Seeking Jesus First Feb. 18, 2026

From Testimony to Faith

Today’s Reading: John 4:39–42
(Read the full passage before reflecting below.)

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified…” (John 4:39, NKJV)

What began as a private conversation at a well becomes a movement in a city.

The woman who once came alone at noon now returns as a witness. She does not present a theological argument. She does not claim to understand everything. She simply testifies:

“He told me all that I ever did.”

That was enough.

Her encounter with Jesus becomes the doorway for others to believe. This is the pattern of the kingdom: personal revelation leads to public testimony. The living water that sprang up within her did not remain contained. It overflowed into her community.

But the story does not stop there.

When the Samaritans come to Jesus, they urge Him to stay. And He does. For two days He remains with them. This is significant. The One who “had to pass through Samaria” now abides there. What began as pursuit becomes presence.

Then comes one of the most beautiful declarations in this chapter:

“Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

Notice the progression:

• They believed because of her testimony.
• They believed more deeply because they heard Him themselves.

Testimony brings people to Jesus.
Hearing Jesus establishes faith.

This is essential. No one lives forever on borrowed revelation. Personal encounter must become personal conviction. The woman’s story opened the door, but Christ’s voice sealed their faith.

And what do they call Him?

“The Savior of the world.”

This confession coming from Samaritans is profound. These were people considered religiously compromised and socially rejected. Yet they recognize something many in Israel struggled to see. He is not merely a teacher. Not merely a prophet. Not merely Messiah for one group.

He is Savior of the world.

The Samaritan arc completes itself beautifully here. Jesus crossed boundaries. He revealed truth. He awakened worship. He exposed sin. He offered living water. And now an entire community confesses His global lordship.

The Shepherd found sheep in unexpected places.

This passage also affirms something deeply encouraging: God delights in using ordinary people to initiate extraordinary transformation. The woman was not trained, positioned, or polished. She was honest. And honesty became harvest.

Today, consider this gentle invitation:

• Where has Jesus met you personally?
• Have you allowed that encounter to overflow into testimony?
• Are you helping others hear Him for themselves?

Faith often begins through someone’s story—but it matures when we hear His voice.

And when we do, our confession deepens.

Not just “He helped me.”
Not just “He knew my story.”
But:

He is the Savior of the world.