Comparing Jesus And Nicodemus With The Woman At The Well And A Disabled Man
Ron shares Jesus’ teachings with us as he explores 3 encounters in the life of Jesus Christ. First he outlines Jesus and Nicodemus, then Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. Finally, he examines Jesus’ interaction with the disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda.
Jesus And Nicodemus
In three successive chapters in the Gospel of John, we find Jesus encountering three individuals. In chapter 3, Nicodemus came to Jesus one night motivated by a need to understand Jesus identity, His claims about himself, and the purpose of His miraculous ministry. The Lord explained it all in such a way that this explanation can be found at the core of countless Gospel presentations through the years.
Jesus interacted with Nicodemus at a spiritual level because that’s what Nicodemus needed. We know from other passages that Nicodemus came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah.
Jesus And The Woman At The Well
In chapter 4, Jesus had an encounter with “the woman at the well.” This was intentional on Jesus’ part, but unintentional on her part. In fact, she thought that by coming to the well at midday she would avoid encountering anyone there.
This unnamed woman needed acceptance. She had broken the moral codes of her time and culture and found herself ostracized by her community.
Jesus initially engaged with her at a social level because that was the area of her need. Her experience with Jesus was so powerful that she ran a home and, in spite of being an outcast, proclaimed that she had met the Messiah. Not only did she believe, but many of the people of her community also came to faith in Jesus.
Jesus And A Disabled Man
In chapter 5, Jesus sought out a disabled man at the pool of Bethesda. This man had no clue who Jesus was and because of his infirmity, could not approach Jesus, even if he had wanted to.
The Lord initiated this encounter by approaching the man and asking him if he would like to be healed. The man responded affirmatively, so Jesus performed a miracle of healing which strengthened the man’s ankles and feet so he could walk again and rejoin his people as a productive member of the community. Jesus engaged with this man physically because that was the man’s felt need. At first the man did not know who had healed him, yet in a later encounter with Jesus in the temple he learned Jesus’ identity.
What Is Your Response?
These three encounters show individuals in a variety of circumstances meeting Jesus. In each case, the Lord responded to them according to their specific individual needs. To the man who needed to understand, he explained things. To the woman who was a social outcast he offered acceptance. To the man who was unable to walk, he brought healing. What is the need in your life today? You can be sure that, whatever it is, Jesus can respond to it.
How would you compare the three encounters? Contact us– we’d love to hear from you!
Ron Hughes
Ron Hughes is the former President of FBH International He developed his interest in technology and mass communications during his highschool years in Peterborough, Ontario. He received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University where he graduated as the program’s “outstanding graduate.” He gained experience working in both commercial and cultural radio stations in Southern Ontario as well as engaging in freelance production.
In 1983, he and his wife, Debbie, moved to Ecuador where they served as missionaries for 10 years. There, Ron produced radio specials and numerous music albums as well as several videos. Some of these videos were the first ever produced in Ecuador’s major indigenous languages. In 1993, the Hughes family returned to Canada at the invitation of FBH International (then Family Bible Hour) and oversaw the ministry for many years.
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