“And they were saying to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.’”
John 4:42, NASB
Savior of the world … this One … we have heard for ourselves and know.
She went to the well to draw water but ended up being drawn to Christ. He engaged her in conversation. He pursued her heart. He revealed His identity.
In her excitement, this Samaritan woman “left her waterpot” (Jn. 4:28) and declared to the men of her city, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” (Jn. 4:29). She had discovered the Messiah sitting right near her—this One, Savior of the world. Because she shared her experience, “many of the Samaritans believed in Him” (Jn. 4:39).
But the time came when their belief wasn’t based solely on her word. They heard Jesus with their own ears and understood His message. Convinced of who Christ is, they recognized Him as the Savior of the world.
The Greek word for Savior, soter, is defined as “deliverer” (BLB). God sent His Son with a mission: to die for our sins. Jesus placed Himself on splintered wood, suffered the piercing nails as well as thorns, and paid the excruciating penalty for our sins. Three days later, God raised Him from the dead, proving Jesus’ deity once and for all. By faith in Christ’s Person and work, we’re delivered. But that’s not all—Christ also delivers us from sins we struggle with now. And in a coming day, He’ll deliver us from the presence of sin. Forever.Isn’t this awesome news?!
I want to be like that woman who left her waterpot, a critical vessel for daily sustenance, so she could tell others about Jesus and the living water He gives. I long to impact others with my words so they come to Christ. More than that, I yearn for those in my sphere of influence to “hear” Jesus for themselves and know He is indeed the Savior of the world.
The Savior of the world is alive, and people in each of our cities need to hear about Him through us. May God intensify our passion to share Christ, stirring us to “look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (Jn. 4:35).
Much love in Christ,
Emily
Image by Brennan Wickham. Used with permission. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
Dear Friends,
Remember the fascinating story about Moses on the mountain, raising his hands while God’s people fought against the Amalekites? Do you recall how Aaron and Hur climbed up the hill with Moses, supporting his hands when he wearied of lifting them high? I’ve always loved that narrative as a demonstration of friendship’s tremendous value.