I'm like I'm so sorry. Did you need something? She's like, "Oh yeah, I do. I something? She's like, "Oh yeah, I do. I something? She's like, "Oh yeah, I do. I noticed you had like a Macintosh noticed you had like a Macintosh noticed you had like a Macintosh computer." And I'm like, "Yep." computer." And I'm like, "Yep." computer." And I'm like, "Yep." Not sure who calls it that, but she Not sure who calls it that, but she Not sure who calls it that, but she does. And so I'm like, "I do have a Mac does. And so I'm like, "I do have a Mac does. And so I'm like, "I do have a Mac in Tosh computer." And so, and she goes, in Tosh computer." And so, and she goes, in Tosh computer." And so, and she goes, "Yeah, yeah, that's great. My boyfriend "Yeah, yeah, that's great. My boyfriend "Yeah, yeah, that's great. My boyfriend just gave me his and I don't really know just gave me his and I don't really know just gave me his and I don't really know how to use it." And like there's like, how to use it." And like there's like, how to use it." And like there's like, you know, like the word document. It all you know, like the word document. It all you know, like the word document. It all feels different. And anyways, I'm like I feels different. And anyways, I'm like I feels different. And anyways, I'm like I went back to school recently and I'm went back to school recently and I'm went back to school recently and I'm just like writing this paper comparing just like writing this paper comparing just like writing this paper comparing and contrasting Islam and Christianity and contrasting Islam and Christianity and contrasting Islam and Christianity because I'm just like trying to find the because I'm just like trying to find the because I'm just like trying to find the truth. And Maya and I sat there for a long And Maya and I sat there for a long time.
interruptions, interruptions, especially when they're people, aren't especially when they're people, aren't especially when they're people, aren't interruptions. They're just not. They're just not. They're kind of the point. They're kind of the point. They're kind of the point. I know you have to get stuff done. I I know you have to get stuff done. I I know you have to get stuff done. I know I was on my way to doing ministry. forgetting forgetting that my job Ephesians 4:12 is actually that my job Ephesians 4:12 is actually that my job Ephesians 4:12 is actually to equip the saints for the work work of to equip the saints for the work work of to equip the saints for the work work of ministry. We've created this ministry. We've created this ministry. We've created this unintentional hierarchy at church that unintentional hierarchy at church that unintentional hierarchy at church that like the most profound moment of like the most profound moment of like the most profound moment of ministry is here and this. No, my job's ministry is here and this. No, my job's ministry is here and this. No, my job's just to equip you for that. just to equip you for that. just to equip you for that. My job is just to equip you to become My job is just to equip you to become My job is just to equip you to become more like Jesus by noticing when you get more like Jesus by noticing when you get more like Jesus by noticing when you get interrupted. Pay attention this week. interrupted. Pay attention this week. interrupted. Pay attention this week. this week and do something crazy. this week and do something crazy. this week and do something crazy. Especially if you have like the little Especially if you have like the little Especially if you have like the little ones, get on their level. Meet them ones, get on their level. Meet them ones, get on their level. Meet them where they're at. Give them your full where they're at. Give them your full where they're at. Give them your full attention and see what happens. That's attention and see what happens. That's attention and see what happens. That's what he does. Ask questions.
what he does. Ask questions. what he does. Ask questions. That's what he does. But the best part That's what he does. But the best part That's what he does. But the best part is he doesn't just want to do it through is he doesn't just want to do it through is he doesn't just want to do it through you. He always starts by doing it to you. He always starts by doing it to you. He always starts by doing it to you. So he said, "Will you give me a you. So he said, "Will you give me a you. So he said, "Will you give me a drink?" She her heart gets exposed. Why drink?" She her heart gets exposed. Why drink?" She her heart gets exposed. Why are you talking to me? And he goes, "Oh, are you talking to me? And he goes, "Oh, are you talking to me? And he goes, "Oh, if you knew who I was, you would have if you knew who I was, you would have if you knew who I was, you would have asked me and I would have given you asked me and I would have given you asked me and I would have given you living water." And and she knows like, living water." And and she knows like, living water." And and she knows like, "Okay, water. We're talking about water. "Okay, water. We're talking about water. "Okay, water. We're talking about water. We're at a well. This makes a lot of We're at a well. This makes a lot of We're at a well. This makes a lot of sense." So So she says, verse 11, "Sir," sense." So So she says, verse 11, "Sir," sense." So So she says, verse 11, "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to the woman said, "you have nothing to the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with, and this well is deep. Where draw with, and this well is deep. Where draw with, and this well is deep. Where can you get this [clears throat] can you get