Breaking Down BarriersSample

When we get excited about something, we want to talk about it! Maybe we met someone special, found the best TV show ever, or had a break-through with a problem. When we have something to celebrate, it spills out in our conversation.

Philip and the Samaritan woman were excited about Jesus. This excitement isn’t something they manufactured: it’s the result of meeting Jesus. We need to meet Jesus before we have something to say about Him.

How have you met with Jesus? Maybe you got scammed and Jesus helped you let go of your anger and bitterness by reminding you that He won’t put up with evil forever. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one and Jesus comforted you with the reminder that He wept at Lazarus’ tomb and conquered the grave. That’s the kind of thing you might want to tell someone about!

Philip goes out full of confidence. He knows he’s found the one who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, and he’s keen to share the good news. Nathaniel, hearing that this potential Messiah is from Nazareth, is sceptical. But our witness alone is only the starting point. Philip doesn’t demand agreement, he invites investigation. ‘Come and see.’

The Samaritan woman does the same thing with less confidence. In Greek, there are two ways to ask a rhetorical question: one implying the answer is ‘yes’, and the other implying the answer is ‘no’. The woman uses the second type of rhetorical question. This could be because she isn’t sure exactly who the amazing man she just met is, or it could be because she expects a mocking response. She views neither as a reason to keep quiet. We don’t need all the answers to invite people to investigate Jesus, and we don’t need to know how people will respond.

Philip is excited about the one who fulfills prophecy, and the Samaritan woman is excited about the potential Messiah who knows everything she ever did. They have different personal stories, different levels of confidence, but a shared rejoicing in Jesus that invites others to investigate. As you meet with Jesus this week, ask Him to cause your rejoicing in Him to be greater than your fear. What aspect of the good news about Jesus makes your heart rejoice? Who would be encouraged today by you sharing this with them?