Remember: But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14). NKJV


THE REAL WORLD


     Terrell, Marcus, and Randis were excited about their youth camp's trip to a local swim club.  The boys' camp leader paid a fee for the campers to spend the day at the club and made the proper arrangements with the facility.
     Once the youth campers arrived, the three boys put on their swim trunks and  dove into the pool.  The sparkling water was refreshing in the summer heat.  The boys and the other kids had a great time doing cannonballs and splashing each other.  But some of the club members were not amused and complained to the manager.  The boys' skin color was part of these complaints.
     When it was time to leave, the clubs' manager pulled the youth leader aside and told him they could no longer visit the club.  The youth pastor asked why, and the manager told him that some of the members had a problem with boys' "disruptive"  behavior and were concerned the presence of Blacks would change the "atmosphere" of the club.  The youth leader just stared at the manager in disbelief.

     

     Is this discrimination?  Why or Why not?  Is it possible for people to change their ways?  What if you were treated a different way because of your skin color, reputation, physical appearance, etc.?  Could you forgive and share Christs' love with everyone? Why or Why not   
     


                                      WOMAN OF SAMARIA




TEXT: JOHN 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30  DEVOTIONAL: REVELATION 22:10-17


     In this lesson Juniors will discuss who or what is acceptable by the world's view and that they can change because of Jesus.  We will share how our view of others influence our actions towards them.
     This week tells of Jesus in a unique situation. He's alone.  The disciples had gone into town and Jesus, a Jew was traveling through Samaria which was not common nor safe.  Tired from His journey Jesus sat by a well.  A Samaritan woman came to fill her water jars and Jesus asked her for a drink of water.  The woman was confused and surprised for 3 reasons (recognizing that Jesus was a Jew) 1. Jewish men did not start conversations with unknown women;  2. Jewish teachers did not have public conversations with women and; 3. Jews and Samaritans hated each other and did not converse. (Jn 4:9).  Samaritans were of mixed blood Jewish and foreign, so they weren't considered true Jews.  So you see her confusion?  But despite society's thinking Jesus continued to talk with her.  In doing so, he revealed her sin and need for a savior.  She had knowledge of the culture, history, and religious beliefs.  She had even heard of the Messiah's coming, but she seemed to falter when it came to the water they discussed.  She was sticking to rules and Jesus was breaking rules and barriers.  She spoke of living water we need to keep our bodies alive but, Jesus spoke of "living water", we need to keep our spiritual lives growing.  Of course he was speaking of Himself.  The woman was pleasantly surprised when He revealed His identity to her.  She left her water jars and ran to tell others in the town .  Her joy was so contagious and convincing others wanted to see this man too.  
     Let us follow Christ's example of witnessing to all people regardless of being considered outcasts, underdogs, freaks, etc.  He wants to make everyone feel loved, accepted and offer them eternal life.  We  should want do the same.


FOLLOW THE SPIRIT: What does God want me to do?
SAY IT CORRECLY: Suh-Mair-ee-ah


DRINK, BE EMPOWERED BY THE "LIVING WATER" AND THEN SHARE A DRINK WITH OTHERS.