John 4

Perhaps you’ve met people who naturally share their faith, or perhaps you’re one with difficulties. In chapters three and four Jesus encounters two different people and handles them quite differently; Jesus never had a formula for speaking to people. The contrast between Nicodemus in chapter three and the Samaritan woman in chapter four yields important clues on how to share your faith with people.

We’re going to examine the Samaritan woman at the well in this chapter; we’ll choose to skip the historical detail about Samaritans and focus on application. For our brief historical purposes, the Jews considered the Samaritans half-Jews due to their conquering by the Assyrians; as the Assyrians conquered a people they mixed other people with the conquered group so they would lose their cultural identity. You can imagine to the Jews not having a pure genealogy would be a major problem; the Jews hated the Samaritans, considering them outcasts which forced them to set up their own temple. Since they built their own temple and had their own worship, the Jews considered them inferior.

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. (John 4:1-3 KJV)

The Pharisees didn’t like Jesus and wanted to kill Him — so he left. Even though they had no power over Him, He sees no need to encourage more hatred. Could they have harmed Him? I don’t think so. So why would Jesus leave? Simple. It’s important not to tempt God.

While it’s true nothing can happen to you until your appointed time and approved by God, I’d submit if you’re foolish enough to walk in front of a speeding train you’ll quickly find it was your time. Some groups use Mark 16 as a basis to pass around snakes and poison during their services — implying any true Christian will not be harmed (I’d imagine their fellowships stay rather small). That’s an invalid use of that scripture. When Jesus (as God Himself) saw danger, He avoided it. That doesn’t mean compromising the mission, but no reason exists to endanger yourself unnecessarily. Certainly if the creator of the universe avoided unnecessary threats, we should as well.

To see what Mark 16 means in context (Genesis to Revelation) one needs only to look at Paul in Acts 28 after one of his shipwrecks. After he and his shipwrecked companions (mental note: never get on a ship with Paul) make their way to shore, they build a fire to keep warm. But a snake comes out and latches on Paul’s arm. The natives wait for Paul to die (as it was a venomous snake) but he doesn’t. He just shakes off the snake and continues in God’s work.

Mark 16 is not about proving you’re a true Christian, instead it’s encouragement to remind people God always watches over you, and when God gives you a job, you can be sure He will get you through — although perhaps not always pleasantly or easily (Paul’s trips were always dangerous and unpleasant). You must never tempt God; drinking poison or other foolish ideas is never good. If the creator of the universe avoided trouble when possible, shouldn’t we?

But He needed to go through Samaria. (John 4:4 KJV)

There are no accidents; life may seem random, but God always has a plan. If you study mathematical chaos theory you quickly realize no randomness exists. (I had a professor who said chaos was the result of too much order, at least in the mathematical sense). Randomness is actually a rather elusive concept; in computer science one of the hardest tasks is getting a truly random number. (Lest you think that’s not a big deal, cryptography relies heavily on random numbers for security, so the problem is not unimportant). In this situation, Jesus had an appointment with the woman — it was no accident.

When you get that flat tire, think why am I here? What does the Lord have me to do? Hopefully when you understand God doesn’t have randomness, it alters your perception of events. Instead of pouting, complaining and wondering “why did this happen to me”, ask God what His plan is; it might be God has a special mission for you but you were going to miss it — now that you’ve got some time on your hands you won’t.

Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. (John 4:5-6 KJV)

The sixth hour is just another way of saying noon — the hot part of day in the middle east. You avoided work during this time; you either worked morning or late afternoon. That this woman was working when everyone else was resting should tell us something about her.

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy food. (John 4:7-8 KJV)

This woman worked by herself. Why was she working now? Alone? We’re going to get more information about her later, but already you should get the hint she wasn’t well-liked in the town. She was a social outcast for some reason, yet Jesus starts the conversation with her. Jesus always touched the untouchable and spoke to the unspeakable. He doesn’t care about her social status. God wants all to be saved, not just the “good guys” (whatever that means). We easily slip into believing some are beyond the grace of God. Not so. Some may not want to be saved, but it’s available to them.

Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. (John 4:9 KJV)

You can imagine the Jews and Samaritans didn’t get along very well. The Samaritan woman was justifiably curious why this Jewish man spoke to her; it certainly would be unusual for a Jew to even acknowledge a Samaritan existed, much less speak to them. Watch as her names for Him change during the conservation as her attitude about Him changes. But for now, she’s surprised Jesus even speaks to her.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (John 4:10 KJV)

She’s blind to who speaks to her. Without the Holy Spirit we have no hope of understanding or seeing God. You’ve got to remember this as you talk to people; what is obvious to you they can’t see at all — satan wants to keep people blinded. If you saw the movie “The Matrix” you have an idea of what’s going on. In the movie a small group of people understood reality after they escaped the false reality created to enslave them; the people in the matrix had no idea they were trapped in a computer simulation. Your situation is similar; you have knowledge the average person running around doesn’t. At the point you first start talking, some will fight or get off onto side issues. Some may not even want to know the truth about their situation.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle? (John 4:11-12 KJV)

Her natural curiosity is peaked. Who is Jesus? It’s interesting the question hasn’t changed in 2,000 years; it’s been debated for a long time — is Jesus God? A good teacher? Just another spiritual guru? Or a mentally disturbed individual? Just like this woman, each person must decide for themselves who Jesus is.

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (John 3:13 KJV)

Anything you have will make you thirsty again. We look for fame, fortune and power, yet none of these satisfy; anyone who collects some or all of them comes to the same conclusion. But lest you think you can find satisfaction in these worldly things, take a lesson from Solomon. He acquired more money than anyone, had more power, more of everything. And yet he wasn’t fulfilled.

I made for myself great works; I built houses; I planted vineyards: I made gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of herds and flocks above all that were in Jerusalem before me: … Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-7,11 KJV)

But back to Jesus and the woman; Jesus didn’t directly answer her question. She asks if Jesus is greater than Jacob, and His response is indirect. He wants to lead her to the truth, not beat her over the head with it.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14 KJV)

A strange answer. Frequently we see Jesus avoid giving a direct answer to questions; He wanted to provoke further thought. This woman naturally wants to avoid drawing water again as it was a difficult daily job. But Jesus speaks of a more fundamental thirst needing quenching (In case you’re wondering, Luke 16 says no water exists in hell).

The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (John 4:15 KJV)

Jesus speaks spiritually while the woman understands naturally; it takes time to understand spiritual ideas. Jesus uses something familiar to her (drawing water) to illustrate spiritual concepts. God always works with people in ways familiar to them. For me, I frequently glean understanding during a sporting event. I’m sure God speaks to you using ideas you’d be familiar with. It’s a common idea to use something familiar to help explain the unfamiliar.

She started calling him a Jew, and now addresses Him as sir. She progresses from a simple label to a form of address showing respect. But also see she is interested in the solution to her problem — it’s in man’s nature to search for God. Everyone has a base desire to find God; satan developed cults to fool people and prevent them from finding the true God. It’s a strategy that’s worked for him for a long time so don’t plan on it changing.

Evolution might be satan’s greatest trick. Even people worshiping a false god at least understand the cosmos is the result of a higher power. But to claim no god at all exists and it was all chance has to be the most insulting of all. Evolution is unscientific. It can not provide repeatable, experimental evidence to show matter comes from nothing, or non-living goo can suddenly come alive. Since science bases it’s findings on experimental evidence, and evolution has none for two foundational principles, evolution is by definition un-scientific.

Atheism is similar. Atheists are free to believe whatever they want, but they must understand they hold an illogical position. In general, atheists look down at the intellectually inferior religious person. However, atheism is also by definition illogical. You see, an atheist says there is no god. Yet the only way you can make that statement is if you have knowledge of everything — otherwise god could exist outside your knowledge. I’ve yet to meet an atheist who claims knowledge of everything, so atheism is illogical. You’re free to believe it if you wish, just know it is a position based on faith, not knowledge. The atheist hopes there is no god.

Some of the worst attacks I’ve had are from atheists, which makes no sense. If I spend my whole life believing a falsehood, what is that to them? They’re the enlightened ones who know there is no god, so why attack me? I’m not hurting anyone by my belief in God, so what’s the problem? I think it’s because they’re not trying to convince me god doesn’t exist, they’re trying to convince themselves.

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (John 4:16 KJV)

“Go” is in the imperative mood (it’s a command). Jesus of course knows she has no husband and knows her background. He’s forcing her to deal with the issue; you have to acknowledge your sin and deal with it. She either must lie about her past or face the truth of past actions. Which will it be?

