– The Me Series –
MY STORY . WHO AM I? . PERSPECTIVE . ADOPTED
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
If you have the capability to in your group, show one of the “I’m not famous” videos and then ask these questions:
- What drew that person to know Jesus?
- What about their story stuck with you/impacted you?
To find the videos, go to youtube.com/cruimnotfamous/videos. You might want to watch Phoebe’s story which is much like the woman at the well’s story. You can find her video quickly by googling “cruimnotfamous phoebe”.
OR
Have someone in the group prepared to share briefly how they met Jesus and the before and after change he made in his/her life. Then ask the group, “what about his/her story stuck with you/impacted you?”
Today we are going to look at a woman in the Bible who encounters Jesus, and see how her experience with him changes the whole town.
*WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
1. Read John 4:7-9.
- Why do you think the Samaritan woman was surprised by Jesus’ request for a drink?
- What kind of barriers did Jesus have to cross to pursue you?
2. Read verses 10-26.
- Who is Jesus and what is the gift of God he is offering to the woman?
- What do you think Jesus means by “living water”?
3. What is the woman’s response to his offer of water?
- Where is she currently trying to find life?
4. In what people, things, or activities are you trying to find life (meaning, fulfillment, purpose) apart from God?
5. Instead of trying to understand every word that Jesus says, what do you notice about who he is and how he interacts with this woman?
6. How do you see the woman responding to his interactions with her?
7. Read verses 28-30, 39-42.
- What is the testimony the woman shares with her town about her encounter with Christ?
- What happens as a result?
*8. The picture at the top of the pages is someone pointing – showing something important to a friend. How is this similar to what the woman at the well did?
*HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
Many people’s lives were changed because the woman at the well simply shared how Jesus impacted her life. God can use our stories, or testimonies, in the same way. Today, we are going to work on putting together our own testimonies so we can share with others how Jesus has changed our lives.
9. Cardboard Testimony:
Write your story of what your life was like before and after you met Jesus. I Am Second (www.iamsecond.org) gives the following instruction on how to write a cardboard testimony:
If all you had was a small piece of cardboard, what one word would you use for your before and after experiences with Jesus? This is your story in a few words. Try several of them, and pick the ones you like best. Boldly print the best before and after words/phrases in permanent marker on each side of a piece of cardboard and share this at the next group meeting. Or take an Instagram photo of both sides of the cardboard and post it online.
(For example, watch cardboard testimonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg7GTHZxxl4 and stop after 2:35.)
TESTIMONY WORKSHEET
Use this worksheet to write out your three-minute personal testimony.
Write out your testimony: Now that you have the few words or phrases of before and after from your cardboard, you want to expand on it. Use the back of this sheet to work through these steps and then share your story with a friend.
BEFORE:
Describe how your life was before you invited Christ to be your Savior and Lord. Describe how you thought about life and some areas where you had a need or struggle.
HOW:
Describe how you became a Christian. Be very specific, even how you prayed to receive Christ, if you remember. It helps people understand how they can receive Christ.
AFTER:
Describe how your life is different now that you have received Christ. List three or four areas, referring back to your points in A.
Share your story with your friends. If you want, you can have someone video your story and post it to youtube and share it on social media!
Some Tips
- If you received Christ when you were really young and it is difficult to remember your life before Christ, identify one area where you have had a struggle and Jesus has made a difference, like family problems, a tragedy, personal issues, etc.
- When you write your answers to these questions, write as though you were talking to a friend.
- Avoid using religious words that most people would not understand, like “saved” and names of specific church denominations.
- Use “for example” type of illustrations when you share. It will help others relate.
- Make your story short, like a couple of minutes.
- If you think your story is boring, it’s not. Identify how Christ has helped you, and tell it with excitement.
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.