this [clears throat] can you get this [clears throat] living water? Are you greater than our living water? Are you greater than our living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and father Jacob, who gave us this well and father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his also drank from it himself, as did his also drank from it himself, as did his also his sons and his livestock?" Oh, can you his sons and his livestock?" Oh, can you his sons and his livestock?" Oh, can you imagine the moment for Jesus? He's like, imagine the moment for Jesus? He's like, imagine the moment for Jesus? He's like, "I have living water." She's like, "I have living water." She's like, "I have living water." She's like, "Where's your cup?" He's like, "Oh, you "Where's your cup?" He's like, "Oh, you "Where's your cup?" He's like, "Oh, you want to talk about cups?" [snorts] And want to talk about cups?" [snorts] And want to talk about cups?" [snorts] And then in verses 13 and 14, Jesus outlines then in verses 13 and 14, Jesus outlines then in verses 13 and 14, Jesus outlines the difference between drinking from a the difference between drinking from a the difference between drinking from a well that satisfies for a moment and well that satisfies for a moment and well that satisfies for a moment and drinking from the source of life that drinking from the source of life that drinking from the source of life that satisfies. satisfies. satisfies. Because point two, if point one is we're Because point two, if point one is we're Because point two, if point one is we're all thirsty, point two is that Jesus, all thirsty, point two is that Jesus, all thirsty, point two is that Jesus, what he's about to reveal is that Jesus what he's about to reveal is that Jesus what he's about to reveal is that Jesus is the source of life.
is the source of life. is the source of life. Listen to his words and pay attention. Listen to his words and pay attention. Listen to his words and pay attention. Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water this water this water will be thirsty again. will be thirsty again. will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give them But whoever drinks the water I give them But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I will never thirst. Indeed, the water I will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring give them will become in them a spring give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. of water welling up to eternal life. of water welling up to eternal life. Like it's not just that he gives you Like it's not just that he gives you Like it's not just that he gives you something to fill you for a minute. He something to fill you for a minute. He something to fill you for a minute. He wants to give you the type of wants to give you the type of wants to give you the type of relationship that fills you. Period. relationship that fills you. Period. relationship that fills you. Period. See, Jesus doesn't want to just be a See, Jesus doesn't want to just be a See, Jesus doesn't want to just be a part of your life. He actually wants to part of your life. He actually wants to part of your life. He actually wants to be the whole thing. be the whole thing. be the whole thing. He wants to give this beautiful exchange He wants to give this beautiful exchange He wants to give this beautiful exchange and he does it and he begins it and he and he does it and he begins it and he and he does it and he begins it and he models it with her. And so I love it. models it with her. And so I love it. models it with her. And so I love it. She doesn't quite get it, which is She doesn't quite get it, which is She doesn't quite get it, which is really comforting for me because I too really comforting for me because I too really comforting for me because I too could just kind of breeze past could just kind of breeze past could just kind of breeze past scriptures and not really think. And scriptures and not really think. And scriptures and not really think. And he's like, "I have living water." She's he's like, "I have living water." She's he's like, "I have living water." She's like, "Great. Uh, can I get a little bit like, "Great. Uh, can I get a little bit like, "Great. Uh, can I get a little bit of that here? Here's her words." The of that here? Here's her words." The of that here? Here's her words." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this woman said to him, "Sir, give me this woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so I won't get thirsty and have to water so I won't get thirsty and have to water so I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." She keep coming here to draw water." She keep coming here to draw water." She goes, "That sounds good." And honestly, goes, "That sounds good." And honestly, goes, "That sounds good." And honestly, I wish we could stop. I wish we could, I wish we could stop. I wish we could, I wish we could stop. I wish we could, but we won't. Uh, stop the message right but we won't. Uh, stop the message right but we won't. Uh, stop the message right here. Because basically, it would be here. Because basically, it would be here. Because basically, it would be this. Jesus like gets interrupted on the this. Jesus like gets interrupted on the this. Jesus like gets interrupted on the way to somewhere else. He gets stopped, way to somewhere else. He gets stopped, way to somewhere else. He gets stopped, interrupted. Well, kind of. She except interrupted. Well, kind of. She except interrupted. Well, kind of. She except the interesting thing is she wasn't even the interesting thing is she wasn't even the interesting thing is she wasn't even looking for him.
