1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
2 (This was not because he had heard about Jesus, but because he had heard about Jesus’ miracles.)
3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.
4 And he had to pass through Samaria.
5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?
12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.
13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
16 So Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’;
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?”
28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people,
29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”
30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”
33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.
36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’
38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.”
40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.
41 And many more believed because of his word.
42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”
43 After the two days he departed for Galilee.
44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.)
45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.
46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.
47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.
48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”
49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.
51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering.
52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.”
53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household.
54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.
The True Meaning of John 4
This passage from the Gospel of John provides a fascinating account of Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and a close companion who witnessed many of the pivotal events in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus breaks down social and religious barriers as he engages in a profound conversation with this woman, revealing himself as the long-awaited Messiah. This interaction foreshadows the expansion of Jesus’ teachings beyond the Jewish community and the inclusion of all people into God’s plan of salvation, as we see echoed in other passages such as the Great Commission in Matthew 28. The events that unfold at the well shed light on Jesus’ divine nature, his compassion for the marginalized, and the transformative power of his message. As we delve into this passage, Jesus challenges the status quo and paves the way for a new understanding of God’s kingdom with his words and actions.
John 4:1-6
Jesus departs from Judea and heads back to Galilee in the opening verses of John 4. The choice to leave Judea was likely influenced by the growing tension between Jesus’ followers and the religious leaders. Jesus’ ministry was stirring controversy and it was not yet His time to face the full opposition that awaited Him in Judea. Additionally, Jesus knew that the time had not yet come for Him to be crucified. This decision to leave highlights Jesus’ wisdom and control over the timing of His mission on earth.
The mention of Jesus needing to pass through Samaria is significant. Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing animosity towards each other in the historical context. Samaritans were considered a mixed race and their religious practices were seen as impure by the Jews. The fact that Jesus chose to go through Samaria rather than take a longer route shows His intentionality in reaching out to those who were marginalized and considered outcasts. This sets the stage for the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, where Jesus breaks cultural barriers to offer her living water, symbolizing eternal life. We are reminded of the rich history of this location as Jesus arrives at the well of Jacob. Jacob, one of the patriarchs of the Israelites, had dug this well, and it held symbolic significance for the Jewish people. Jesus connects His ministry with the history and traditions of the Jewish faith by sitting at this well. This act foreshadows Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and as the source of true spiritual nourishment.
The weariness of Jesus from the journey also serves as a reminder of His human nature. Though Jesus is fully divine, He also experienced the limitations and challenges of human existence. This aspect of Jesus’ humanity is crucial in understanding His empathy and compassion towards humanity. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly subjected Himself to human experiences, demonstrating His solidarity with us and His understanding of our struggles. A convergence of historical, cultural, and spiritual elements enriches the narrative of Jesus’ ministry when analyzing these verses. His deliberate actions, interactions with individuals from different backgrounds, and embodiment of both divinity and humanity all point to the central themes of redemption, reconciliation, and salvation. The encounter at the well of Jacob foreshadows the universal scope of Jesus’ mission to offer the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him, transcending boundaries of race, culture, and tradition. It underscores the transformative power of Jesus’ message and the radical inclusivity of His love for all people, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
John 4:7-14
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-14. This encounter is rich with symbolism and a powerful message that transcends boundaries of culture and prejudice.
First, in verse 7, we see Jesus asking the woman for a drink of water. This simple request sets the stage for a dialogue that goes much deeper than just physical thirst. Jesus, being fully aware of the woman’s past and her current struggles, uses this interaction as an opportunity to offer her living water. The conversation shifts from the physical realm to the spiritual realm, highlighting Jesus’ ability to look beyond societal norms and engage with individuals on a personal level. The woman is surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would speak to her, a Samaritan and a woman, as the dialogue progresses. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deeply rooted in historical and cultural differences. But Jesus breaks through these barriers, showing love and compassion to someone who society deemed unworthy. This displays Jesus’ mission to reach out to all people, regardless of their background or social status. It is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is available to everyone, no matter their past or present circumstances.
