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 4:7-14, which details Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Scripture
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’ ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’ Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.‘” (John 4:7-14)
Observation
In this passage, Jesus initiates a conversation with a Samaritan woman by asking her for a drink. The woman is surprised that a Jewish man would speak to her, a Samaritan woman, due to the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus shifts the conversation to a spiritual level by offering her “living water.” The woman misunderstands, thinking He is referring to physical water and questioning His ability to provide it. Jesus clarifies that the water He offers will satisfy spiritual thirst and become a source of eternal life within the person who drinks it.
Application
This interaction teaches us about Jesus’ inclusive love and His willingness to cross cultural and social barriers to reach individuals. We are reminded that Jesus offers something far greater than physical sustenance—He offers eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. Like the Samaritan woman, we may sometimes misunderstand or underestimate the spiritual gifts Jesus offers. This passage challenges us to seek and value the eternal life and spiritual nourishment that only Jesus can provide. It also encourages us to share the living water with others, breaking down barriers and extending Jesus’ love to everyone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your inclusive love and for offering us the gift of eternal life. Help us to seek the living water You provide and to recognize its value above all else. Teach us to break down social and cultural barriers, reaching out to others with Your love and truth. May we be conduits of Your living water, sharing the message of eternal life with those around us. Open our hearts to understand and receive the spiritual nourishment You offer, and let it transform our lives. Amen.
Let our SOAP Bible Study: John 4:7-14 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.