“Many more believed because of what he said. And they told the woman, ‘We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.’” (vv. 41-42)

A testimony of Christ develops over three movements:

The first movement is simply telling: Like the Samaritan woman, you report to friends and neighbors and relatives who Christ is, and what Christ has done in you. You testify to the life change you have found in the Gospel, and you point to that Gospel.

The second movement is the part we overthink: If someone responds tepidly (or incredulously, or adversarially), don’t freak out! The second movement isn’t dogmatic arguments. It isn’t scrambling for an answer to every objection. It’s simply this: “Come and see.” You’ve reported. Now you invite—because salvation is Jesus’ work, not yours.

What’s the third movement?

They respond to Him, and not you. They hear Him, and they are either awakened to life, or they spurn Him. The third movement sidelines you and trusts the Spirit.

And, we pray, it results in a Samaritan-village kind of result. They learn to believe—not because you testified and you invited, but because Jesus draws them, by grace.

A lot to learn in John 4.

— Tyler