When Jesus speaks of the “living water” he offers, he is referring to the eternal life that comes from knowing Him. This living water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who quenches our spiritual thirst and brings true fulfillment. Jesus offers this gift freely to the woman, emphasizing that it is not based on her merit or achievements, but on God’s grace and love. It is a reminder of the invitation extended to all of us to come to Jesus and find true satisfaction in Him. Jesus explains in verses 13-14 that whoever drinks of the water He gives will never thirst again, but will have a well of water springing up to eternal life. This promise echoes throughout the Bible, pointing to the transformative power of God’s love and the eternal life that comes through faith in Christ. Just as physical water sustains our bodies, the living water Jesus offers sustains our spirits and provides an everlasting source of hope and salvation. God’s encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is a profound example of His unconditional love and His desire to bring salvation to all people. It challenges us to break down barriers of prejudice and judgment, and to reach out to others with the same compassion and grace that Jesus showed. Through this passage, we learn that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Christ and that His love knows no bounds.
John 4:15-26
Several key sections in John 4:15-26 contain significant messages that are essential to understanding the deeper spiritual meaning of this passage. Let’s break down each section and provide commentary on their interpretation in the context of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman in verse 15 said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”” This response reveals the woman’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ metaphorical language about the living water. She was focused on the physical aspect of the water and failed to grasp the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ words. This interaction highlights a common theme in the Bible where people struggle to understand Jesus’s teachings due to their tendency to interpret them in a literal sense. It serves as a reminder for readers to seek spiritual understanding beyond the surface level.
Moving on to verse 16, Jesus tells the woman to go and bring her husband. This statement leads to a revealing moment where Jesus demonstrates his divine knowledge by revealing the woman’s past and present situation despite never having met her before. Jesus brings to light the deeper spiritual thirst and emptiness in her life that can only be filled by the living water He offers by highlighting the woman’s string of failed relationships. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’s ability to see into our hearts and address the deeper issues that plague our lives. The woman in verses 19-20 acknowledges Jesus as a prophet and raises a theological question about the correct place of worship. This conversation delves into the longstanding tensions between Jews and Samaritans regarding the proper place of worship. Jesus’s response in verses 21-24 transcends the physical location of worship and emphasizes the spiritual reality that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and truth. This shift in focus from external rituals to internal sincerity conveys the universal nature of true worship, which is not limited by physical boundaries but is grounded in a genuine connection with God.
Finally, in verses 25-26, the woman recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior. This revelation marks a significant turning point in the story as the woman’s encounter with Jesus leads to a profound spiritual awakening and transformation. Her testimony to the people of her town in verses 28-30 about encountering the Messiah showcases the powerful impact of a personal encounter with Jesus and how it can lead to a life-changing faith experience. Encountering Jesus captures the transformative power and can have a profound impact on a person’s life, as seen in John 4:15-26. Through the interactions between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we see themes of spiritual thirst, divine knowledge, true worship, and recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. These themes resonate throughout the Bible, emphasizing the universal message of salvation, the importance of spiritual understanding, and the life-changing power of encountering Jesus. This passage reminds us of the limitless grace and love that Jesus offers to all who come to Him in faith.
John 4:27-30
We witness a pivotal moment in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:27-30. Let’s break down this passage into its important sections for a deeper understanding.
Verse 27 starts with Jesus’ disciples returning from the town. The disciples were surprised to find Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman, as during that time, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was long-standing, rooted in historical and religious differences. Jesus was breaking societal norms and barriers by engaging in conversation with the Samaritan woman. This moment highlights Jesus’ radical inclusion and rejection of social prejudices. He saw beyond cultural divides and extended His message of salvation to all, regardless of background or ethnicity. This act challenges us to look past our own biases and prejudices and embrace all people with love and compassion. Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman has an impact that we see in verses 28-29. She leaves her water jar and goes back to the town with newfound excitement and urgency to share her encounter with Jesus. Her testimony is powerful because she acknowledges Jesus as a prophet and recognizes His ability to reveal personal truths about her life. This woman, traditionally unnamed in the Bible but often referred to as the Samaritan Woman, represents all of us who have encountered Jesus and experienced His transformative power. Through her story, we learn the importance of personal testimony in sharing the Gospel. Her genuine enthusiasm and sincerity in sharing about Jesus serve as a model for us to boldly proclaim our faith to others.
Lastly, verse 30 describes the response of the Samaritan people to the woman’s testimony. They were intrigued and moved by her words, prompting them to come out of the town and meet Jesus for themselves. This demonstrates the ripple effect of one person’s encounter with Jesus and how it can impact an entire community. The Samaritans’ willingness to engage with Jesus shows a receptiveness to His message and a desire to seek the truth. It reminds us of the power of personal evangelism and how our testimonies can lead others to encounter Christ. Themes of acceptance, redemption, and evangelism found throughout scripture echo in this passage in John 4 in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus’ willingness to engage with the Samaritan woman defied social norms and exemplified His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The Samaritan woman’s transformation and bold proclamation mirror the call for all believers to share the Good News of salvation (Matthew 28:19-20). The response of the Samaritan people underscores the receptivity of hearts to the Gospel when presented with sincerity and truth (Matthew 5:16). May this encounter in John 4 inspire us to break down barriers, share our faith boldly, and lead others to Jesus through our testimonies and actions.
