Power in Numbers

This week we have been looking at how faith in action is contagious and today, our scripture relates the account of Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman at the well. Even a label such as “social outcast” didn’t stop Jesus from having a divine encounter with her. Please pray with me, inviting God into this time.

Father, I know that when I come to You with an open heart seeking Your understanding and direction, You are faithful to answer my prayer. I ask that You strengthen my faith in Jesus so that I am ready and aware of any opportunity to share my faith with others. I thank You, Father, that You have chosen to use people like me, flawed and full of sin, to fulfill Your purposes. I know, Father, that You want no one to perish. Break my heart for what breaks Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

John 4:27-30, 34-35, 39 (NLT)
27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.

39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”

Even though the disciples did not ask Jesus directly, they questioned why He would talk with the Samaritan woman. How heartbreaking this is, and how guilty I have been of doing the same thing—sizing up the person, deciding for myself whether they would respond favorably to my testimony, or would they treat me unkindly. Jesus has shown me today that if I am armed with the shield of faith, I need to respond in obedience and allow the Holy Spirit to work through me. Reflecting over the times you have shared your faith, are you being called to make any changes?

The Samaritan woman was so filled that she no longer had thoughts of the water from the well. Her priority was to share her newfound faith with the people of her village. Through her testimony, many came to believe in Jesus. This is interesting when you consider the ridicule she had likely suffered from this same group of people in the past. When you came to faith in Jesus, did you share your newfound faith openly and with those who may not have approved of your past?

There is power in numbers. As disciples of Jesus, when we are armed with the shield of faith, evil grows weaker. What rejoicing must have taken place in that little village that day so long ago. Community is something that Jesus wants for us all. Jesus has commanded us to share our faith with other believers and non-believers. Have you ever experienced the excitement that comes with listening to someone share their faith?
As we close our time together, please go to God in honest conversation. Feel free to use the prayer prompt below.

Ask God to put opportunities in your day to share your faith with others.

May you feel God’s presence in your life as you go about your day.