◄ What Does John 4:42 Mean? ►

They kept telling the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, because now we have heard him ourselves, and we know that he really is the Savior of the world."

John 4:42(ISV)

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Verse of the Day

The apostle John points to the deity of the lovely Lord Jesus so that many will believe and trust Him as Saviour, and be given eternal life through Him, by grace. The woman at the well was one that testified of Jesus and pointed to Him, for when Christ is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself. But it is the Spirit of Christ that convicts man of sin, it is Christ Himself Who builds His Church, and it is His Word that causes men to look to Him and believe – for His Word is life and health and wholeness and peace.

The woman pointed to Jesus and testified about Him, but it was not about her and her declaration (wonderful though that was), it was about HIM. What Jesus did for the woman was wonderful and unique to her. But people are not saved by beautiful testimonies, but by coming to Jesus and trusting Him as Saviour.

Jesus was the one that convicted the men of Samaria and taught them of their lack and their need of a Saviour, for "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." God alone is the One that opens the spiritual eyes of understanding to see Who He is so that all that believe in Him might be saved.

It is good to hear the testimony of others and the wonderful way that the Lord has worked in their lives – but remember that testimonies, sermons, and devotionals are always second hand. Let us be like the men of Samaria who came to Jesus Himself and say: "It is no longer because of what other people have said that we believe, but because we have come to Jesus and seen Him and heard Him for ourselves, and we know that He really is the Saviour of the world."

My Prayer

Loving Father, I thank You for the people in my life that have testified of Your grace and goodness and pointed me to Jesus. Help me not to idolize them and found my faith on them and what they say, but on Christ the Word of Truth Who is the only sure foundation. Give me wisdom and discernment, I pray. In Jesus' name, AMEN.