He Must Go Through Samaria – Rodney Brown on the Saviour of the World

In this episode of Sermons and Devotional on Radio Cape Pulpit, Rodney Brown brings a Bible message from John chapter 4, verse 3, where Jesus left Judea and departed again to Galilee, but He needed to go through Samaria. Rodney explains that while many Jews travelling between Judea and Galilee would avoid Samaria because they hated the Samaritans and would take a long detour, Christ knew what He was doing and where He was going. He asks why Jesus needed to go through Samaria, and answers that it was not for a geographical reason, but because there was a woman there in great need as a sinner, and He went to meet her. Rodney contrasts this encounter with the one in John chapter 3, where Jesus met Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader and a man, with the sinful Samaritan woman in chapter 4. He notes that Jesus is interested in individuals—different kinds of individuals—and that He is still the same today, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He emphasises that no matter who we are or what we have done, Jesus is interested in us. Rodney reflects on who Jesus is—God manifested in flesh, the holy one of God—and who we are—sinners who have all fallen short of the glory of God. Yet Jesus was not afraid to confront the woman with her sin. He walks through the conversation, noting how she first recognised Him as a Jewish man, then as a prophet, and finally as the Christ. She went and told others about Him, and many Samaritans believed in Him because of her witness and because of His own word. They declared, "We know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." Rodney emphasises that Jesus is the Saviour of the world—not just for the Jews or the Samaritans, but for all people, including you and me. He reminds listeners that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and that this is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptance. He explains that Jesus could not save sinners by staying where He was—He had to come into the world, become man, and be like us in everything except sin, that He might bring us to God. Rodney concludes by asking how listeners will respond to the message of the Lord Jesus Christ today, urging them to turn from sin and trust in Him, for the Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." He closes with his email address for those who wish to respond.