Learning to believe without craving for signs and wonders
John 4:45-54 [1]
45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.
46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay ill at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
48 ‘Unless you people see signs and wonders,’ Jesus told him, ‘you will never believe.’
49 The royal official said, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’
50 ‘Go,’ Jesus replied, ‘your son will live.’
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he enquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, ‘Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.’
53 Then the father realised that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
Jesus left Samara (John 4:43) and was in Cana in v46. On the way from Samaria to Cana, there is Nazareth where Jesus found no honour (John 4:44) due to their doubt and demand. ‘doubt and demand’ are what the Devil wants us to do. Jesus also was tempted to ‘test God, and expect (demand) God to do as we demand (expect)’ during His 2nd temptation (Matthew 4:5-7).
Let us study today’s scripture and improve a similar common problem in our faith.
I. Galileans as opposed to Samaritans
Galileans welcomed Jesus (45a). The reason for the welcoming was written in v45b.
They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.
The reason was that they had ‘seen’ all he had done (45b).
Jesus leads ‘faith in miracles’ to ‘faith in the word’ [2] (John 10:38, 14:11, 15:24). However, He reproves the craving for miracles or miracle mania [2].
Samaritans were spiritually superior because they believed in Jesus for His word [3] (John 4:41-42, John 20:29).
II. Learning to believe without craving for signs and wonders
A certain royal official was in Cana and his son lay ill at Capernaum (46). Capernaum was 26km away from Cana. He begged Jesus to come and heal his son (47) and urged Jesus (49),
‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ (49b)
Jesus told him in v48.
‘Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.’ (48a, 48c)
Jesus leads ‘faith in miracles’ to ‘faith in the word’ [2] (John 10:38, 14:11, 15:24). However, He reproves the craving for miracles or miracle mania [2]. Jesus knew all people and what was in each person (John 2:24-25). Jesus knew the official’s faith had a problem – ‘not believing without craving for signs and wonders’. How did Jesus help him? See v50.
50 ‘Go,’ Jesus replied, ‘your son will live.’
Jesus asked him to go by believing His word [4].
The man took Jesus at his word and obeyed (50b). Because what Jesus said was the truth and what He did was real (51, 52, 53a), His word eventually led him and his whole household to faith (53b).
This was the second sign Jesus performed in Cana (54).
When Jesus performed the 1st sign in Cana (John 2:1-11) also, the servants obeyed Jesus’ word before seeing the miracle. When Jesus healed a born-blind beggar in John 9, Jesus put mud on his eyes and asked him to go to Siloam to wash his eyes. Why did He not heal him instantly but request obedience before the healing? We can see a similar reason behind it. We need to learn to believe without craving for the signs and wonders! Amen.
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Spence, H.D.M., The Pulpit Commentary – St. John. Vol. 1. 1909.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
A prophet has no honour in his own country
John 4:43-44 [1]
43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honour in his own country.)
When Jesus went to Samaria (John 4:4), a Samaritan woman accepted him as Messiah she was waiting for (John 4:25-26). She invited people in her town to Jesus (John 4:29) and they welcomed and discovered Jesus being the Saviour of the world (John 4:42). Jesus was honoured by Samaritans whom the Jews despised and rejected.
After two days in Samaria, Jesus left for Galilee (43). He went to his home town (Matthew 13:54, Mark 6:1, Luke 4:16) in Galilee. There, Jesus found no honour.
I. They took offence at Jesus in His home town
See v44.
44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honour in his own country.)
Parallel verses related to John 4:44 are Matthew 13:53-57, Mark 6:1-4, and Luke 4:22-23. They give us information about what happened before Jesus pointed this out. According to Matthew 13:54-57a and Mark 6:1-2a, Jesus came to his home town (Nazareth, Luke 4:16) and began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed.
They said in Matthew 13:55b-56,
‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked. 55 ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’
And they took offence at him (57a).
People in his home town only saw him apparently and didn’t see his heavenly origin. Joseph was His father apparently. However, he was not Jesus’ biological father, but God was. But they knew nothing about His heavenly origin.