looking for him. looking for him. You may have showed up to church and You may have showed up to church and You may have showed up to church and you're not even really looking for an you're not even really looking for an you're not even really looking for an encounter with God. You're just looking encounter with God. You're just looking encounter with God. You're just looking to be in the right place or put your to be in the right place or put your to be in the right place or put your kids in the right place that might be kids in the right place that might be kids in the right place that might be healthier for them. And hopefully healthier for them. And hopefully healthier for them. And hopefully something happens. And Jesus is here, something happens. And Jesus is here, something happens. And Jesus is here, church. And Jesus is in the kids church. And Jesus is in the kids church. And Jesus is in the kids ministry. The power of God. Wow. Wow. And she's like, "Sounds good. I'll take And she's like, "Sounds good. I'll take And she's like, "Sounds good. I'll take some of that." some of that." some of that." And and [clears throat] it'd be really And and [clears throat] it'd be really And and [clears throat] it'd be really nice if it was just okay. And then here nice if it was just okay. And then here nice if it was just okay. And then here you go. Splash. And then you leave and you go. Splash. And then you leave and you go. Splash. And then you leave and that's it. that's it. that's it. But Jesus goes a step further because But Jesus goes a step further because But Jesus goes a step further because like I said, he doesn't just want to be like I said, he doesn't just want to be like I said, he doesn't just want to be part of your life. part of your life. part of your life. He wants to be He wants to be He wants to be your life. your life. your life. And so he goes further to find anything And so he goes further to find anything And so he goes further to find anything she has run to for life. Because not she has run to for life. Because not she has run to for life. Because not only will that not satisfy the people only will that not satisfy the people only will that not satisfy the people that you run to for life will shatter that you run to for life will shatter that you run to for life will shatter under savior-like expectations.
under savior-like expectations. under savior-like expectations. They cannot hold the weight of your They cannot hold the weight of your They cannot hold the weight of your satisfaction satisfaction satisfaction or your security or your security or your security or your sense of belonging. Your friends or your sense of belonging. Your friends or your sense of belonging. Your friends can't hold it. A spouse can't hold it. can't hold it. A spouse can't hold it. can't hold it. A spouse can't hold it. Kids can't hold it. Jesus can hold it. Kids can't hold it. Jesus can hold it. Kids can't hold it. Jesus can hold it. So he goes there. It's kind of gnarly. So he goes there. It's kind of gnarly. So he goes there. It's kind of gnarly. You ready? >> He told her, "Go ahead and call your >> He told her, "Go ahead and call your husband and come on back." "I have no husband and come on back." "I have no husband and come on back." "I have no husband," husband," husband," she replied. she replied. she replied. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Can I tell you a silly story? One time Can I tell you a silly story? One time Can I tell you a silly story? One time my friend I just I wasn't planning on my friend I just I wasn't planning on my friend I just I wasn't planning on it. Can I tell you a crazy story it. Can I tell you a crazy story it. Can I tell you a crazy story happened a couple years ago? friend of happened a couple years ago? friend of happened a couple years ago? friend of mine was single and she was like really mine was single and she was like really mine was single and she was like really really really like longing to hear a really really like longing to hear a really really like longing to hear a word from the Lord and she's like I feel word from the Lord and she's like I feel word from the Lord and she's like I feel like Lord you're going to do it and then like Lord you're going to do it and then like Lord you're going to do it and then she went to Chick-fil-A and then there she went to Chick-fil-A and then there she went to Chick-fil-A and then there was a person with a visor that had like was a person with a visor that had like was a person with a visor that had like a Bible verse and written on the visor a Bible verse and written on the visor a Bible verse and written on the visor and she's like I think that's going to and she's like I think that's going to and she's like I think that's going to be a word for the Lord that verse is for be a word for the Lord that verse is for be a word for the Lord that verse is for me. I think she actually read it wrong, me. I think she actually read it wrong, me. I think she actually read it wrong, but that's beside the point because she but that's beside the point because she but that's beside the point because she goes through the drive-thru, she parks, goes through the drive-thru, she parks, goes through the drive-thru, she parks, gets out, and looks up John 4, verse 17. Jesus said to her, "You are verse 17. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband."
