July 8, 2020 -- John 4:42 -- Not knowing about but knowing deeply

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.”

John 4:42 English Standard Version

Notice the beautiful transition that has taken place. A woman called out to the townspeople, her neighbours: “Come and meet Jesus!” They are moved to meet Jesus because of her enthusiasm, because of her testimony, because they know her reputation as an immoral woman and realize something big has happened in her life. Then as people spend time in Jesus’ presence they acknowledge Him as the Savior of the World. Isn’t it interesting that it is non-Jewish people who first openly praise Jesus in this way. John 1 foreshadowed this: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12-13).

Notice it is not gimmicks, not fancy stages, smoke machines, and big bands that will convert the world. It is a living encounter with Jesus Christ. The only way in which we can be changed: is to meet Jesus. When people meet Him everything changes. He is not entertainment, He is the Person Who reveals God our Father. He is the One in Whom we have life.

Perhaps it is challenging for us to witness about Him to others because we know Him so little. We have opinions on all kinds of things, even opinions about faith and religion. But the question that confronts us today is this: have you met Jesus? Do you believe because you have heard for yourself? And by hearing, do you obey Him in what you say and do?

Spirit of Truth, lead us to Jesus. Help us to find people who know Jesus and make Him known to us. Help us to meet Jesus in the Bible in a real and living way. Help us, from the strength of knowing Jesus, to tell others Who He is. Spirit, Whom Jesus named “the Helper”, deepen our knowledge of and obedience to Jesus so that we will seek and find people hungry to know Him. Amen.