Many devout Christians fail miserably in their efforts to introduce others to Christ simply because they do not knowhow to go about it. Knowing how to share your faith often makes the difference between effective and ineffective witnessing. Before you can introduce others to Christ, you must: Know that you are a Christian yourself Understand the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life personally Learn how to present the distilled essence of the gospel so simply, clearly, and convincingly that the one with whom you are sharing will be able to make an intelligent decision for Christ as Savior and Lord. In this lesson we will observe Christ’s example in witnessing. Jesus demonstrated how to witness in the most effective manner as he talked to the woman of Samaria. Study John 4 carefully to discover new approaches and techniques of witnessing.

1. What everyday experience did Jesus use as an opportunity for witnessing?
2. What do you think is the advantage of beginning a conversation on the level of a person’s immediate interest?
   Think of an occasion in which you used a person’s special interest to share Christ with him. How did he respond?
3. List some of your natural opportunities to witness for Christ.
4. Why do you suppose Jesus sent all twelve of his disciples to buy provisions when two of them could have done it?
5. Who spoke first, Jesus or the woman of Samaria?
   Why is this significant when considering how to witness?
6. What did Jesus do repeatedly when the woman tried to divert his attention from her sin and her need?

Responses of the Samaritan Woman

1. How did the woman first respond to Jesus’ approach? How does verse 15 indicate that her attitude changed?
   What do you think brought it about?
2. What did Jesus say that demonstrated his divine powers?
3. How did Jesus describe God (verse 24)?
   Why is this statement important?
4. Who was the woman looking for and why?
5. What did Jesus claim about himself?

Effectiveness of Jesus’ Witness

1. How effective was the approach Jesus used in witnessing to this woman of Samaria?
2. What was the result of his witness?
3. How did the people to whom she witnessed respond? Why?

“Sound Barriers”

Sometimes witnessing can seem like breaking a sound barrier, like when an airplane accelerates to supersonic speed. Introducing the subject of Jesus can produce much stress and nervousness.

The first sound barrier occurs when we first mention the name of Jesus Christ and the value of knowing him. Once we turn the conversation from dating, fashions, politics, work, sports, or any other topic to spiritual things, we have broken the first barrier. It is sometimes hard to do, and it does not always come easily.

The second sound barrier comes when we present the gospel. That nervous feeling returns once again. We must blast through this one also because many people, when they understand who Jesus Christ is and what he has done for them, will want him in their lives.

The last barrier, asking the person to receive Christ right now, is the most difficult. But this is the most important step. Often we tell the person how to become a Christian and then just leave him high and dry. Until we ask the person to trust Christ as his or her Savior and Lord, our witness is not complete.