We are well watered now, Father, and are grateful for the sunshine we had today. Help us to appreciate all of the blessings You so graciously bestow upon us!
John 4:39-42 (<<click here to read the passage)
Today’s passage is the aftermath of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan women who had gone initially to draw water from the well. She had gone back into the village and when she proclaimed, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done! Can this be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)?” v29 AMP
We know from Jesus’ earlier interaction with her that she had been married five times and now was hooked up with a man who wasn’t her husband. It’s pretty plain that she was comfortable around men and the six referred to probably weren’t the only ones with whom she had interacted in more than just a casual way. Nothing is specifically stated but, I would dare say that as one commentary stated, “When she said that Jesus knew ‘all’ she had done, that might have made some people nervous enough to go investigate.” (bibleref.com)
Irish novelist and poet, James Stephens (1880-1950) is quoted as saying,
…..“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”
If nothing else she piqued their curiosity – what all did He know?
One thing I find interesting is that where the Jewish religious leaders were at odds with Jesus almost from the get-go, these Samaritans, rejects of the Jewish nation, were intrigued by Jesus’ knowledge – enough that they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. vs40-41 NLT
The Samaritan women’s statement was enough for them to conquer their fear and in so doing they were able to see Jesus for who He really was, and is yet today, “indeed the Savior of the world.” v42b NLT
Who knows how this “chance” encounter impacted this village and even others around it!
The important thing is that this woman, shunned by the shunned though she was, clearly shows sharing our own experience with Christ with others is so important! Our efforts are never wasted. There is no such thing as a person too far gone, too sinful, or too unimportant to share the gospel with. A lowly, outcast Samaritan woman was so impressed by Jesus that she sparked a revival in her town! The impact of her actions are still being felt in the Christian world today. (bibleref.com)
Lord Jesus, help us to break down the barriers of our hesitation and fear and to share our life with You with others! We never know whose curiosity might just be piqued! Amen!
May 10th, 2021, Mon, 6:15 pm
