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 4:27-30, which describes the reaction of Jesus’ disciples and the Samaritan woman’s response to her encounter with Jesus.
Scripture
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’ They came out of the town and made their way toward him. (John 4:27-30)
Observation
In this passage, Jesus’ disciples return and are surprised to see Him speaking with a Samaritan woman, breaking cultural norms. Despite their surprise, they do not question Jesus about His actions. Meanwhile, the Samaritan woman leaves her water jar and returns to her town, eager to share her encounter with Jesus. She tells the people about Jesus, highlighting His knowledge of her life and raising the possibility that He could be the Messiah. Her testimony prompts the townspeople to go out and see Jesus for themselves.
Application
This passage emphasizes the power of personal testimony and the importance of sharing our encounters with Jesus. The Samaritan woman’s immediate response to her experience with Jesus is to leave behind her water jar and tell others, showing her eagerness to share the good news. Her testimony sparks curiosity and leads others to seek Jesus. We are encouraged to be like the Samaritan woman, boldly sharing our own experiences and inviting others to encounter Jesus. Additionally, the disciples’ reaction reminds us that Jesus often breaks social and cultural barriers, and we should be open to His unconventional ways of reaching people.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the importance of sharing our encounters with You. Help us to be bold and eager in telling others about the ways You have touched our lives. Use our testimonies to draw others to You, just as the Samaritan woman’s testimony led her townspeople to seek You. Open our hearts to recognize and embrace the ways You break social and cultural barriers to reach those in need. Teach us to trust Your methods and to follow Your example in reaching out to others. Amen.
Let our SOAP Bible Study: John 4:27-30 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.
