John 4: A Heart For Sinners

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Much like the wedding miracle in Cana, Jesus often worked behind the scenes and purposely far away from those in power. At the faintest whiff of fame, he snuck away to — of all places — Samaria. And there takes place one of my favorite encounters with a sinner, the woman at the well, whose sexual sins, like mine, Jesus knew well, yet he dealt with her so gently. In the end, her testimony of Christ caused many other Samaritans to believe.

Soon after, Jesus offers himself again to the Gentiles with the healing of an official’s son, which also results in belief and salvation. Unlike the Messiah people expected, Jesus performed his miracles in small circles of poor, sick, needy, and unexpected people.

This is good news for those who feel they can’t approach Jesus. His actions in John 4 and throughout the gospels prove his heart is soft toward sinners who know their need for him — and his love is greater than their sin. As A.W. Tozer said, “Jesus Christ knows the worst about you. Nonetheless, He is the one who loves you most.”

2 comments on “John 4: A Heart For Sinners

  1. Stephanie

    Thank you Bryan.
    It is so precious to be reminded that he knew and knows every one of my actions, words, and thoughts and still took my place on the cross. Behold the lamb!
    After reading John 4 again this morning I am struck by another reminder. The Word of God doesn’t need to change to be relevant for the readers of any time including these amazing and difficult times in which we now live. Yet, it speaks to my need to reach out and connect to people who are (or my brain perceives to be) different from me. As a Jew, a man, and a teacher, Jesus was breaking down and crossing cultural barriers and divides by spending time with Pharisees, Samaritans, and women. Also, I am glad you said ‘unexpected’ people. Jesus poured out his short life here on many people who were not physically poor and needy but certainly spiritually poor and needy. I do recognize the very important fact that the truly unreached (never had the opportunity to hear and trust the gospel) of our world today are physically poor by our contemporary standards.

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