The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-25
READING FOR THE DAY.

JESUS AT THE WELL-John ". BIG.

Sunday-Sch0oI Lesson for may -, 1885,
JESUS AT THE WELI.-John iv. 5-26
Golden fext--God Is Spirit; and they that wor-
lhip Him rnust worship Him in spirit and in truth.
John Nv, "a
The well dug by the patriarch Jacob near the
base of Mount Gerizim is one Of the few places
in Palestine about which there is no dispute; all
agree as to its location and it has been the scene
of many famous events recorded in sacred and
profane history. It seems strange that Jacob
should have taken the trouble to dig
sight feet in diameter, through the solid
limestone rock, when the region abounded in
springs Of water. But it was done to avoid strife
with the Amorite herdsmen around him, as they
claimed ownership of the fountains. The great
highways running north and south, and those
from the east to the Mediterranean. pass by this
sacred we'll. Between the two mountains the
blessings aud cursings were pronounced when
the peopie of Israel came into the land; and in
view Of the well, on the top Of Gerizim, the
Samaritans had built their temple, which they
claimed to be more sacred than that In Jerusa-
lem
After the interview with Nicodemus in Jerusa-
lem Jesus remained for some weeks in that re-
gion teaching and making disciples. Some rest
less spirits attempted to stir up strife between
the followers of John the Baptist and those of
Jesus. Then the Master leaves taat region to
go back to his home in Galilee The easiest and
best way led him through the region of Samaria.
and we find him, at the end of long. hot day of
travel, resting at Jacobs well, while some of the
disciples went into the city near by to purchase
food The sixth hour of the day" mentioned
here is probably the our own o'clock
IN the evening. This was the Roman method Of
reckoning time, and Edersheim presents va
riety of considerations in favor of this time of
day rather than the noon hour as many have
supposed The distance travelled, the markets
being closed at noon so that food could not be
purchased the coming of the woman after
water all point to the evening
PRACTICAL LESSONS
/. Jesus as the son of man becomes weary,
hungry, sad as do we We must see and feel
that in these things he was really man like
ourselves, and in having borne our nature and
Its sorrows He knows now how to sympathize
with rs.
10 her the water of life. Jesus asks 70 gift or
work or sacrifice of US that ne does not mean to
follow mp that gift of ours by and
divine manifestation or blessing of his own.
3. Jesus uncovers secret sins and the
buried past, that he may lead US to see our deep
est want and then satisfy us.
4. Jesus can abundantly satisfy our largest
need and our greatest capacity. He opens new
possibilities of love, faith, joy purity, and then
satisfies and fills the soul
cult of access, as some think. Ged will open it
strangely in your own heart if you will let him.
THE GREAT TEACHING.
I. For belief The spirituality of the Chris
ton religion. 1t has but little sympathy with
external forms and ceremonies. When the
church adopts these it is a sign Of weakness and
emptiness. But the drift so-day is in the direc
bon Of external signs and forms in order to help
q weak faith While some minds need the ex-
ternals. and may be helped by them, there is al
ways danger Of losing the spirit in the form.
q Fer duty. Ill Christ asks gifts of us.
The cup o. S~aser is symbol of the many little
things you can give to Jesus. He asks your
time, your service, your sympathy. t2l We
have here beautiful illustration Of the way to
build up the church. He talked lovingly. faith
fully, effectively to this ono soul. One at time
is the true way to reach men. But when she
was reached she became power to reach Others
See behind every one Of your scholars the great
throng of people they can influence if converted
Remember how Jesus worked for this one dull,
unpromising soul