John 4:31-38
Several important sections to dissect are in John 4:31-38. Let’s break it down for deeper understanding.
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“Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something. The disciples in this verse exhibit concern for Jesus’s physical well-being, urging him to eat. This human aspect of the disciples is relatable, showing their care and consideration for their teacher. Jesus, being fully divine and fully human, was experiencing physical fatigue and hunger, emphasizing his humanity. This scene also shows the disciples’ growing relationship with Jesus as they address him as “Rabbi,” demonstrating their respect and acknowledgment of his wisdom and authority.
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“But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’”
Jesus’s response in this verse goes beyond the physical nourishment the disciples were focused on. He redirects their attention to a higher, spiritual plane. Jesus frequently used metaphorical language to convey deeper truths. Here, he is alluding to his fulfillment in doing the will of God. It reflects the theme of spiritual nourishment and the importance of prioritizing the spiritual over the physical. This teaching is in line with other passages where Jesus emphasizes the significance of spiritual food, such as in Matthew 4:4, where he states, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- “Then his disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’”
The disciples, still thinking on a literal level, misunderstand Jesus’s metaphorical statement. Their confusion and reluctance to fully grasp the spiritual meaning behind his words are evident here. This underscores a recurring theme in the Gospels where the disciples often struggle to comprehend Jesus’s teachings, and he patiently guides them towards deeper understanding. It also serves as a reminder for readers to seek spiritual discernment and not be solely focused on the material aspects of life.
- “My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’”
Jesus’s clarification reinforces the idea that his sustenance comes from fulfilling the mission given to him by God. This statement encapsulates his unwavering commitment to obeying the Father and completing the work of redemption. It highlights Jesus’s obedience and dedication to the divine plan, setting an example for believers to prioritize God’s will above all else. This aligns with Jesus’s teachings in other parts of the Gospels, such as in John 6:38, where he states, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”
- “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Here, Jesus shifts the conversation to a metaphorical discussion about the spiritual harvest. He uses the analogy of a physical harvest to illustrate the readiness of people to receive and respond to the message of salvation. Just as a farmer must reap the crops at the right time to prevent spoiling, Jesus is emphasizing the urgency and timeliness of spreading the Gospel. This highlights the importance of seizing opportunities for sharing the Good News and engaging in God’s work without delay. Jesus often used agricultural imagery to convey spiritual truths, connecting with the daily lives of his audience and emphasizing the principles of sowing and reaping found throughout the Bible, such as in Galatians 6:7-9. John 4:31-38 presents a rich tapestry of themes including spiritual nourishment, obedience to God’s will, the disciples’ growth in understanding, and the urgency of the spiritual harvest. Through Jesus’s interactions with his disciples, readers are invited to reflect on their priorities, to seek a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, and to wholeheartedly engage in God’s redemptive work. The passage serves as a call to discipleship, urging believers to align their lives with God’s purposes and to labor faithfully in spreading the Gospel for the advancement of His Kingdom.
John 4:39-42
The passage in John 4:39-42 reads: “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’”
This passage marks a significant event in the Gospel of John as it recounts the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The Samaritans were a group of people who were despised by the Jews, and there was a deep-seated animosity between the two groups. However, in this narrative, Jesus defies societal norms by engaging in a conversation with the Samaritan woman, offering her living water, and revealing His true identity to her. The woman then becomes a messenger, testifying about Jesus to her community.
One important aspect of this passage is the power of personal testimony in spreading the faith. The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus transformed her life, and her genuine testimony about her experience with Him led many in her town to believe in Jesus as well. This underscores the idea that everyone has a story to share about their faith journey, and their personal encounters with God can have a profound impact on others.
Furthermore, the Samaritans’ belief was not solely based on the woman’s testimony, but on encountering Jesus for themselves. This highlights the importance of personal encounters with Jesus and the role of faith in experiencing His transformative power. The Samaritans’ statement, “we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world,” demonstrates a shift from relying on second-hand information to having a direct relationship with Christ.
