Come and See - Personal Encounters

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | March 12, 2024 | John 4:27-30

KEY VERSE:

Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah? John 4:29 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In John 4:27-30, we witness a powerful invitation unfolding as the Samaritan woman, deeply impacted by her encounter with Jesus at the well, rushes back to her town to share her experience. Leaving behind her water jar, a symbol of her immediate concerns and needs, she passionately urges her fellow townspeople to "come and see" the man who has spoken truth into her life. Her invitation echoes throughout the ages, beckoning all who hear it to encounter the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan woman's invitation is characterised by authenticity and urgency. She doesn't offer elaborate explanations or theological arguments but simply shares her personal encounter with Jesus. Her words, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" reflect both her astonishment at Jesus's knowledge and her openness to the possibility of His identity as the Messiah. In her simplicity and vulnerability, she extends an invitation that transcends mere curiosity, inviting others to witness the life-changing presence of Jesus for themselves.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

We are reminded to share our personal encounters with Jesus with others as a way of authenticating His life-changing and life-transforming power. Our invitation may not be eloquent or polished, but it carries the weight of authenticity and urgency. May we, like the Samaritan woman, leave behind the distractions of this world and passionately invite others to encounter Jesus, the Messiah, who offers hope, healing, and salvation to all who come and see.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, may I make this my business to share my story with someone today. Help me see the opportunities you bring my way today. And help me to speak up and reach out today. For your dear name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

---

DAILY word study: COULD THIS BE? In John 4:29, the phrase "Could this be" in the NIV translation corresponds to the Greek word "μήτι" (mēti). This Greek word is often used in questions to express uncertainty or doubt. It can be translated as "perhaps," "maybe," or "could it be."

The Samaritan woman, after her encounter with Jesus at the well, poses a question to the people of her town: "Could this be the Messiah?" (John 4:29, NIV). In her inquiry, she expresses uncertainty about Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, inviting others to consider the possibility based on her testimony.

Reflections:

How do you respond when faced with uncertainty about spiritual matters or questions about Jesus' identity? How does the Samaritan woman's question challenge you to seek deeper understanding and faith in Christ?