As we study, it’s important to ask questions of the text. In so doing, we often find answers we didn’t know we needed or depth we did not know was there. John 4 is one of the most studied passages on evangelism in the New Testament. And one of many lessons from John 4 is found in verse 35 when we ask the text questions. When the entire village comes out to see Jesus, He gives three imperatives to the disciples, all of which, on the surface, seem to be saying the same thing. Here are some questions we might ask. “Jesus, why have you said the same thing three times?” “Is it the same word in the original language all three times?” “Is Jesus saying the same thing three ways, or is there something more he wants us to see?” When we dig a little deeper, we learn more of the text.
First, LOOK! The idea behind this word is that it is a “prompter of attention” (BDAG). The disciples are focused on physical things—eating food—while Jesus is focused on spiritual food—doing God’s will (v.34). We have to stop focusing on the physical and pay attention to the opportunities to do spiritual things if we are going to be effective in sharing Jesus with others. We must first see souls, not just the waitress, the attendant, the neighbor, or the co-worker.
Second, LIFT UP YOUR EYES! This is the only time this phrase is used in the New Testament. However, it is often used in the Hebrew Scriptures. Almost every time it is found there, it is to get a person to look all around at the massive amount of something around them. We may think there are no opportunities to find seekers today. They are everywhere. But, like in John 4, they may not look like us, smell like us, or be the ones we would first think to seek.
Third, SEE! The word means “to have an intent look at something” (BDAG). We have to see people as they are—as souls who need Jesus! Look beyond the outward, beneath the surface. Don’t just see color, lifestyle, social status, or even attitude. See someone who needs Jesus. See someone with whom you want to spend eternity!
It’s important to ask questions about the text. I read this verse and wondered why the Lord said “look” three times. It could have been that He was using the same word, which would mean that He is emphasizing that He wants them to look for evangelism opportunities. But sometimes, you find the answer is that there’s a ton more depth there than we first thought! That is the case here. Three words for “look” are used, but each explains what Jesus wants us to see.
Today, let’s not be distracted by physical things. Let’s focus on spiritual matters, see the opportunities around us, and see people for who they are—souls that need Jesus. I love you, and God does too!
End Notes:
Definitions from Arndt, William, et al. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed., University of Chicago Press, 2000.
