29. Many Samaritans believe in Jesus
– John 4:39-42
John 4:40 “So when the Samaritans came to him, the urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.”
Jesus approached everyone the same. He didn’t care about reputations or social statuses. He treated everyone like they should be treated, as children of God. In this circumstance, he treated the Samaritans just like he would treat anyone else. He respected and accepted their request for him to stay. The Jews at the time would have scoffed and ignored whatever the Samaritans said. But, Jesus listened because he cared about them. Jesus treated those lowest in society with the same respect as he treated those highest in society. Jesus knows that everyone is equal. No one is any greater than his brother. Who in society do you treat the worst? Who do you walk past without acknowledging their presence? Who do you not listen to when they speak? Who do you walk past on your way to a destination? In Jesus’ case, Samaria was a location he had planned on passing through on his way to Galilee. Jesus could have easily ignored those in this city. But, he didn’t. He spoke to them and revealed himself to them. More so, he paused his journey to spend time with them. In fact, he decided to spend two days with them. Jesus was more focused on those in front of him than his destination. How great would it be if we lived our lives in a similar way? Take for instance, the circumstance when you drive or walk somewhere and encounter someone begging on the street. Most people have a first reaction of turning away and ignoring the beggar. Why do you ignore him? Maybe you view the beggar as someone low in society. Maybe you are too concerned on arriving to your next destination. Maybe you made up and excuse that the person is too far away. Whatever it may be, this beggar is the same as the Samaritan people. The beggar is looked down and ignored in society. In fact, people try to avoid traveling where they may encounter a beggar. If someone does pass by a beggar, they keep their distance. Beggars are excluded from many shops and even some churches. Be like Jesus and don’t avoid them. Treat them like you would treat your family member who was in need. Don’t make an excuse that they are too far away. Jesus was the one who started the conversation with the Samaritan woman. Go out of you way to speak with them. Lastly, don’t be in a hurry to leave them. Listen and respect what they have to say to you. Beggars are just one example of a Samaritan person in real life. Who else is it that you may unintentionally avoid? Who is it that needs you? More importantly, who is it that needs to know God?
John 4:41 “And because of his words many more became believers.”
Your words have power. Jesus took the time to speak to the Samaritans. Because of his words, they became believers. Do you honestly believe that something you say could bring someone closer to God? Because you can. Your words can either make someone closer or further to God. You are capable of so much! You have so much potential! God has perfectly positioned and created you to expand his kingdom. Live up to your full potential.
John 4:42 “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.”
You must understand that everyone’s relationship with God is personal. Your testimony, words, and actions may point someone to God; but, it is their encounter with God that makes them a believer. People have to discover God for themselves. Don’t try to push your relationship with him onto someone else. Rather, aid them with discovering who God truly is. Make them able to discover him.
