The interaction between our Lord and the Samaritan woman at the well teaches us many lessons. Today I want to consider what happened when the woman returned to her city. The Bible reports, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, `He told me all that I ever did.’ So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word” (John 4:39-41).
Of course it is totally understandable that more Samaritans believed after hearing Jesus himself compared to a report from one of their own. This is especially true if the woman was a social outcast as the story implies. The lesson for us today is to go directly to God’s word and learn what it says for ourselves. Don’t depend solely on what someone tells you. Become a student of the Bible.
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17, “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Luke tells us in Acts 17 that the Bereans were more “noble” because they searched the scriptures daily to see if what Paul taught was true.
As we prepare to enter 2019, let’s all dedicate ourselves to studying God’s Word. Many make New Year’s resolutions. If you do, make it a priority to study the Bible daily. One way is to read the Bible through by daily readings. There are easily attainable lists of daily readings on the internet. You can also buy books that provide the daily readings with useful commentary.
Let’s make 2019 the Year of the Bible!
For the elders, Dave Benner