The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. (John 4:17-18 KJV)

Did Jesus know the answer when He asked? Of course. God doesn’t put us through tough questions so He will know our character, He does it so we will know. The woman had a choice — either fess up and admit the truth or try and dodge her way out. But it’s important what Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t hit her over the head with the truth with some fire and brimstone speech. Instead, He gently pulled her in to knowledge (and admission) of her sin.

Im sure you’ve seen guys on the street corner shouting “The end is near — repent or go to hell”. The fire and brimstone evangelism may be technically correct and factually true (I call it sandwich board evangelism), but I don’t think it’s an effective way to communicate the gospel. If you’re really interested in connecting with people, you’ve got to meet them on their level and show some tact. Don’t sugar coat the truth (Jesus didn’t with this woman), but don’t treat them as dirt either; when Jesus had the opening to let her have it, He didn’t.

Today, too many people are on a crusade about divorce. While Jesus acknowledges the problem, he doesn’t beat her up over it. Only one sin is unforgivable — rejection of Jesus as savior (The Unpardonable Sin). Divorce ain’t it. I’ve seen lots of people hurt by pastors who beat the divorce wagon to death (and way past it). While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), it’s not the unpardonable sin either. If you’ve been divorced, it’s time to acknowledge the sin, ask forgiveness, and then move on. Learn from your mistakes, don’t relive them. Remember there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).

The problem isn’t, after all, the divorce. No, the problem occurred earlier at the wedding. Jumping into marriage without understanding it’s for life is a recipe for disaster. Richer or poorer, sickness and health, better or worse, ’till death do us part. I don’t think people understand the root of marriage — love. If you’re familiar with 1 Corinthians 13 you have a glimpse of what agape love really is. But to make it simple, just know this: love is a commitment, not an emotion. Many times you won’t feel particularly fond of your spouse, but if you’re committed you’ll get through tough times. If you base your marriage on feelings, you may not survive when life turns hard.

I’ve seen people divorce after decades of marriage and can only think of one thing — they never really loved in the first place. For true love, it’s impossible to walk out on your spouse. Love is a commitment, not an emotion. If you can look at your spouse and say I’ve found someone else who makes me happier you don’t understand what love and marriage is all about. I’ve heard people claim God gave them an exemption due to their unhappiness, but I’ve yet to find that in the Bible. If you’re having problems in your marriage, you must seek out competent counsel for advice. Marriage can be tough, no doubt about it (I am in no way implying you should take abuse or be a punching bag, just that too many people quit too easily. That’s why if you’re having problems, you must seek competent advice).

But make no mistake, God hates divorce. The reason is simple: marriage is a model for how God sees us. The church is called the bride of Christ — do you think He will divorce us? Do you think He will leave us for someone who makes Him happier? Or who is a little younger? Or more beautiful? I don’t either. When we muck around with marriage, it breaks the model God established to show His devotion to us. Love is a commitment, not an emotion.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. (John 4:19 KJV)

I’d imagine so, after He tells you things no stranger could know. From Jew, to Sir, to Prophet as her understanding and spiritual awareness grows. It’s at this point after the planted seed begins to grow satan comes in and tries to kill it. Frequently this occurs by the person diverting to side issues — Bible errors, hypocrites in the church, and so on. Satan loves to snatch the seed as soon as it begins to grow. Watch for distractions, and keep the discussion on one question — what do you think of Jesus? As for the woman, she now diverts away from the main issue.

Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. (John 4:20 KJV)

Perhaps convicted by sin, she wants to avoid the issue, so she tries to deflect to something else with little real value. Not that her issue doesn’t deserve an answer, but it’s not the main issue — deal with the main issue (Who is Jesus?), and then you can discuss all the other stuff. Until they deal with Jesus, stay focused on topic.

As an example, I frequently get drawn into discussions about the age of the earth. People want to attack Christians as people who belive the earth is only about 6,000-10,000 years old (it really is), when science says it’s really 15 billion. How can you crazy Christians belive the cosmos is only 6,000 years old? (Of course, we’ve already seen some of the problems with science as they have no proof for their ideas). My answer is simple, who cares? The age of the cosmos is irrelevant anyway (well, maybe not to evolutionists who must have a cosmos billions of years old, but for the Christian it doesn’t really matter). What do you think of Jesus, and then we can debate the age of the world. Personally, I don’t care; I frequently use 15 billion years just to avoid wasting time on the debate.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (John 4:21-22 KJV)

Jesus gives a direct answer to her inquiry; never compromise the truth. It’s popular today to be “user-friendly” in our approach to people; some believe we should not speak of hell and such because it might bother people — but is withholding information truly love? I think not; giving compromises to people is not in their interest. It’s time we stand up and tell the truth. It may not be popular but it needs to be done.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:23 KJV)

