574. JOH 4:39-42. THE FAITH OF THE SAMARITAN

Joh_4:39-42. The Faith of the Samaritan

"And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, who testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days," &c.’97Joh_4:39-42.

Few narratives exceed in interest, and in graphic and beautiful description, the history of the woman of Samaria.

(1.) The previous character of the woman;

(2.) The circumstances under which she met Jesus;

(3.) The nature of the conversation;

(4.) Her prompt faith in the Saviour;

(5.) Her eager desire to tell her neighbors; and,

(6.) The happy results of her zealous endeavors;’97are all points on which we could dwell at great length to our instruction and edification. Her simple, plain, and hearty ministry, was greatly blessed and honored to the good of many precious souls. She convinced several by her testimony, Joh_4:39. She also brought many more to hear and see for themselves, and of these a number made a good confession, Joh_4:41, Joh_4:42. Let us try to seize on the more striking parts of this portion of evangelical history. Observe,

I. Testimony is essential to faith: Joh_4:39. There must be something published. Either by the mouth or pen, some word spoken or written. Faith comes by hearing, &c., or reading. The Bereans. See text. Now the testimony must be credible, resting on good and sufficient evidence. Thus this woman testified of what she had seen and heard. So the apostles testified concerning

Christ what they knew, and had seen, and heard. So Christian ministers preach the great facts of the gospel as in the language of the apostle, 1Co_15:1, &c. No facts are better attested than those of the life, sufferings, and resurrection of Christ’97and who, believing these, can refuse to receive him as the Son of God? The testimony of his disciples, who had every thing to lose, and nothing to gain, by their profession. The testimony of Jewish historians. The testimony of pagans. The testimony of the fruits of religion in the hearts and lives of thousands.

II. Sufficiently authenticated testimony demands our belief. It is egregious folly not to believe when the evidence is sufficient. What would the opposite in reference to Christ involve?

(1.) That myriads of disciples lived and died to give currency to a lie or delusion.

(2.) That even the Jews, who hated Christ, should support this testimony of falsehood.

(3.) That the wisest and best of many nations, for 1800 years, without any advantage, should keep this delusion up by avowing their experience, and exhibiting a Christian profession. Now, the rejection of Christianity and the gospel must involve all this. We demand, therefore, your clear, decided, and hearty belief of the gospel testimony.

III. Faith in Christ leads to supreme love for, and delight in him. "They besought him that he would tarry with them," Joh_4:40.

1. How interesting the suitors on this occasion. The newly converted Samaritans. Their love flaming,’97their zeal burning. Whence this desire,

(1.) To hear more from Christ.

(2.) To see more of him.

(3.) To enjoy more.

(4.) To be better grounded and established.

(5.) To have more sensible communion.

Ought not this to be our desire? To have Christ in our hearts. In our families. In our schools. In our churches. In our means. Christ really, sensibly, constantly, yet by his Spirit. Observe,

2. How condescending was the Saviour. "He abode two days." A long period, when you think of his divinity, and his great work. Yet affectionate, earnest prayer, constrained him. And so it ever does. Prayer obtains and retains Christ. To faithful prayer, he says, "Be it unto thee," &c.

IV. Christian faith should be reasonably and magnanimously professed. "Now we believe." Here observe,

1. Christian faith may be certainly ascertained. They believed, and knew it. No hesitation. No doubt. "I know whom," &c. Hence the eunuch, "I believe," &c. The chasm is so wide between disbelief and faith. States of mind so different. So contrary.

2. Christian faith has its grounds and reasons. "Now we believe, not because of thy saying," that is, not on account of that merely. They had heard, understood, credited, and felt the truth as it, is in Christ Jesus. "For we have heard him," &c., and know that this is indeed, &c., Joh_4:42, now no doubt, perfectly satisfied.

3. Christian faith when thus realized should be declared. Hence the Christians were called confessors. See Rom_10:9. Christ Jesus has set us the example, 1Ti_6:13. See Heb_13:13. Christ also speaks on this subject very solemnly. "Whoso confesseth me," &c. "Whoso is ashamed of me," &c. We should confess,

(1.) From a sense of love and gratitude to Christ.

(2.) From a desire to benefit others. See the woman of Samaria. So all Christians should, in their own way and sphere, teach and preach Jesus Christ.

(3.) For our own happiness. It will strengthen us. Make us magnanimous. Give us courage. Please the Saviour. It may expose us to the infidel’s sneer. To the worldling’s laugh. To the reproach of the profane. To the persecution of enemies. To the loss of friends. To suffering, &c. Yet Christ, conscience, and Christianity, all demand it.

V. The Christian confession is one of mercy to the world. They testified "that Christ was the Saviour of the world," Joh_4:42. They felt him to be their Saviour. They knew him to be the other. He had said so again and again. Hear his sermon to Nicodemus, Joh_3:14-17. Surely this is enough. But let his servants also speak. Isaiah,’97"All we like sheep," &c. The Baptist,’97"Behold the Lamb of God," &c. Paul,’97"Who gave himself a ransom for all," &c. John,’97"Who is the propitiation for our sins," &c. "This we know and testify," &c.

Improvement

1. Learn not to despise any instrumentality, however simple. Here is a woman’97illiterate, &c. Remember Naaman and the little girl.

2. Imitate the spirit and conduct of the Samaritans. Their spirit in hearing, believing, constraining Christ. Their spirit in making an open confession, &c.

3. Let us glory in Christ as the willing Saviour of all men. Oh, this is the bright ness and glory of the gospel.

"Oh, that the world might taste and see,

The riches of his grace!

The arms of love that compass me,

Would all mankind embrace."

"Oh, that my Jesus’ heavenly charms,

Might every bosom move;

Fly, sinners, fly, into those arms,

Of everlasting love!"

"Happy if with my latest breath,

I may but gasp his name;

Preach him to all and cry in death.

Behold, behold, the Lamb."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS