Big Idea

What changed when Jesus came? The lonely found belonging.

Scripture

John 4:1-42

Ice Breaker and Opening Thought

1. What is one of your favorite gifts you’ve ever been given?
2. One gift we can give and receive is the gift of belonging. Where have you found belonging? What made it so? What is needed to create a belonging environment?

Bible Discussion

3. Read John 4:1-42. What do you notice about this passage?
4. Jesus’ interactions with the woman would have broken cultural norms and expectations. How does Jesus treat her with belonging?

Life Application

5. Loneliness is a common experience. In 2018, almost half of American adults said they “sometimes or always feel alone.” Would you say that is true of you? When do you feel alone?
6. How can this group help one another feel a greater sense of belonging?
7. Jesus “sees” the woman at the well and pushes beyond the small talk and theological discussion to what is pressing in her life. What does it mean to really “see” others, and how can we practice it?
8. The woman at the well went into the village and invited others to “come and see” Jesus. In what ways can you extend belonging to others in our church and your wider circle of influence? How can you practice that this season?