SOAP Bible study is a method that involves Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It’s a way to delve deeper into the Bible and apply its teachings to one’s life. Let’s apply this method to our SOAP Bible Study: John 4:15-26, which continues the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, revealing profound spiritual truths:
Scripture
The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’ He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’ ‘I have no husband,’ she replied. Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’ ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’ ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’ The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’ (John 4:15-26)
Observation
In this passage, the Samaritan woman, intrigued by Jesus’ offer of living water, asks for it so she won’t have to keep coming to draw water. Jesus shifts the conversation to her personal life, revealing His knowledge of her marital history. This revelation leads her to recognize Him as a prophet. She then brings up the topic of worship, pointing out the differences between Jewish and Samaritan practices. Jesus responds by teaching that true worship is not about a specific location but about worshiping the Father in spirit and in truth. He reveals that God seeks such worshipers and that He Himself is the Messiah.
Application
This passage teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, Jesus’ knowledge of the woman’s life demonstrates His omniscience and His ability to meet us where we are, no matter our past. Secondly, the shift from discussing physical water to addressing deeper spiritual needs highlights the importance of addressing the root issues in our lives. Thirdly, Jesus’ teaching on true worship challenges us to evaluate our own worship practices. True worship is not confined to specific locations or rituals but is characterized by sincerity, spirit, and truth. Lastly, Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Messiah invites us to recognize Him and respond to His call in our lives.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us where we are and for knowing us completely. Help us to understand and seek the living water You offer, addressing the deeper spiritual needs in our lives. Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth, with sincerity and devotion. May we recognize and respond to Your presence as the Messiah, allowing Your truth to transform our lives. Guide us to share this profound truth with others, inviting them into true worship and a relationship with You. Amen.
Let our SOAP Bible Study: John 4:15-26 be just the beginning. Let it ignite a deeper desire within you to continue exploring the Scriptures. Each chapter and verse in the Gospel of John is rich with divine revelation waiting to be uncovered. I encourage you to keep studying, keep questioning, and keep seeking the light that Jesus offers. Dive deeper into the free Bible outlines available, engage with the full text, and allow God’s word to continuously transform your heart and mind. Embrace this journey of faith with enthusiasm and let the Word that was in the beginning guide you each step of the way.