God actively seeks people out, By yourself, you will never seek God, as Paul reminds us in Romans 3.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Romans 3:10-12 KJV)

Now we come to a verse which can cause problems for people on both extremes of legalism and pentecostalism.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24 KJV)

You must worship in spirit and truth. Those disorganized groups swinging from chandeliers are too far to the spirit side, while on the other side the legalists are doctrinally correct, yet leave no room for the spirit in their regimented order. Both are wrong — you need a little of each to be balanced. In Revelation 2-3 as Jesus presents report cards to the church we see the legalists (Ephesus), user-friendly (Thyatira), dead (Sardis), and apostate churches (Laodicea) all get bad grades. Only one (Philadelphia) is actually doing well. Interestingly, they usually have an opposite view from God on how they’re really doing.

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:25-26 KJV)

Many people only have head knowledge of God while lacking the relationship. In such cases it becomes easy to miss God when He’s right in front of you. Many scholars today suffer from this problem — analysis paralysis. Jesus is the most anti-religious person ever to walk the shores of Galilee (or anywhere else). It’s a relationship, not religion.

Jesus then brings her to the only question that matters — now that you’ve seen the living God, what now? Do you accept Him, or not? The point of witnessing is to get the person to see God; what they do is up to them. It is never our job to convert people, only get them to see Jesus.

And upon this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. (John 4:27-30 KJV)

Now her progression and revelation is complete. She knows the man standing in front of her is the Christ. Her first instinct is to tell other people, as we’ll see in verse 39. An interesting comparison can be made between the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus from the previous chapter. (Chuck Missler, “John” page 22)

Nicodemus	Samaritan Woman
A man with a name	Unnamed Woman
Good reputation	Bad reputation
Wealthy man	Poor woman
He came to Jesus	Jesus came to her
Outstanding socially	Social outcast
Jew	Samaritan
Religious (upright)	Worldly (immoral)
No immediate response	Immediately told city
Jesus was blunt	Jesus was tactful
Began talking of spiritual things	Began talking of physical things

Jesus handled people differently; He had no formula to pull out. As just about everything was different between the people in these chapters, so to is Jesus’ means of dealing with them. No magic formula exists, each situation is different. As we travel through the Gospels it’s apparent Jesus never followed a formula — He healed in different ways, revealed Himself in different ways and spoke in different ways. If Jesus considered his audience (never changing the message, only the delivery), we must as well as Paul reminds us.

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22 KJV)

Our job is to be the voice of God, that’s all. When I deal with people they may be surprised I don’t really care if they get saved or not. “Don’t you care?”, they say. Yes, I do, but it’s not my job to save them. My job is information. If someone analyzes the information and rejects Jesus, fine with me. They won’t be happy with that choice, but I’ve done my job.

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. (Ezekiel 3:17 KJV)

So while all this has been going on with the woman, the disciples come back.

In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have food to eat that ye know not of. (John 4:31-32 KJV)

Another of Jesus’ strange responses. Imagine if you approached me and said eat — I would say show me to the buffet line! But when Jesus makes a strange response we must pay attention as it’s time for a lesson. The disciples start out this lesson as they always do: confused.

Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him anything to eat? (John 4:33 KJV)

They’re confused about physical and spiritual just like the Samaritan woman. When the disciples get confused, it’s usually good for us as well, as it causes Jesus to explain what He means.

Jesus saith unto them, My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (John 4:34 KJV)

Jesus was obedient to the Father, even though He knew future events would not be fun. How often are we that obedient? Jesus didn’t just try to do the Father’s will, he finished the work. You can’t quit when the road gets tough; recall Paul’s final words to Timothy.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)

Obedience is not something we have at birth — we must learn it. Man is not basically good with a corrupt environment making him bad. No, we’re born bad and must learn to be obedient. Obedience must be from the heart, not outward. You can appear to be obedient, yet God knows the heart; if you obey with a spiteful heart it’s worthless.

So are you involved or committed? Some Christians just want to be involved with God — as long as it doesn’t interfere with my plans I’ll be happy to be involved. Others are committed, putting God’s plan above their own even when it’s not easy. You can tell which group you’re in by simply looking at your breakfast (bacon and eggs). You see, the chicken was involved in your breakfast, but the pig was committed! Don’t just be an involved Christian, be a committed Christian. Complete obedience to the Father is required.

