January 28, 2026 | Be Connected
Many Samaritans Believe in Jesus
Scripture: John 4:39-42(NIV)
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.”
Devotional
The Great Commission - “Go and make disciples of all nations.” We’re not told to make disciples of our town, our state, or our country but ALL NATIONS. In this passage, John is telling us of the worldwide mission of Jesus. He was not only the Savior of the Jews but of the Samaritans as well. Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Jesus is the Savior of all. He is not only Savior of Americans, but of Mexicans, Kenyans, Iranians and Palestinians. He’s not only Savior of those who speak English but of those who speak Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, and Hebrew. As followers of Christ, we are to lead people to Jesus, no matter who they are. In this passage, John gives us two ways we can accomplish this.
First is personal testimony. This is so important that “witness” was added to the United Methodist membership vows in 2008. Verse 39 tells us that many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony. Her experience with Jesus and her witness led many to believe. But why would they believe her? She was outcast from society because she was a woman. She was outcast from the Jews because she was a Samaritan. And she was outcast from her own Samaritan people because of her life choices. So, her testimony must have been extremely compelling. And the people believed her. The emotional testimony of this woman opened the door for Jesus to touch countless more people. What ways can you find to share your testimony with those around you?
Second, we are to guide people toward their own personal experience with Jesus. For some, the woman’s testimony spurred their interest. So much so that they invited Jesus to stay with them. A Jew invited to stay with Samaritans was unheard of. But then their personal encounter with Jesus convinced them that he was “the Savior of the world.” The Samaritans were moved from simply hearing about Jesus toward a profound faith built on their own experience of coming to know and experience Christ for themselves. Remember the Apostle Paul’s personal experience with Jesus while on the road to Damascus? After his encounter, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20) Have you had your own personal experience with Jesus along your own “Damascus Road”?
Jesus changes us! And those changes become evident to others. Then they become curious as to why we are different. Use those opportunities to point people to Christ.
