Advancing into new territories john 4 34 35
John 4:34-35 says:
"Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. For this reason the Jews were persecuting him, because he was not only breaking the Sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.'" (NIV)
In this passage, Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, and He is explaining to her that His purpose is to do the will of His Father and to finish the work that He has been given to do. This is a key aspect of Jesus' mission and identity as the Son of God.
In this context, "advancing into new territories" could be seen as a metaphor for Jesus' willingness to go beyond the boundaries of His own people and culture to reach out to others. The Samaritans were considered to be outsiders by the Jews, and Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well was a bold move that challenged the social norms of the time.
In a broader sense, this passage can be seen as an encouragement to Christians to be willing to venture out of their comfort zones and into new territories, just as Jesus did. This might involve sharing the Gospel with people who are different from us, or serving in new and unfamiliar contexts. It requires a willingness to take risks and to trust in God's guidance and provision.
Some possible applications of this passage might include:
- Being willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel with others.
- Being open to serving in new and unfamiliar contexts, even if it requires us to adapt to new cultures or ways of life.
- Trusting in God's guidance and provision as we venture into new territories.
- Recognizing that our purpose is to do the will of God and to finish the work that He has given us to do, rather than seeking our own glory or recognition.