The account of Jesus discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:4-42 shows Jesus determination to do his saving work.  The dialogue between them covers a lot of ground.  There is ample opportunity to get off track.  But Jesus stays true to his focus to give the woman his spring of living water that wells up to eternal life (John 4:15).  He is also determined to share it with her village.  Initially they believe on account of the woman’s testimony about Jesus (John 4:39).  But later, it is on account on his word (John 4:41).  It still is… the witness speaks the word of God but the encounter with the living Christ and his word that brings salvation.  In this text look out for the reference to the Holy Spirit and his work (John 4:14, 23-24), and also the ‘doggedness’ of the Father in bringing people to worship God (John 4:23).  There is also a section on the mission and the large scope of the mission field (John 4:31-36).  At first this looks incidental.  Its not though.  In his conversation with the Samaritan woman Jesus has given his disciples no less than a master class in evangelism and encouragement for the task.  What are your favourite themes in the text?  What are three ways it encourages you?