Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 4:40-41, ” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. “

Background

Some time ago, there was a basketball game between Duke and North Carolina. And for many of us, especially those who grew up and still live in this area, nothing more needs to be said to grasp the intense emotions and passion that this rivalry brings out. Especially regarding basketball, there are some strong emotions for one particular team and against the other. Many fans of either the Blue Devils or the Tar Heels might turn the phrase of the Samaritan woman at the well and say, ” We have no dealings with them. ” So, understand the contrast of the ill feelings that ordinary Jews and Samaritans had for each other with the way the Samaritans sought out and welcomed Jesus into their town and homes. This woman’s encounter with Jesus, which moved her so much that she completely disregarded any shame or bad reputation she had, took her back to town to the very men who shamed her, but this time she had something very different to offer. And these men came and welcomed Jesus, so much so that He stayed with them for two days, and many more believed during that time. Why? Why the new attitude of the Samaritans for this Jew? Because of His own word. When they heard Him for themselves, they knew that He was the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Application

That’s what changes people. That’s what changes us. His word. Not sports. Not sharing water at our local drinking well. Not pulling for the same team or beating our rival. The words of our Lord can turn the enemy into a welcoming brother or sister in Christ. But the word has to be spoken. It must be shared. The woman ran back into town for a reason, just like Jesus stayed with them for two days for a reason. There was something to say, something worth sharing. He is the Christ, the Savior of the world, including the Samaritans and every other group we vehemently disagree with, as well as those we passively dismiss. His word can save, and His word can change. Perhaps you should take the next two days and put that into practice

Charge

As we seek Him today, let’s pray that we fathom just how much we have that’s worth sharing. And let’s ask God to honor Himself by making us faithful to His calling.