right when you say you have no husband." right when you say you have no husband." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] But anyways, sorry, Haley. Uh, the fact But anyways, sorry, Haley. Uh, the fact But anyways, sorry, Haley. Uh, the fact is you have had five husbands and the is you have had five husbands and the is you have had five husbands and the man you now live with is not your man you now live with is not your man you now live with is not your husband. and what you have said is quite husband. and what you have said is quite husband. and what you have said is quite true. Which by the way, if you're true. Which by the way, if you're true. Which by the way, if you're someone that loves studying the Bible someone that loves studying the Bible someone that loves studying the Bible and you understand the power of numbers, and you understand the power of numbers, and you understand the power of numbers, five means grace, then you got six. But five means grace, then you got six. But five means grace, then you got six. But for her, Jesus was the seventh man in for her, Jesus was the seventh man in for her, Jesus was the seventh man in her life. her life. her life. >> Perfect, complete. >> Perfect, complete. >> Perfect, complete. So he says, "Go ahead and grab the thing So he says, "Go ahead and grab the thing So he says, "Go ahead and grab the thing you've been running to for the the only you've been running to for the the only you've been running to for the the only thing I can provide. Go ahead and grab thing I can provide. Go ahead and grab thing I can provide. Go ahead and grab those things." She's like, "Ah, I don't those things." She's like, "Ah, I don't those things." She's like, "Ah, I don't have a husband." He's like, "You're have a husband." He's like, "You're have a husband." He's like, "You're right. It's not one. It's not one man. right. It's not one. It's not one man. right. It's not one. It's not one man. It's men and they've [snorts] been It's men and they've [snorts] been It's men and they've [snorts] been running your life for years running your life for years running your life for years now. I've sat I can remember sitting now. I've sat I can remember sitting now. I've sat I can remember sitting on my beige couch and going, "What do on my beige couch and going, "What do on my beige couch and going, "What do you have for me in this story, Lord?" you have for me in this story, Lord?" you have for me in this story, Lord?" And so I I sat there and I was like, And so I I sat there and I was like, And so I I sat there and I was like, "For me, it wasn't like men. "For me, it wasn't like men. "For me, it wasn't like men. [snorts] For me, I knew it was like [snorts] For me, I knew it was like [snorts] For me, I knew it was like other things, but I wanted to ask the other things, but I wanted to ask the other things, but I wanted to ask the Lord. I'm like, what? Why did she run Lord. I'm like, what? Why did she run Lord. I'm like, what? Why did she run there?"
there?" there?" And then I realized something. She And then I realized something. She And then I realized something. She just like me. Why did she run to men? just like me. Why did she run to men? just like me. Why did she run to men? [snorts] The Samaritan woman deeply [snorts] The Samaritan woman deeply [snorts] The Samaritan woman deeply longed to be loved. longed to be loved. longed to be loved. Can you relate? Can you relate? Can you relate? Like to really be loved. Like to really be loved. Like to really be loved. She, just like me, deeply longed She, just like me, deeply longed She, just like me, deeply longed to be accepted or acceptable. to be accepted or acceptable. to be accepted or acceptable. She deeply longed to be significant. She She deeply longed to be significant. She She deeply longed to be significant. She deeply longed to belong, deeply longed to belong, deeply longed to belong, to feel like she's a part of something, to feel like she's a part of something, to feel like she's a part of something, a family. a family. a family. She had these deep longings. And the She had these deep longings. And the She had these deep longings. And the weirdest part is so do I. And so what do weirdest part is so do I. And so what do weirdest part is so do I. And so what do you do with them? you do with them? you do with them? And here's what I found cuz I said, "Me, And here's what I found cuz I said, "Me, And here's what I found cuz I said, "Me, too. I deeply long for the hierarchy of too. I deeply long for the hierarchy of too. I deeply long for the hierarchy of longings for what it means to be human longings for what it means to be human longings for what it means to be human is to literally want to be accepted, is to literally want to be accepted, is to literally want to be accepted, significant, have security, belonging, significant, have security, belonging, significant, have security, belonging, and love. If you are longing for those and love. If you are longing for those and love. If you are longing for those things, you're not crazy. But they can things, you're not crazy. But they can things, you're not crazy. But they can be incredibly problematic when you be incredibly problematic when you be incredibly problematic when you search to have them satisfied anywhere search to have them satisfied anywhere search to have them satisfied anywhere other than the source of life.
other than the source of life. other than the source of life. And so Jesus goes there because he loves And so Jesus goes there because he loves And so Jesus goes there because he loves and he says, "Where have you been and he says, "Where have you been and he says, "Where have you been running?" running?" running?" You can tell me the truth. You can tell me the truth. You can tell me the truth. Are you drinking from the wrong source Are you drinking from the wrong source Are you drinking from the wrong source for life? for life? for life? Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen, it's it's it's I know you feel that burden I know you feel that burden I know you feel that burden like you have to provide and be enough. like you have to provide and be enough. like you have to provide and be enough. Like, do I have what it takes? Like, do I have what it takes? Like, do I have what it takes? Can I tell you something? Can I tell you something? Can I tell you something? He has what it takes. What if that would He has what it takes. What if that would He has what it takes. What if that would relieve you of the burden to have to relieve you of the burden to have to relieve you of the burden to have to have what it takes because you already have what it takes because you already have what it takes because you already have him. What if he has what you need? Aresh, What if he has what you need? Aresh, what would happen? what would happen? what would happen? He has you, He has you, He has you, but it might require you but it might require you but it might require you engaging again, engaging again, engaging again, leaning in to the one who's moving leaning in to the one who's moving leaning in to the one who's moving towards you, came to you, lived the towards you, came to you, lived the towards you, came to you, lived the perfect life for you, and then died the perfect life for you, and then died the perfect life for you, and then died the death you deserve in your place. So that death you deserve in your place. So that death you deserve in your place. So that by the power of his resurrection, by by the power of his resurrection, by by the power of his resurrection, by going from death to life, he proved that going from death to life, he proved that going from death to life, he proved that he can make anything dead within you he can make anything dead within you he can make anything dead within you alive again. And friends, shame has a alive again. And friends, shame has a alive again. And friends, shame has a heyday in darkness.
