One of my favorite narratives in John’s eyewitness account of Jesus life is found in John 4. I love the translation of John 4:4 in the KJV of Scripture. Of Jesus, John 4:4 KJV says: And he must needs go through Samaria. Most other translations say He [Jesus] had to pass through Samaria, but the words translated “must needs go” show intent or purpose.
I believe Jesus intended to have a divine appointment with a woman who was an outcast in her community. She had been married numerous times and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Jesus “must needs go” through Samaria in order to meet the deep spiritual need missing in her life that had resulted in so many broken relationships. If you read the entire story, you’ll see the infinite grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of God; and a woman whose life was radically changed.
In light of that change – she did something significant. She went back to her town & INVITED the people to come and see a man who changed her life! The result was phenomenal.
39 Now many Samaritans from that city believed in Him and trusted Him [as Savior] because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” John 4;39 Amp
41 Many more believed in Him [with a deep, abiding trust] because of His word [His personal message to them]; 42 and they told the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; for [now] we have heard Him for ourselves and know [with confident assurance] that this One is truly the Savior of [all] the world.” John 4:41-42 Amp
We went to lunch with Dan & Lisa Hill today and Dan used a PEEP Invite to invite our waitress to Easter at Grace. I hope you’ll be PRAYING for Easter with Grace and INVITING people to attend. You never know what a simple INVITATION to join us on Easter and experience Jesus might do!
BJ Rutledge 