II. A prophet has no honour in his own country
What Jesus said in response is written in Matthew 13:57b and Mark 6:4.
But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his own town and in his own home.’
4 Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’
Luke 4:23-30 shows more information about Jesus’ response to the offence.
23 Jesus said to them, ‘Surely you will quote this proverb to me: “Physician, heal yourself!” And you will tell me, “Do here in your home town what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.” ’
24 ‘Truly I tell you,’ he continued, ‘no prophet is accepted in his home town. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.’
28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
The people’s reason behind the offence is revealed in the word of Jesus in Luke 4:23.
23 Jesus said to them, ‘Surely you will quote this proverb to me: “Physician, heal yourself!” And you will tell me, “Do here in your home town what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.” ’
That is, they doubted and demanded that Jesus perform the alleged miracles before them [2].
Jesus mentioned that Elijah the prophet was sent to only a gentile person during a severe famine throughout the land and only a gentile person was cleaned from leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet.
People’s response (Luke 4:28, 29) to what Jesus mentioned above foreshadows the coming crucifixion to some degree [2].
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Samaritans meet the Saviour of the world
John 4:39-42 [1]
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I’ve ever done.’ 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.’
The Samaritan woman met Christ Jesus who is the true husband and the true object of worship (John 4:1-26). That was the turning point in her life (John 4:28a). She received the living water, was filled with the joy of salvation, and became a missionary to evangelise her town (John 4:28b-30). She invited them saying “Come, see…” (29a). They came out of the town and made their way towards Jesus (30). Today let us study the result of her Come & See invitation.
I. He told me everything I’ve ever done (39)
See v39.
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I’ve ever done.’
She was forgiven (John 4:17-18), freed from her past and no longer hiding her past. She testified, ‘He told me everything I’ve ever done.’ (39, John 4:29). Jesus knew that the Samaritan woman had had five husbands and the man she now had was not her husband (John 4:17-18). Jesus knew the uncommon and unthinkable fact that happened in reality. Only God and herself would know the exact number of her husbands in her past and her current situation. The above knowledge of Jesus indicated that He was God and knew everything she had ever done. The omnipotence of knowledge Jesus had was indicated in John 2:25 as well. See John 2:25.
25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
God knows about us more than we know about ourselves. God knows every sin we have ever committed more than we can remember or recognise. Let us ask God to help us recognise our sins, mourn and humbly repent. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), the tax collector was forgiven because he humbled himself.
II. Now we have heard for ourselves (40-42)
When the Samaritans came to him, they urged Jesus to stay with them (40a) They were truly ripe for harvest (John 4:35b). And Jesus stayed for two days (40b). And because of his words many more became believers (41).
See v42.
42 They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.’
People come to the Lord via believers’ testimonials and invitations. However, it is important for them to study the Holy Bible, the written Word of God. This will help them have the biblical basis for what they believe. It is necessary to enable them to say the truth with “it is written” as Jesus did in Matthew 4:4, 7, 10.
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work
John 4:27-37 [1]
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I’ve ever done. Could this be the Messiah?’ 30 They came out of the town and made their way towards him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’
32 But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’
33 Then his disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’
34 ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, “It’s still four months until harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying “One sows and another reaps” is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labour.’
I. The Samaritan Woman Changed (27-30)
V27 reminds us that talking with a woman in public was prohibited by the traditional Jewish custom of the day. Jesus helped her beyond such a social barrier [2].
The woman left her water jar and went back to the town (28a). Maybe she left her jar to indicate that she would be back, or for them to use while she was away. When people repented and believed the Gospel, they shared everything they had (Acts 4:32-37). This may indicate that John 4:26 was the turning point of her life. Her new life is demonstrated in v28-30.
Previously she avoided others by coming to the well at noon alone (John 4:6-7). But now she invited the people to Christ (28b-30). Previously she hid her past (John 4:17). Now she admitted her past (29). The born-blind beggar admitted his past after being healed by Jesus in John 9:9b. It is important to remember and admit our sinful and miserable past to maintain our humility and give the glory to God who deserves it.