heyday in darkness. heyday in darkness. It eats you alive, isolates you, and It eats you alive, isolates you, and It eats you alive, isolates you, and tells you that you should never be tells you that you should never be tells you that you should never be really known. No wonder we cover. really known. No wonder we cover. really known. No wonder we cover. And Jesus goes, "I already know and I And Jesus goes, "I already know and I And Jesus goes, "I already know and I want to uncover it so that my love can want to uncover it so that my love can want to uncover it so that my love can meet it, my forgiveness meet it, my forgiveness meet it, my forgiveness can [clears throat] demolish it, and my can [clears throat] demolish it, and my can [clears throat] demolish it, and my power can fill it." And it's not just for the men. Of And it's not just for the men. Of course, we got a woman here. Yay. course, we got a woman here. Yay. course, we got a woman here. Yay. But ladies, we run to all these But ladies, we run to all these But ladies, we run to all these different places. And it's so subtle and different places. And it's so subtle and different places. And it's so subtle and it happens so quickly that suddenly you it happens so quickly that suddenly you it happens so quickly that suddenly you find yourself so dependent upon them, find yourself so dependent upon them, find yourself so dependent upon them, right? I literally, my husband and I had this I literally, my husband and I had this moment the other day where I WAS FINDING moment the other day where I WAS FINDING moment the other day where I WAS FINDING LIKE FRUSTRATION AND SO I JUST WALKED LIKE FRUSTRATION AND SO I JUST WALKED LIKE FRUSTRATION AND SO I JUST WALKED away to the restroom which by the way away to the restroom which by the way away to the restroom which by the way sometimes we need to do that because our sometimes we need to do that because our sometimes we need to do that because our like there is that fight orflight like there is that fight orflight like there is that fight orflight response that we have and then suddenly response that we have and then suddenly response that we have and then suddenly we can't actually I know we can't we can't actually I know we can't we can't actually I know we can't actually love somebody because we're actually love somebody because we're actually love somebody because we're being so defensive and we want to be being so defensive and we want to be being so defensive and we want to be right. So then you have to actually move right. So then you have to actually move right. So then you have to actually move away to allow your body to get calm. And away to allow your body to get calm. And away to allow your body to get calm. And I did and I confessed and I sat with the I did and I confessed and I sat with the I did and I confessed and I sat with the Lord. I'm like, "What is going on?"