This passage also emphasizes Jesus as the Savior of the world, not just for a specific group or nationality. Jesus demonstrates His universal message of salvation for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity, by reaching out to the Samaritans and revealing Himself as the Messiah to them. This aligns with other verses in the Bible, such as John 3:16, which proclaims that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 4:39-42 illustrates the power of personal testimony, the significance of encountering Jesus for oneself, and the universal message of salvation through Christ. It challenges readers to reflect on their own encounters with Jesus and how they can share their faith with others, ultimately pointing towards the inclusive and transformative nature of Christ’s love for all humanity.
John 4:43-45
He left for Galilee after the two days in John 4:43-45. (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. Jesus traveled to Galilee after spending two days in Samaria, where He had a powerful encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. The mention of Jesus indicating that “a prophet has no honor in his own country” hints at the skepticism and lack of belief that Jesus faced in His hometown of Galilee, which is a common theme throughout the Gospels. Despite this, the Galileans welcomed Him, not necessarily because they believed in Him as the Messiah, but because they had witnessed the miracles He had performed in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival.
This passage underscores the idea that often familiarity can breed contempt, as people who knew Jesus from his childhood could not easily accept Him as the Son of God. This points to the universal truth that sometimes those closest to us may have the hardest time recognizing our true identity or potential. It also reminds us of the importance of humility, as Jesus did not force His authority or demand recognition, but rather continued to serve and spread His message with love and compassion.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of prophets and messengers facing disbelief and rejection in their own communities. Jesus refers to this phenomenon in Luke 4:24, saying, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”” This rejection serves as a reminder that faith is not always easily accepted by those who are closest to us, and that we must continue to share the Gospel with patience and grace, regardless of the response we receive. These verses in John 4:43-45 reflect on the challenges of being recognized and accepted, even for someone as extraordinary as Jesus, and emphasize the importance of perseverance in spreading the message of faith and love.
John 4:46-54
Several crucial sections in John 4:46-54 shed light on different facets of faith and belief. The narrative begins with Jesus returning to Cana in Galilee, the place where he performed his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Upon his return, a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee. The desperate father approached Jesus and implored him to come and heal his son before he dies. The royal official’s plea for his son’s healing in the first section reflects the universal human experience of seeking help in times of great need. This official, despite his status and authority, humbly approaches Jesus, recognizing the power and compassion that Jesus embodies. His request is a poignant reminder that no one is exempt from suffering or in need of divine intervention, regardless of social standing or position. This narrative exemplifies the willingness to lay down pride and seek help from the source of true healing, Jesus Christ.
Jesus responds to the official’s plea by telling him, “Go, your son will live.” This moment is pivotal as it underlines the theme of faith without physical evidence. The official demonstrated faith by believing Jesus’ words and departing for home without any tangible proof of his son’s healing. This aspect of faith without sight is a recurring theme in the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of trust and belief in Jesus despite not seeing immediate results. The official’s journey back home becomes a test of his faith in Jesus’ words. The servants met the official along the way as he journeyed home and informed him that his son was alive and well. When he inquired about the timing of his son’s recovery, they revealed that the fever had left him at the exact moment Jesus had said, “Your son will live.” This miraculous healing served as a confirmation of Jesus’ divine power and the official’s unwavering faith in his words. It also highlights the profound impact of belief and trust in Jesus’ ability to bring about transformation and restoration.
This account in John 4:46-54 underscores the interconnectedness of faith, miracles, and the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Through the interaction between the royal official and Jesus, we witness a powerful example of faith transcending distance and time. The father’s initial plea, Jesus’ declaration of healing, and the subsequent fulfillment of that promise all converge to reveal the profound truth that genuine faith is rewarded and that Jesus is indeed the source of life and healing. This story serves as a reminder for believers to have faith even when circumstances seem dire, for in Jesus, there is power to overcome all obstacles and bring about miraculous transformations. The official’s journey from desperation to faith to ultimate confirmation of his son’s healing encapsulates the timeless message of trust in Jesus and the fulfillment of his promises, echoing throughout the entire Bible.
After John 4
Jesus broke societal norms by engaging in conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well in this chapter. Through their dialogue, Jesus revealed His true identity as the Messiah, offering the woman living water that would quench her spiritual thirst forever. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus came not only for the Jews but for all people, regardless of their background or past. Let us also consider this transformative interaction as we reflect on the living water that Jesus offers to each of us today. Just as the Samaritan woman was forever changed by her encounter with Jesus, may we too be open to receiving the life-giving water that He freely offers. Approach the next chapter with open hearts and minds, ready to experience the transformative power of Jesus in our own lives.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.