Foreshadowing in John 4

Writers often use a dramatic technique called foreshadowing.  For example, a character is mentioned early in a story or play, but does not appear till much later.  Upon arrival, the foreshadowed character profoundly impacts the outcome of the drama.  

God, the Author of History, uses foreshadowing expertly.  Starting with Genesis 3:15, He leaves hints and clues (aka messianic prophecies) about a coming savior called the Messiah.  When Jesus finally steps on the stage of history, we learn how He fulfills the clues and changes our lives.

Once Jesus arrives, however, the foreshadowing does not end.  Instead, Jesus foreshadows yet another character — mentioning him to Nicodemus in John 3 and to the woman at the well in John 4.  As the hints increase in subsequent chapters of John, our sense of anticipation will grow, and we’ll wonder:  

• How will God’s mission to restore His kingdom and redeem humanity change when this character appears?
• What surprises and transformations will he work in me and those around me?

This foreshadowed character is so important that he is one of the 10 building blocks of life in Christ. Who is he?

Oh — I almost forgot. The Bible also foreshadows the coming of a third crucial character. Learn about all three of them in the 3:30 minute video.