Lord. I'm like, "What is going on?" Lord. I'm like, "What is going on?" And I felt like the spirit just And I felt like the spirit just And I felt like the spirit just convicted me to go like, "Oh, you're convicted me to go like, "Oh, you're convicted me to go like, "Oh, you're relying on him again." And it's not relying on him again." And it's not relying on him again." And it's not wrong to need my husband, but it's wrong wrong to need my husband, but it's wrong wrong to need my husband, but it's wrong to find my source of security from him. to find my source of security from him. to find my source of security from him. And it's so weird because I'm super And it's so weird because I'm super And it's so weird because I'm super secure, everybody. secure, everybody. secure, everybody. I really think that I am. I really think that I am. I really think that I am. And I too naturally like And I too naturally like And I too naturally like but you didn't say blah blah blah. but you didn't say blah blah blah. but you didn't say blah blah blah. I didn't get invited to so and so. Me I didn't get invited to so and so. Me I didn't get invited to so and so. Me too. And I love that Jesus goes I love too. And I love that Jesus goes I love too. And I love that Jesus goes I love you. I know. you. I know. you. I know. Come on home. Let me fill you Aresh. And Come on home. Let me fill you Aresh. And Come on home. Let me fill you Aresh. And it's almost too simple. It's almost too it's almost too simple. It's almost too it's almost too simple. It's almost too simple. And it's and it has to be simple. And it's and it has to be simple. And it's and it has to be repetitive for me. I have to come back. repetitive for me. I have to come back. repetitive for me. I have to come back. I have to acknowledge, oh, I've run I have to acknowledge, oh, I've run I have to acknowledge, oh, I've run there again. I literally walk into rooms there again. I literally walk into rooms there again. I literally walk into rooms that I could easily feel intimidated by that I could easily feel intimidated by that I could easily feel intimidated by or know that I want to be filled by. And or know that I want to be filled by. And or know that I want to be filled by. And I have to walk into a room and I'll I have to walk into a room and I'll I have to walk into a room and I'll envision a cup and I'll put my back to envision a cup and I'll put my back to envision a cup and I'll put my back to the to the uh wall and I'll go, "Lord, the to the uh wall and I'll go, "Lord, the to the uh wall and I'll go, "Lord, empty me of all the things I want to be empty me of all the things I want to be empty me of all the things I want to be filled. Empty, empty, empty. And fill filled. Empty, empty, empty. And fill filled. Empty, empty, empty. And fill me. I am loved. I am chosen. I am me. I am loved. I am chosen. I am me. I am loved. I am chosen. I am adopted into your family. I belong at adopted into your family. I belong at adopted into your family. I belong at the table. Why can I do that? Here's the table. Why can I do that? Here's the table. Why can I do that? Here's why.
why. why. Because a long time ago, I was invited Because a long time ago, I was invited Because a long time ago, I was invited to not just have beliefs about God, but to not just have beliefs about God, but to not just have beliefs about God, but to trust him. Trust him so much that I to trust him. Trust him so much that I to trust him. Trust him so much that I realized I didn't have to trust in realized I didn't have to trust in realized I didn't have to trust in myself. That what I could trust in is myself. That what I could trust in is myself. That what I could trust in is that his cross was for me. that his cross was for me. that his cross was for me. That the moment I believe on him, That the moment I believe on him, That the moment I believe on him, everything that is unacceptable about me everything that is unacceptable about me everything that is unacceptable about me was already paid in full. and the was already paid in full. and the was already paid in full. and the consequence was grave consequence was grave consequence was grave so that I might be free. so that I might be free. so that I might be free. And I believe not only did he take my And I believe not only did he take my And I believe not only did he take my sin, I believe that he gifts me his life sin, I believe that he gifts me his life sin, I believe that he gifts me his life in exchange so I can stand before I walk in exchange so I can stand before I walk in exchange so I can stand before I walk into a room and go, "Let me remember who into a room and go, "Let me remember who into a room and go, "Let me remember who I am because you're in me. And in you, I I am because you're in me. And in you, I I am because you're in me. And in you, I am enough. In you, I am secure. In you, am enough. In you, I am secure. In you, am enough. In you, I am secure. In you, I am loved. I am loved. I am loved. And in you, I am significant cuz I can And in you, I am significant cuz I can And in you, I am significant cuz I can walk into this room and overflow you to walk into this room and overflow you to walk into this room and overflow you to them. them. them. And I do it a lot.
And this woman, I love it. He brings up And this woman, I love it. He brings up the thing and then she brings up the thing and then she brings up the thing and then she brings up something else because what happens is something else because what happens is something else because what happens is when you're pursued in love, when you're pursued in love, when you're pursued in love, you kind of begin to get a little bit you kind of begin to get a little bit you kind of begin to get a little bit exposed. And some people try to cover it exposed. And some people try to cover it exposed. And some people try to cover it up. And she does that. She goes, she up. And she does that. She goes, she up. And she does that. She goes, she just starts talking about like places of just starts talking about like places of just starts talking about like places of worship, which is like the big worship, which is like the big worship, which is like the big controversy between Samaritans and Jews. controversy between Samaritans and Jews. controversy between Samaritans and Jews. She's like, "You believe this and we She's like, "You believe this and we She's like, "You believe this and we believe this, so which one's true?" And believe this, so which one's true?" And believe this, so which one's true?" And he's like, "Ah, a time is coming." She's he's like, "Ah, a time is coming." She's he's like, "Ah, a time is coming." She's like, "You're right. A time is coming like, "You're right. A time is coming like, "You're right. A time is coming when when the Messiah will come and he when when the Messiah will come and he when when the Messiah will come and he will reveal all of this." And he's like, will reveal all of this." And he's like, will reveal all of this." And he's like, >> and then in verse 26, he reveals the >> and then in verse 26, he reveals the >> and then in verse 26, he reveals the ultimate mic drop when he says this. I, ultimate mic drop when he says this. I, ultimate mic drop when he says this. I, by the way, the one you speaking to you, by the way, the one you speaking to you, by the way, the one you speaking to you, I am he. I am he. I am he. like she opens up her heart. He reveals like she opens up her heart. He reveals like she opens up her heart. He reveals who he is. And who is he? who he is. And who is he? who he is. And who is he? Love. Savior of the world. The lamb of Love. Savior of the world. The lamb of Love. Savior of the world. The lamb of God who was slain to take away the sins God who was slain to take away the sins God who was slain to take away the sins of the world. But not just that, but to of the world. But not just that, but to of the world. But not just that, but to become your world, become your world, become your world, to place his own life at the core of to place his own life at the core of to place his own life at the core of your being and then to move outward your being and then to move outward your being and then to move outward through your life.
