2/7/11 John 4:39- 42 The Gospel Offered to All

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.  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.”

(Sychar or Shechem location of Jacob's Well where Jesus stayed for two days, and many believed).

Thoughts: There is an innocense and excitement about a new believer's sharing their faith.  This woman was excited that the Jewish Messiah was also her Messiah.  Christ is not just for the Jews but for all people.  This is a breaking down of racial and prejudicial barriers.  There were many invitations offered here.  Jesus offered living water to the woman;  The woman offered her new-found faith to her people; The people of Samaria offered for Jesus to stay; Jesus offered all of them his teaching.  As Christians we are asked to go into all the world and offer the gospel-  baptizing and making disciples.  Jesus is the Savior for all people.

Prayer: Thank you for offering yourself for me, Lord.  Help me to offer your good news to others.  Give me that opportunity this week.

John Calvin Abridged: Christ's example of staying tells us that we ought not to refrain from working when we have the power to advance the kingdom of God.  Jesus made clear to them his teaching that He was the Savior of the world.