II. My food is to do the will of God and finish His Work (31-34)
Jesus saved this woman (John 4:7-26), glorified God (John 17:4) and was filled with gladness (36) but the disciples knew nothing about it (32). Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (34)
This reminds us of what Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 amid his extreme hunger (Matthew 4:2).
4 Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’
But the devil wants us to prioritise physical food (Matthew 4:3) and forbidden food (Genesis 3:1-24). There are situations when prayer and fasting are critical (Mark 9:29). See Mark 9:29.
29 He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer [and fasting].’
Jesus declared in John 6:38.
38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
Similar verses are Psalm 40:7-8, Matthew 7:21, John 5:30, John 14:31a, John 19:28, John 19:30, Acts 20:24, and 1 John 2:17.
III. Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest (35-37)
Jesus wants us to open our spiritual eyes to look at the world ripe for harvest (35). Here a crop to harvest is mankind. That is, people in the world are ready to repent of their sins and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Here, the seed of the sower is the word in the message from God as in the Parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), the seed represents the word in the message about the heavenly kingdom.
The Samaritan woman already knew about God, Jacob, worship, and Messiah (=Christ). This knowledge is from the seed of God’s Word in her heart, sown by the believers such as her parents, prophets, and bible teachers. She couldn’t find the true husband and waiting for Messiah. She was ripe for harvest.
‘Sowing’ is hard work as expressed in Psalm 125:5-6. The sowers sow with tears and go out weeping, carrying seed to sow. That’s how they work to get joyful results.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
We are reapers (38). What is great about being a reaper?
- One who reaps draws a wage (36) (1 Corinthians 9:9-18)
- This harvest results in eternal life for the crop (36).
- The reaper is rewarded with gladness as much as the sower (36).
- The sowers have done the hard work, and we have reaped the benefits of their labour (37-38).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. Jesus who gives living water. 2023 5/02/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/jesus-who-gives-living-water/.
I am he
John 4:19-26 [1]
19 ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.’
21 ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’
25 The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’
26 Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’
I. True Worship (19-24)
The Samaritan woman recognised Jesus as a prophet (19). She raised the worship issue showing her religious and spiritual side (20). She appeared physical (John 4:18). We learn that a person who appears physical may be also interested in spiritual matters.
The Samaritan woman wanted to know where to worship (20). In the Old Testament, the one place of worship was commanded (Deuteronomy 12:1-32, esp., Deuteronomy 12:5). Let us study the true worship Jesus taught (21-24). [2]
- True worship does not depend on the location (21) [2].
The physical location of worship does not matter whether it is this mountain, Jerusalem, or home.
- True worship requires ‘to know God’ (22) [2].
Important is the knowledge of God, that is, knowing God, who is our object of worship.
How we can know God [2]:
|
- True worship is in the Spirit and in truth (23-24).
See v23. God is spirit. He seeks the true worshippers (as opposed to ‘we go to the temple, we seek God.’). God will find you wherever you worship in the Spirit and in truth.
See v24.
24 God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
In the Spirit (in spirit): in the human spirit moved by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14, 16, 26) as opposed to external, stiffened, and even carnally fanatical modes of worship [3].
In truth: real, actual (in life) as opposed to symbolic, formal, ritualistic worship [3]. Our day-to-day life as a living sacrifice to God is written in Romans 12:1-2. A relevant message is https://comnc.org/christian-pledge-of-allegiance-to-god [4].
II. I am he (25-26)
See v25.
25 The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’
The Samaritan woman was waiting for Messiah (=Christ). She couldn’t find Christ in her five ex-husbands. She gave up calling her 6th man ‘husband’. She waited for the true husband (John 4:15, 25) and the object of worship (John 4:20).
What is the answer of Jesus? See v26.