through your life. through your life. And the reason we know she gets it is And the reason we know she gets it is And the reason we know she gets it is not because she says I believe. not because she says I believe. not because she says I believe. You actually just see the effects of the You actually just see the effects of the You actually just see the effects of the belief in her life. Verse 28 says this. belief in her life. Verse 28 says this. belief in her life. Verse 28 says this. Then leaving her water jar, the woman Then leaving her water jar, the woman Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the went back to the town and said to the went back to the town and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me people, "Come see a man who told me people, "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the everything I ever did. Could this be the everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" Did you see the change? Messiah?" Did you see the change? Messiah?" Did you see the change? Listen. The woman is going back to the Listen. The woman is going back to the Listen. The woman is going back to the town to the people she was hiding from to the people she was hiding from and she's beginning the conversation and she's beginning the conversation and she's beginning the conversation with the very thing she was hiding. with the very thing she was hiding. with the very thing she was hiding. Your past, your sin, your trials, and Your past, your sin, your trials, and Your past, your sin, your trials, and your pain will either be Satan's your pain will either be Satan's your pain will either be Satan's greatest weapon, greatest weapon, greatest weapon, greatest weapon against you, leading you greatest weapon against you, leading you greatest weapon against you, leading you to further shame and isolation, or it to further shame and isolation, or it to further shame and isolation, or it will be God's most powerful tool for his will be God's most powerful tool for his will be God's most powerful tool for his kingdom.
kingdom. kingdom. I have become convinced that my greatest witness is not my that my greatest witness is not my goodness. goodness. goodness. It's God's grace despite my badness. It's God's grace despite my badness. It's God's grace despite my badness. It's God's power amidst my weakness. And then he invites her into a And then he invites her into a significant life. How do I know? Verse significant life. How do I know? Verse significant life. How do I know? Verse 39 says this. Many of the Samaritans from that town Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's believed in him because of the woman's believed in him because of the woman's testimony. He told me everything I ever testimony. He told me everything I ever testimony. He told me everything I ever did. So when the Samaritans came to him, did. So when the Samaritans came to him, did. So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them. And he they urged him to stay with them. And he they urged him to stay with them. And he stayed two days. And because of his stayed two days. And because of his stayed two days. And because of his words, many more became believers. But words, many more became believers. But words, many more became believers. But doesn't stop there. doesn't stop there. doesn't stop there. They said to the woman, "We no longer They said to the woman, "We no longer They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said. believe just because of what you said. believe just because of what you said. Now we have heard for ourselves, and we Now we have heard for ourselves, and we Now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man is really the savior know that this man is really the savior know that this man is really the savior of the world. The way that faith flows of the world. The way that faith flows of the world. The way that faith flows is not to be a friend of a friend or a is not to be a friend of a friend or a is not to be a friend of a friend or a uh a a distant relative uh a a distant relative uh a a distant relative of God himself.
