One EncounterSample

Bye to the Counterfeit

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

Read: John 4:16–18

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Jesus said that He is the well we can run to. In the two verses we just read, let’s notice something interesting that Jesus did. As the Samaritan woman asked Jesus to satisfy her soul, He responded to her with a question regarding her life.

Jesus was exposing the temporary source that she had run to … men. Now He didn’t do this to shame her but bring healing to her life. This caused the Samaritan woman to recognize that Jesus isn’t just an ordinary person. He is who He says He is … He’s the Son of God … our source.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US?

Like the Samaritan woman, we must recognize the counterfeit sources we’ve been running to. As we expose these things, Jesus can begin to bring healing, peace, and freedom to our lives. We don’t have to be ashamed of our sins because Jesus didn’t come to shame us. He came to forgive us and deliver us.

As you begin to look at your life, do you see counterfeit things you’ve believed in? Do you find yourself running to people, possessions, or parties to fill a need? Jesus brings counterfeits into the light to bring healing.

Often, we don’t want to admit to ourselves or our friends/families the counterfeit things we are running to because of shame or fear. When this controls our lives, we keep things in the dark … and nothing that is left in the dark can be healed.

Let the scriptures above be an example of what we must do. Expose the counterfeit and walk in the light.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Take the next seven minutes and write down the counterfeit things you’ve run to (examples: relationships, substances, alcohol, etc.). Once completed, let Jesus know that you are now ready to run to Him because you believe He is your source.