10. Four Types of Believers

John 4: 36, 39, and 48   And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
     And many of the Samaritans of the city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, he told me all that ever I did.
     Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

There are three types of believers highlighted in this chapter. The first set are believers who hear the message from a secondary, but authentic source--an eyewitness, or a creditable reference. The Sychar city dwellers heard the woman's testimony. Either their personal knowledge or their experience with her was enough to create faith in them to believe. Never underestimate the power of a personal testimony!

     The second group consisted of scientific believers. These needed to have primary experience; they needed hard evidence. They must see and hear Jesus for themselves. So when the Sychar woman gave them her testimony, they requested a personal interview with Jesus. That interview turned into a two-day revival service at the end of which they said to her: "Now we believe, not because of they saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

     The third type of believers is the superstitious kind who need a demonstration of signs and wonders. The nobleman represented this set. His son was practically dying, but Jesus' word was not good enough for him. He wanted the Lord to make a personal visit to his house. Jesus had performed the turning water into wine miracle in the area; still that was not enough. But Jesus would not yield to the nobleman's lack of faith. After the nobleman pleaded one more time, Jesus told him to go home--that his son was alive. He went home and found his son healed at the very time Jesus told him the previous day. Not only did the nobleman become a believer, but his entire household as a result.
    
     Are you one of these three types of  believers? To be sure, it depends on whom you are believing. Jesus told Phillip, his disciple, of a fourth type when he said, "Blessed are those who see not, but yet believe."  Do you have faith to take Jesus at his word? Or do you need hard evidence? Fortunately for us, Jesus is patient and loving and meets us at any point of our incredulity. But for your own sake, take a leap of faith today and whatever you are believing for, believe Jesus. He is the Way, The truth, and the Life.

Savior, I believe that  your word means what it says. It transcends time and space. You said ask anything and you will do it. I ask you today for: ____________________________________________________________________________. 

Thank you for being faithful to your word. Amen.