Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman’s witness: “He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!” They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. (The Message)

What struck me about this short reading is the wonderful truth that Jesus responds to our prayers. Note the little word ”so” in verse 40. It’s a small word with big significance. Jesus is God, and where people genuinely seek Him, He welcomes such seeking.

”You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer.29:13 NIV)

I once read that when David Livingstone was struggling with doubt and loneliness in an African jungle, he wrote about the text, printed below, in his diary: ‘That is the word of a Gentleman of the most strict and sacred honour. He would never break His word to me.

”All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)