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (John 4:35 KJV)

The opportunity is now, as Paul told Timothy.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be diligent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:1-4 KJV)

The translation be diligent in season and out of season isn’t quite accurate. What it really means is whether it’s convenient or inconvenient — that’s not as comfortable. I don’t mind doing God’s will when it fits into my plans, but if it’s not convenient it’s a lot easier to put if off. But you have orders — do what you are supposed to for the time is coming when no one will hear; we’ve got to take advantage of opportunities while they are available. You never know if you’ll have another chance; life is non-linear.

If you recall the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 you’ll know we all have different abilities; the point is use what you’ve been given. God doesn’t expect everyone to do the same thing, what He does expect is you to use what He’s given you. Don’t be a slacker in God’s kingdom; each person has a role. A lot goes into the harvest — people have different duties and roles, yet without everyone doing their assigned job the task won’t be completed.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors. (John 4:36-38 KJV)

Some sow but may not see the harvest — it’s possible you may not see results of your labor which can be discouraging. Yet just because you can’t see the final result doesn’t mean you can quit. If no one plants, where will the harvest be? If no one waters, where will the harvest be? We don’t always know how our actions fit in the puzzle, but that does not diminish their importance. The radio station from our church broadcasts all day; we don’t know if anyone is listening or not, yet should we stop? We have no idea who might be listening — it could be a truck driver just passing through town who only hears for a few minutes and we’ll never know the seed planted.

Of course, with this attitude, what then becomes of pride? We see frequently the harvesters exalted and thought better of, yet is this true? When Billy Graham steps up and hundreds of people get saved, is Mr. Graham better than the people who planted the seed in all those people? We must see things as God does, and not exalt people who are servants just as we are.

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7 KJV)

I’m amazed Paul wasn’t a prideful man. It would have been easy to rely on his apostleship and require different treatment; perhaps addressed as the most reverend Paul. But Paul wasn’t like that. He knew he only followed orders; as a soldier in God’s army he just did his duty. Only God performed the work.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. (John 4:39-40 KJV)

Jesus always stays where invited. If you don’t want Him around, He won’t be. God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. If you don’t want Him, fine. Yet if you ask Him to stay, He will never turn you away.

And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

It’s our job to give information, but it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convert people. It’s easy to forget and think we actually do something. Nope, our job is just to give information; each person must come to their own conclusion. This woman heard Jesus and decided He was the Christ. She then shares with others, who also believe because of the testimony of Jesus. The woman only gave the people the information to make the choice.

Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honor in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. (John 4:43-47 KJV)

In desperation he went to Jesus last. I’m sure he had already tried lots of stuff, and been with lots of doctors, yet nothing worked.

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. (John 4:48 KJV)

Contrast with Samaritans earlier who believed just on the words of Jesus. Some are always looking for a sign — you’ve run into people like that who say they’ll believe in God if a mighty miracle occurs. Yet it’s more important to believe the words of Jesus; miracles are a poor way to authenticate a message. Yet Jesus’ words were not addressed to the nobleman; he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t believe Jesus had the ability to solve his situation. Instead Jesus’ words were for the crowd.

The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down before my child dieth. (John 4:49 KJV)

Contrast with Matthew 8:7-8 when the Centurion asked for healing for his servant. “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” This guy, while having some faith, didn’t fully believe Jesus could get the job done. He actually speaks in the imperative mood, it’s urgent!

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. (John 4:50 KJV)

He saw no visible evidence the healing of his son actually occurred. The nobleman had to take Jesus’ words on faith; we want skywriting or something tangible. Many times God asks us to take Him at His word with no external evidence. It’s not faith if you see how it all works out first.

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. (John 4:51-52 KJV)

The distance between where he met Jesus and home was about 20 miles or 4 hours walking. So it’s curious his servants met him the next day; in other words he didn’t go home right away. That’s a strange reaction when a child is sick. This guy must have believed Jesus really healed his son or he would have rushed home.

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. (John 4:53-54 KJV)

Once the head of house believes, the rest frequently follow. It’s a requirement men in the house show leadership. Some may think it’s out of style or a quaint idea from another time, but it’s God’s way, not mine. The man is to be the leader of the house and is ultimately responsible for it. Just look back to the garden — who sinned? Eve. Yet throughout the rest of the Bible, who is responsible? Adam. You can’t get out of your leadership just because you don’t like it.