by John Boone
In John 4, Jesus has an encounter with a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water from the well. When asked about her husband, she admits she isn’t married. Jesus tells her that she has had five husbands and the man she was with currently was not her husband. Jesus concludes their conversation by declaring to her that He is the Messiah. This woman then goes back into town to testify of her divine encounter and what Jesus had spoken to her.
John then records this: Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. And because of His words many more became believers. 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.” (John 4:39-42)
This woman, whose life was changed through this encounter, is a wonderful example of the “lighthouses” God has called us to be. In his gospel, Matthew exhorts us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (5:16) God is not calling most of us to stand on a street corner and preach the gospel. His evangelism plan is to let the “Light of the world” shine through us to the extent that people see the impact of our individual encounters with Jesus, and are drawn to Him.
Then, as we encourage people to pursue an encounter with Jesus themselves, He will reveal Himself to them and they will say, “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.”
Revival came to Sychar because of the testimony of a woman who encountered Jesus and was not afraid to share the good news of her discovery with anyone who would listen. Too many of us feel we are not qualified or gifted enough to share the gospel with others. Based on the story of this woman, it is not about ability but availability and a desire to share our encounters with Jesus with any who will listen. The “Light of the world” can’t help to emanate from us as we open our hearts and allow the testimony of Jesus to shine forth to those in darkness.