26 Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’
Jesus revealed He was Christ she was looking for. She was already speaking with Him. What a touching moment! Saving this woman was why Jesus had to go through Samaria (John 4:4). Jesus knew she was waiting for Christ (25) and ready (John 4:15, 20) and came in time. She finally met her true husband and the object of worship, who would give her living water (John 4:10) that would become in her a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. The True Worship (John 4:19-24). 2021 29/01/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-true-worship/.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Park, Y. Christian Pledge of Allegiance. 2014 29/01/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/a-living-sacrifice-holy-and-acceptable-to-god/.
From the life drawing water of satisfaction to eternal life in Jesus Christ
John 4:11–18 (NIV 2011) [1]:
11 ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’
13 Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’
15 The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’
16 He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
17 ‘I have no husband,’ she replied.
Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’
I. Are you greater? (11-12)
See v11-12.
11 ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?’
The Samaritan woman called Jesus ‘Sir’. In v9, she called Jesus a Jew. Now she called Him Sir (11, 15, 19). Later she recognised Him as a Prophet (19) and then finally Christ (25, 26, 29).
Here, the woman thought that living water (John 4:10) was physical water as Nicodemus thought that the rebirth was physical rebirth (John 3:4, 9).
The Samaritan woman asked, “Are you greater than our father Jacob…?” (12). The great servant of God Moses caused an instant spring from the rock [2]. Water gushed out from the rock when Moses raised his arm and struck the rock with his staff, and the community and their livestock drank (Numbers 20:11).
II. Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst (13-14)
What is the answer of Jesus? See v13-14.
13 Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’
Jesus explained why the water He would give was better than the water from the well.
There is a limitation of water from the well. The limitation is its satisfaction is temporary (“thirsty again” (13)), requiring repetition. But the water Jesus gives satisfies forever (“never thirst” (14a)). See v14b.
Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
The living water becomes a spring of water inside its drinker, welling up to eternal life.
Eternal life is defined in John 7:3.
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Here, the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ is not just necessary information but the experiential relationship with them.
Eternal life may be translated to be “real life which never ends” to emphasize the qualitative significance of eternal life, rather than merely its duration [3].
For your reference, verses related to v14 are John 6:35, 7:38, Isaiah 55:1-5, 49:10 and Revelation 7:16, 21:6.
III. Give me this water (15)
What is the answer of the Samaritan woman? See v15.
15 The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’
Her answer shows she wanted living water (“Sir, give me this water”) and she was tired of her life drawing water (“I won’t … have to keep coming here to draw water”).
IV. Go, call your husband and come back (16-18)
What is the answer of Jesus? See v16.
16 He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
Jesus suddenly asked her to call her husband and come back. To receive living water from Jesus and have a spring of water in her heart, she had to repent of her sin.
What was the answer of the woman? See v17a.
17 ‘I have no husband,’ she replied.
She tried to hide her sin. But Jesus knew the truth. See v17b and 18.
Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’
Jesus didn’t say she lied. If he said so, she could close her heart. Instead, he acknowledged her statement being ‘quite true’ so that he would continue to help her. She had five husbands in her past. Now she was living with her sixth man.
Her sharp responses and comparison in John 4:7 and John 4:11-12 show her heart was filled with scars from her past. Men are selfish and they can hurt. After breaking up with each man, she had to look for another man. She repeated this multiple times. Her heart was filled with more and more scars. She was shunned by other women and avoided others due to her past (John 4:6-7) which she wanted to hide (John 4:17). She was tired of her life drawing water of satisfaction (John 4:15). This woman shows the reality of pursuing satisfaction in this world. The solution is ‘living water’ that gives true and eternal satisfaction. Let us continue to study John 4:19-26 to learn how this woman met Christ (the true husband) she was waiting for.
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Newman, B.M., and Eugene Albert Nida, A Handbook on the Gospel of John. Logos Research ed. UBS Handbook Series. 1993: New York: United Bible Societies.
Jesus who gives living water
John 4:7-10 [1]
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’
I. Will you give me a drink? (7-9)
It was about noon (John 4:6c). A Samaritan woman came to draw water (7a). Usually, several women together would come to the well to draw water in the evening avoiding noon when it would be too hot in the Middle East. But this woman came to the well at noon alone. We can know she was avoiding others due to her past (John 4:18). See v7b.
Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (7b)
This shows Jesus was thirsty. However, His primary reason for asking for a drink was to help her ask Him for living water (10b, John 4:15).
According to the traditional Jewish custom of the day, Jews did not associate with Samaritans (9b) and Jewish men refrained from speaking with women in public – even with their own wives [2]. Beyond these social barriers, Jesus helped her.
His disciples were conveniently out of the way (8) [2].
What was the response of the Samaritan woman? See v9a.
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’
v9 shows that she couldn’t comprehend the condescension of a Jew asking for her help, and questioned His unusual freedom from the custom. Philippians 2:5-7 teaches us about the humility of Christ Jesus.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Later this woman realises He is Christ (Messiah) (John 4:25-26).
II. Living Water (10)
What is the answer of Jesus? See v10.
10 Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’
Here, ‘the gift of God’ could mean [3]
- Jesus Himself
- The Holy Spirit
- The singular grace of God in this moment
- Eternal life
- Living water
‘living water’ is explained in John 4:14.
14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’
As ‘rebirth’ in John 3:3-6 had two senses (physical, spiritual) of birth, ‘living water’ can refer to moving water as from a spring or bubbling spring water (physical) [2] and the following (spiritual). Of course, Jesus meant the latter one (spiritual).
“It is evidently the inner-life as the operation of the life of Christ, conceived predominantly under the aspect of inward peace (no longer thirsting), developing into regeneration, life in the Holy Ghost (the water’s becoming a fountain) and perfection in blessedness (springing up into everlasting life).” [3].
Tholuck: “The word of salvation the medium of a living power of the Spirit” (John 7:38, John 11:26) [3]
Godet: “Living water is the life eternal, which is Christ Himself living in the soul by the Holy Spirit” [3].
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Jesus tired from the journey by Jacob’s Well, Sychar, Samaria
John 4:5-6 [1]
5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
I. Jesus at Sychar, Samaria (5)
The Assyrians invaded and captured Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-6, 2 Kings 18:9-12). As a result, their blood and culture were mixed with the Gentiles (2 Kings 17:24-41). The purity-oriented Jews might avoid passing through Samaria, which might bring them into contact with the Gentiles or Samaritans [2]. But Jesus chose to pass through it to save a Samaritan woman (John 4:7) and other Samaritans (John 4:39-42) as He saw their souls ripe for the harvest (John 4:35).
Jesus came to a town called Sychar (5a). Jacob had bought a plot of ground from the sons of Hamor in the city of Shechem (Genesis 33:18-19). Jacob had given the plot of ground at Shechem to Joseph’s descendants (5b, Joshua 24:32).
II. Jesus tired from the journey by Jacob’s Well (6)
Jacob’s well was there (6a). ‘Well’ is a place of encounter in the ancient world (Genesis 24:11, 15-17, Genesis 29:2-12) [2]. Jesus was tired from the journey (6b) and thirsty (John 4:7). He sat down by the well (6c).
This shows Jesus was not only divine as God but also mortal as a human. As a human, he experienced our weaknesses and can understand and help us (Hebrews 4:15-16).
“But as in the temptation stories (cf. Matthew 4:3–4; Luke 4:3–4), we, like the disciples in this present story, must learn from Jesus not to allow personal mortality and its needs to dominate our concerns (cf. John 4:31–38)” [2].
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Jesus, about to go through Samaria after Baptismal Ministry in Judea
John 4:1-4 [1]
Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptising more disciples than John—2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptised, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4 Now he had to go through Samaria.
I. Water Baptism by the Disciples of Jesus (1-2)
The Pharisees are those who were sent to question Baptist John about his baptism in John 1:24-25. Now they heard of Jesus’ baptism (1).
Passages such as Ezekiel 36:25 and Ezekiel 37:23 let the Jews expect a cleansing of the people [2]. Baptism is related to cleansing and this cleansing would be the role of the Messiah (=the Prophet) or his forerunner (e.g., Elijah) [3] (See John 1:25). So, it is no surprise that Jesus the Messiah incorporated baptism (1, John 3:22, John 3:26). Even so, the fact that Jesus was gaining and baptising more disciples than John (1) was a conflict of interest to them. The reason they handed Jesus over to crucify was self-interest (Matthew 27:18, Mark 15:10). Jesus taught in Matthew 6:24, “…You cannot serve both God and Money.” If their position and popularity were important to them more than God’s will and His commands, they are not serving God but something else expressed as ‘Money’ in Matthew 6:24. Such people suppress the truth by their wickedness, causing the wrath of God (Romans 1:18).
V2 clarifies that this water baptism in v1 was performed not by Jesus but by the disciples of Jesus. This may correct the possible wrong impression that Jesus is a merely baptising prophet parallel to John the Baptist [4].
II. Journey back to Galilee via Samaria (3-4)
Jesus left Judea for a reason written in v1. But it was not simply due to the situational pressure from the conflict of interest among the Pharisees. The Bible tells us that Jesus had power and control (Matthew 26:53) to confront but he purposefully chose to obey and fulfil God’s will (Matthew 26:54). So, we can know his leaving Judea, going back to Galilee (3) via Samaria (4) was decided according to God’s will and direction (John 5:19).
Other verses that show the withdrawal are Matthew 12:15, Mark 3:7 and Luke 5:16 [4].
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Lenski, R.C.H., The Interpretation of St. John’s Gospel. Logos Research Edition ed. 1961, Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.
- Park, Y. Baptist John Baptises them with Water as the forerunner of the Messiah. 1/1/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/baptist-john-baptises-them-with-water-as-the-forerunner-of-the-messiah.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Christmas written in John 1 ~ 3
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
We studied John 1 ~ 3 recently. What is Christmas written in John 1 ~ 3? There are verses like John 1:9, John 1:14, and John 1:18. Today let us study John 1:14 [1, 2].
I. “The Word became flesh” (14a)
‘the Word’ existed before the creation, before our time and space ever existed. ‘the Word’ was intimate and together with God. ‘the Word’ was God (John 1:1).
This Word was born as a baby to be with us. His name is Jesus. Hallelujah! This is Good News of Great Joy (Luke 2:10)! Great Joy is from the Salvation gracefully & mercifully given to those who do not deserve. This joy is for everyone (Luke 2:10, John 1:9). He was conceived in Virgin Mary through the Holy Spirit. His Father was literally God in heaven. We celebrate this event every year. This event is Christmas! Merry Christmas!
On Christmas, the whole world celebrates with great joy, playing carols, sending greeting cards, having family gatherings, enjoying the holidays, and helping the poor.
II. “and made his dwelling among us.” (14b)
His name is also Immanuel (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14), meaning ‘God with us’. In the Old testament, God descended on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18), revealed His Glory, and gave the Law through Moses. This was an awesome event! But ‘God made His dwelling among us’ is even more awesome!! Amen.
III. “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (14c)
“We have seen his glory”
Jesus performed numerous awesome miracles that no one has seen before. This is glorious! He taught the awesome Truth like no other. This is glorious! He died for our sins, raised in three days, and became the king of kings, and the lord of lords (Revelation 19:16, Philippians 2:9-11). This is glorious! Overcoming temptations, answering to tricky questions without being trapped, being a man with the Word within, … There are many other glories we can see about Him.
“the glory of one and only son”
The Word was one and only son of God before the creation (Hebrews 1:2). Also, on the earth Jesus was literally one and only son of God, who was conceived in a virgin called Mary through the Holy Spirit.
“who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”
Grace is mercy. Grace is Grace because it was given to those who do not deserve. Jesus forgave and healed many people while the Law would condemn them.
Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus lived and taught Truth such as hate your life to keep it for eternal life (John 12:25, Matthew 10:39, Luke 17:33), serve to be great (Matthew 20:26-27, Mark 10:43-44, Luke 22:26), narrow gate to life; wide gate to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:24) to name a few. His entire life was full of examples for all mankind to follow.
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References
1. The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
2. The Word became flesh (Part 1). 25/12/2022]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-word-became-flesh-part-1/.
