This devotion was recently published, and I hope it brings some encouragement during this season.
Today’s Reading: John 4:39-42
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Teaching
If you’ve been around church long, you’ve probably heard the story about the woman at the well. This is one of the central stories of Jesus ministry while on earth. We learn several characteristics about her in the story such as she’s an adulterer, Samaritan (half-Jew), and a woman. However, have you heard someone talk about her qualities? This tiny passage in John 4:39-42 often gets missed because we’re talking about her meeting with Jesus. The story wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t met Jesus, but it’s also important to look at her response.
She wasn’t afraid to talk to Jesus which took moxie. Earlier in the passage Jesus approached her at the well for water and they exchanged words. The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans). They kept talking even after Jesus asked her for water. As the conversation went on, it became clear to the woman she was indeed talking to a prophet. She wasn’t frightened but intrigued.
She believed immediately. Believing in God is not a decision we should put off. Following God is a calling on everyone’s life and a choice which can alter your direction forever. This woman believed immediately when she heard Jesus speak to her and tell her life story.
She was brave and had faith. This woman went from meeting Jesus and believing, to immediately telling her testimony. She had been a believer for all of 20 minutes! Earlier in chapter 4, she tells the people to come see the man and in verse 39, she told others ‘He told me everything I ever did’. Can you imagine meeting someone who can tell your whole story without knowing them? I can’t, but this woman got to meet the creator of the universe and hear how God would use her to tell others about Him.
In verse 40, the Samaritans invited Jesus to stay and talk with them. They initially believed due to the woman’s testimony, but many more believed because Jesus verbally witnessed to them. Jesus ended up staying two days with the Samaritans as they were more open to believing in Jesus than the other Jews in the area. Jesus’ word confirmed what the woman had said as stated in verse 42.
Do we let the God of the universe influence our story? Are we willing to tell others about Jesus so many can come and believe in God? He’s waiting for you at the well. Come see and believe. He wants to use you in a magnificent way to tell His story, so others can see what Jesus has done in your life.
Thank you, Father, for this amazing gift you’ve given us of being able to tell others about you.
Prayer: Help us Lord to share our experiences of your goodness, so others may see and believe. In Jesus name, amen.