A Simple Invitation

Scripture – John 4:27-33: Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This was a holy moment. It was beginning to dawn on this woman that this man might really be the Christ. I imagine a silence between them as they sat looking at each other. Then the disciples returned and the mood changed. She got up, and left her water jug. Something more important was on her mind now. She went back to town and gave people that simple invitation we still offer today –“Come, see…” She shared her experience with this “man.” That’s witnessing in its purest form. And she raised her question for all of them to consider: “Could this be the Christ?”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) This story is becoming way too full of things to address in this limited space. The simple fact is, we don’t need a lot of answers to share what we know of Christ. As far as we can see, she didn’t even know His name. We can offer the simple invitation: Come and see for yourself – could this be the Christ? I will look for and act on opportunities to extend that invitation this week.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your word is surprising. Reading familiar stories still brings fresh insight. Thank you. Show me how to share what I know of you with someone who wants to know you. Use me as you choose today.