December 27, 2021 -- John 4:39 - 42 -- Witnesses for Jesus the Savior of the World

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 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 4:39-42 ESV

It is fascinating that this little Samaritan community are among the very first to believe in Jesus, the Savior of the World. Samaritans hated Jews; and that hatred was returned in great measure. Even Jesus’ own disciples had to be restrained from calling down fire on a different Samaritan community (Luke 9:54). This shows the tremendous love of the Savior, willingly enduring scoffing from mockers and misunderstanding from His own followers.

What is most interesting is how Jesus began this conversation with a Samaritan woman. It was so easy and logical. It was basically, please give me a drink of water. They were both by the well Jacob had given to his son and she had come to draw water. Jesus had nothing to draw with.

This morning the lady at the counter who was pouring me coffee asked me “Was Santa good to you this year?” Looking back, I realize I missed a perfect and smooth opportunity to segueway from talking about Santa, to speaking of Jesus. In one of those, I wish I had, I could have looking back moments, it would have been very smooth to say, “Nope, got nothing from Santa, but Jesus, gave me precious time with my daughter and son-in-law and grandson.” Just a simple statement to leave the door open for further conversation.

I know, some of you readers will say, “That is awkward”. My reply is, I am a grown man, nearly 60 years old and the woman at the counter was in the same age-range. It is awkward to me to have two adults talking about what Santa did or didn’t bring. But to look to the Savior of the world, that is the of Christmas which keeps getting better and better.

Jesus, Savior of the World, thank You for stepping into time, for taking on human flesh and blood and becoming the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Forgive me for the times I miss opportunities to witness to Your glory and faithfulness. Spirit of the Living God, keep me mindful of Jesus' goodness to me and from the rich storehouse of blessings contemplated and rehearsed, may I--wherever You send me--be a faithful witness to Jesus, and this to the glory of the Father in heaven. Amen.

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