John Chapter 4 Verse 1 -3 and John Chapter 4: Verses 25-26 (NIV)
- Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
- The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
The Pharisees and John’s disciples were getting caught up with numbers, and who was baptising the greatest numbers. Jesus didn’t think that numbers were important so He left the area so that His followers didn’t get caught up in that argument. He had a much more important appointment to keep, in Samaria of all places.
Jesus took the time to speak with a woman who was not only regarded as an outcast by the Jews, but by her own society too. But she was open and hungry for the truth. So to this woman, and very clearly, Jesus confirmed exactly who He was. It changed not only her life, but those in her own village who had previously shunned her.
We should never get caught up with numbers. That one woman went on to have an impact on many lives because Jesus spent time with her. Maybe that one-on-one conversation we have with someone might not seem to make an impact in the grand scheme of things, but only God knows the difference that one conversation will make in the longer term. Our role is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being interested in us individually rather than just as one of a crowd. Thank You for going out of Your way to meet my need. Help me to follow Jesus’ example in my dealings with others I ask, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.