Faith Beyond Sight

39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.
John 4:39-45
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Faith Beyond Sight
Many in Samaria believed because of the woman’s testimony, but faith did not stop there, it grew when they heard Jesus for themselves. This is how faith always works: it begins with the Word spoken and matures as Christ Himself strengthens it. Yet when Jesus returned to Galilee, He was met with honor that was shallow, based only on signs. The cross exposes such empty faith. For there, Christ gave no sign of power, only weakness, shame, and death. Yet at the cross, God’s true glory is revealed. Faith that clings to Christ crucified does not demand proof but rests in His promise: “It is finished.” We walk by this Word, not by sight. Like the Samaritans, we are brought from hearsay to personal faith, grounded in the crucified and risen Lord. His Word delivers what it says, forgiveness, life, and salvation, whether we see it or not.