of God himself. of God himself. It's when you encounter him for It's when you encounter him for It's when you encounter him for yourself. yourself. yourself. Many of the Samaritans from that town Many of the Samaritans from that town Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him. Why? Because she was believed in him. Why? Because she was believed in him. Why? Because she was willing to tell the truth. willing to tell the truth. willing to tell the truth. Anyone else just need to tell the truth? Anyone else just need to tell the truth? Anyone else just need to tell the truth? The weird part is I stand up here and The weird part is I stand up here and The weird part is I stand up here and I'm like, you already know what you need I'm like, you already know what you need I'm like, you already know what you need to do. I just get to make the to do. I just get to make the to do. I just get to make the invitation. invitation. invitation. You don't have to be alone. You don't You don't have to be alone. You don't You don't have to be alone. You don't have to run. The Holy Spirit wants to have to run. The Holy Spirit wants to have to run. The Holy Spirit wants to bring things to the surface. And maybe bring things to the surface. And maybe bring things to the surface. And maybe some of you, some of you, some of you, you don't have a personal relationship you don't have a personal relationship you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. You've been hearing this with Jesus. You've been hearing this with Jesus. You've been hearing this entire conversation and you're like, I entire conversation and you're like, I entire conversation and you're like, I I'd love to be filled like that. That I'd love to be filled like that. That I'd love to be filled like that. That sounds nice. What do I do? How do I do sounds nice. What do I do? How do I do sounds nice. What do I do? How do I do that? You just simply come to him. You that? You just simply come to him. You that? You just simply come to him. You respond and you receive respond and you receive respond and you receive the free gift of grace. By the way, the free gift of grace. By the way, the free gift of grace. By the way, grace is unearned favor. Which is why grace is unearned favor. Which is why grace is unearned favor. Which is why you can bring nothing because the grace and the love and the because the grace and the love and the acceptance and the significance that acceptance and the significance that acceptance and the significance that she's been longing for from men are she's been longing for from men are she's been longing for from men are ultimately found in him. Because not ultimately found in him. Because not ultimately found in him. Because not only is are we all thirsty and that only is are we all thirsty and that only is are we all thirsty and that Jesus is the source of life, he doesn't Jesus is the source of life, he doesn't Jesus is the source of life, he doesn't stop at giving you love and acceptance stop at giving you love and acceptance stop at giving you love and acceptance and belonging. He invites you just like and belonging. He invites you just like and belonging. He invites you just like her to play a significant part in his her to play a significant part in his her to play a significant part in his story because what fills you story because what fills you story because what fills you flows from you.
And friends, it's so easy to be full of And friends, it's so easy to be full of ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. And so let's just be reminded Aresh And so let's just be reminded Aresh And so let's just be reminded Aresh of who is your life. And if you've never of who is your life. And if you've never of who is your life. And if you've never received the Lord Jesus, today can be received the Lord Jesus, today can be received the Lord Jesus, today can be your day. When I say receive the Lord your day. When I say receive the Lord your day. When I say receive the Lord Jesus, I mean confess with your mouth, Jesus, I mean confess with your mouth, Jesus, I mean confess with your mouth, Jesus, I believe you are Lord. You died Jesus, I believe you are Lord. You died Jesus, I believe you are Lord. You died for me and I believe in your for me and I believe in your for me and I believe in your resurrection from the dead to place your resurrection from the dead to place your resurrection from the dead to place your life in me. And you simply open up your life in me. And you simply open up your life in me. And you simply open up your heart wide for him to live. And the best part is you don't just do And the best part is you don't just do that once. You keep opening up your that once. You keep opening up your that once. You keep opening up your heart over and over again. And he heart over and over again. And he heart over and over again. And he continues to fill it with absolutely continues to fill it with absolutely continues to fill it with absolutely everything you've been searching for everything you've been searching for everything you've been searching for everywhere else. So let's run to him everywhere else. So let's run to him everywhere else. So let's run to him again. Father God, here we are again. Father God, here we are again. Father God, here we are and I want space here. and I want space here. and I want space here. Holy Spirit, have your way in us. You Holy Spirit, have your way in us. You Holy Spirit, have your way in us. You know, you know know, you know know, you know what needs to happen between you and what needs to happen between you and what needs to happen between you and them. It's so interesting, God. I feel them. It's so interesting, God. I feel them. It's so interesting, God. I feel this pressure to like guide it or direct this pressure to like guide it or direct this pressure to like guide it or direct it. But the truth is, Lord, you are our it. But the truth is, Lord, you are our it. But the truth is, Lord, you are our guide. So, Holy Spirit, guide. So, Holy Spirit, guide. So, Holy Spirit, bring people home.
Show them how much you love them. Show them how much you love them. Reveal the places they've been running Reveal the places they've been running Reveal the places they've been running and fill them with your love. God, thank you for being in the habit of God, thank you for being in the habit of using broken people using broken people using broken people for your glory. for your glory. for your glory. Use me. Use them. Use us. Use me. Use them. Use us. Use me. Use them. Use us. Interrupt us this week. Interrupt us this week. Interrupt us this week. Help us to live your life through us. We Help us to live your life through us. We Help us to live your life through us. We pray. And all God's children [music] pray. And all God's children [music] pray. And all God's children [music] said, "Amen.

Summary

The sermon's central theme is about receiving God's love and the danger of seeking validation from others. It references Jesus meeting the woman at the well in John chapter 4 and uses the analogy of an empty cup needing to be filled. The takeaway is to recognize our tendency to seek approval and to instead seek our fulfillment from God.

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