39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:39-42 (NLT)

Unlikely faith

Many believed after hearing the woman’s testimony. Many more believed after hearing Jesus Himself. What I find amazing is there were no miracles performed that we know of. It was only what they were told that stimulated their faith to believe Jesus is “the Savior of the world.” “At that moment they did not know enough to trust Jesus and His work on the cross; but they could most certainly believe in Him as the Messiah of God.” (enduringword.com)

Remember these were Samaritans and were considered by the Jews to be a lower class, a people and area to be avoided at all costs. They would have little chance of hearing the Gospel if left to the Jewish leaders. But, God had other plans.  “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “ (John 3:17 NLT)

Despite this discrimination from the Jews and the Samaritain’s lowly estate, “The response of the Samaritans to Jesus was considerably more positive than the response of the Jews had been (1:11; 2:23-25). This would prove true as Jesus’ ministry continued. Non-Jews normally responded more positively to Jesus than did Jews, both in the Gospels and in Acts.” (planobiblechapel.org)

Our encouragement

This event should encourage us to be lights. How? Be like the woman and take people to Jesus. We don’t need to be evangelists or preachers. We have personal testimonies of who Jesus is and what He’s done. Tell others. Second, we can drop our stereotypes and reach out in love to any and everyone. Who knows who God is calling to Himself. We are only His vessels, His tools.

<- Reflection ->

• Are we taking the gospel to our neighbors, friends, family, even strangers? Take the pressure off yourself. You don’t need to convince anyone. Just share what you know. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest. Remember to pray.