From a woman of ill repute to an Influencer.
What. is. an. Influencer?
When it is linked to social media, it kinda makes
me want to wretch. ha! Influencer - hmmm . . .
this generation thinks it invented the concept, but
Scripture floated the notion early on--why, think
of the influence Joseph had, how about Esther?
And today we will see another influencer,
captured by John.
So Jesus traveled out of his way to go and meet the Samaritan woman at the well. That well? Jacob's well, which still exists today--about an hour and a half drive north of Jerusalem, in the town of Nablus. A beautiful Greek Orthodox Church is built over it. This is a great two-minute video of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeUgdvmxj-Y
Pure spring water is still drawn from the same very deep well! Fascinating.
Ah, yet another historical event and actual place in the Bible that is known and can be seen today--more evidence for the veracity of Scripture.
But what about that woman? What became of her?
Remember, "The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”
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?”
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him...
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee." John 4.25-30, 39-43
Think of it: That Samaritan woman who was no doubt scorned because of her illicit lifestyle became a first-century influencer. So moved by what Jesus said to her, so convinced that he was the Messiah, she ran back to tell the people of her town about Him. And then she invited them to come and meet Jesus. And. they. did. [There is something really intriguing about that - since they had no respect for her, how is it they found her believable enough to go out to see Jesus themselves?!] And they found Jesus so compelling, they asked him to come home with them and tell them more; and he did, thereby influencing many of the townspeople.
Her experience with Jesus Christ was life changing, and she wanted others to know Him too--enough so that she risked big. How about you? Perhaps you have been born again, as Jesus told Nicodemus about, and have a relationship with Jesus Christ; you might even say it is the most important thing about you. Do you tell others about Him?
In a week or so, I will be teaching at a church near Boston; it is Compassion Sunday. Compassion is good, compassion is right - and of course, as Christians, we are big in showing compassion to other people (at least we talk like we do). In truth, Christian organizations are hugely compassionate toward those who are hurting near and far, going to serve perfect strangers, giving generously of personal resources . . . so yes, we agree that Jesus followers ought be known for compassion. But just how compassionate are we really if we do not share the gospel with other people? The gospel of Jesus which forgives our sins, releases us from bondage and shame, and promises life forever with God - how is it that we do not speak up?
'I'm not sure what to say,' is usually the first response to the question. Then do what the Samaritan woman did--tell them of your experience...how meeting Jesus has impacted you. People will see by the gleam in your eye and the expression on your face that you love him. They will want to know why. I've just got to tell you--these are the most meaningful, exhilarating conversations you will ever have.
'Needing a suggestion for starting the conversation? Ask them a question.
Hey, I'm just curious - are you a person of faith? (I have never had anyone refuse to answer that question.). Typically, however they answer, I ask another question - in order to get to know my conversant a bit.
Hey, I've been thinking a lot about something - do you mind if I ask your opinion? What do you think is going to happen when you die?
Start by praying for those you know who are far from God, or those who have turned away. Ask the Lord to draw them to Himself.
Our Samaritan woman reminds me of so many people these days,
looking for some thing or some one,
looking for answers,
looking for hope,
looking for purpose,
looking for fulfillment somewhere,
sometimes just about anywhere.
Thankfully, the solution is still the same. His name is Jesus, and he is still the source of living water. People you know - on your job, at school or in your neighborhood - are waiting to find the love of Jesus. You have the chance to tell them how he has met you where you are, loved you, set you straight, given you an endless bright future, and given you another chance... and another. Will you tell them?
Be the best kind of influencer -
one who introduces someone to Jesus
and a beautiful forever.
Listen to this! 'Be the Love,' Jesus Country Music Group.
'Let compassion have its say!'
Christine
John, no.13
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