Inviting Jesus

So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of His word; and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” -John 4.40-42

Jesus had already broken the social norm by traveling through Samaria. He then went further by engaging a woman of Samaria in conversation. Now He goes so are beyond what was culturally acceptable, and stays there for two days. Jews would cross the Jordan to avoid stepping on Samaritan soil, and Jesus sleeps and eats there for two days. Why? Because they people of Samaria asked Him to.

When Jesus' presence is requested, He comes. When invited to stay, He stays. Because He stayed, many more believed and they believed because they had heard from themselves. Those who seek Jesus will find Him. Those who find Him will believe in Him.

Jesus is available, and all who seek Him will find Him, but He has to be sought and invited. Had the Samaritans asked Jesus to leave, He would have; this happens in Mark 5 after He drives out Legion, the people ask Him to leave, so He gets in the boat and leaves. Jesus does not stay where He is not wanted. But all who desire Jesus, all who seek Him, will find Him.

Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman because she engaged Him in conversation. Jesus stayed with Samaritans because they invited Him. When Jesus is invited by those who genuinely desire to know Him, He always shows up.

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!