Belief in His Word (John 4:39-42)

"And many more believed because of His own word" (John 4:41).

In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). This verse is capsulized in the experience of the Samaritans, who came to Jesus because of the testimony of the woman at the well. Three times in this brief passage (John 4:39–42) the word “word” is emphasized. First, the people from Samaria believed Jesus to be a prophet because of the word of the woman. Second, they believed in Him because of His own word. And third, they declared Him to be the Christ because they heard Him.

The difference between the Samaritans and many of the Jews in this respect is striking. On a number of occasions, the Jews refused to believe Jesus because they wanted to see a sign, or they wanted to experience a miracle. Jesus often rebuked those who looked for a sign as a basis for faith (Matt. 12:39). But notice what drew the Samaritans to Jesus. They came to Him because of the simple testimony of a disreputable woman. Then, being convinced of the authority of Christ, they believed in Him because of His “own words.” The woman’s testimony drew them to Jesus, but personal contact with Him produced saving faith. They heard His teaching, and they were convinced of the truth. The result—faith grew in then hearts. They didn’t need signs and wonders. They simply needed to come face to face with Christ and the power of His Word.

Christ has given us His Word in the Scriptures. He told His disciples in John 17:17 that they would be sanctified by the truth, and the Word is the truth. While miracles and signs have a place in redemptive history by giving support and evidence to the authority of Christ, belief in His Word produces saving faith. If we refuse to listen to His Word yet clamor for a sign, we will never come to true faith in Him. But if we, like the Samaritans, come to Him to listen to His Word as it has been revealed in the Scriptures, faith will grow in us like a seed in fertile soil. Then, and only then, will we join the multitudes who have believed, not because of something they have seen, but because of the truth they have heard.

Many people come to church and religious events because they want to see something miraculous. But here we learn that those who truly believe come to Jesus Himself, to listen to Him, and to believe in Him. Why do you believe in Christ? Is it because of something you have seen, or the truth of His Word?

The Harvest Is Ready (John 4:31-38)

"Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest" (John 4:35).

Christ came to accomplish the work of His Father (John 17:4). Jesus delighted in obeying His Father’s will. We should too.

Christ came into the world to reconcile people to God, and in this passage we see the fruits of His ministry blossoming in Samaria. This work satisfied Jesus more than any meal of fish and bread. The fruit of His ministry, of His obedience to His Father, was something the disciples were unaware of at this point. They insisted that He eat some food, but the food that gave Christ the most pleasure was beyond anything in the physical realm. It was the salvation of souls.

Jesus told His disciples to look at the people coming from Samaria. This was the harvest, the satisfaction of His soul, the gathering of God’s people into the kingdom. This gathering would consist of people not only from Judea, but from Samaria—even Rome. The harvest would include people from all nations. And it would be up to the disciples of Christ to bring in that harvest, to reap what He had sown.

After testifying to His own work as one who delights in the work of His Father, Christ turned to the disciples and commissioned them to carry on that work as fellow harvesters. The field in Samaria was white, ready for harvesting. The work had been started by Christ and the Samaritan woman. He had proclaimed Himself as the Messiah, and she had gone to the city to tell others the Good News. What had begun by others would be completed by the disciples—this commission would become even more evident after Jesus’ death. Not only would the disciples sow the seeds of the Gospel, but they would reap the harvest beginning in Samaria.

This must have been a great surprise to the disciples, that He would enlarge His kingdom in Samaria. But this just proves that Christ will grow His church in the most unexpected places. And wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, wherever God has opened ears to hear—whether it be in a place like Samaria or even Ninevah—we are commanded to minister to all people, rejoicing with them that they have become joint-heirs in the kingdom of God.

All Christians are called to be sowers (spreading the Gospel) and/or reapers (bringing others into the kingdom). Are you obeying Christ in either of these capacities (according to your gilts or circumstances)? Are you spreading the Gospel or building up disciples? If not, think of something specific you can do and put it into practice.

A Personal Testimony (John 4:27-30)

"Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did" (John 4:29).

Matthew Henry observed, “Those who have been with Jesus, and have found comfort in Him, should do all they can to bring others to Him. Has He done us the honor to make Himself known to us? Then let us do Him the honor to make Him known to others.”

After coming face to face with the Messiah, the woman left her water pot and ran into town to tell others the good news. Notice how this woman, who had previously been so preoccupied with physical things, left worldly concerns behind. A day that began with the ordinary routine of drawing water from the well ended with the salvation of her soul. So great was this change that she could not remain silent. She proclaimed what Christ had done in her life so that others might come and meet Him.

Once she left Jesus, who had been rejoined by His disciples, she went to the men of the town (the elders at the gate or others in authority). And notice what she did not say to them. She did not say that she met a man who explained a religious concept that she had been contemplating. She did not ask their view on the conflict between Jerusalem and Mt. Gerizim. She did not tell the men how much she had learned about true worship and the nature of God. But she did tell them that she had met a man who told her all the evil things she had ever done. The very thing she was most ashamed of, her own immorality, she confessed before others. This was her focus. She met a man who revealed those things that only God and her conscience knew. This man by the well laid her heart and her life bare, and in doing so, brought conviction of her sins.

While religious knowledge can certainly serve our evangelistic efforts, it is not enough. Conviction of sin lies at the heart of our redemption. This was the woman’s testimony—a testimony that included the realization that only the Messiah could bring such conviction. The men, who no doubt knew the woman’s reputation, could not resist the call. Drawn by the power of the Spirit, they went out to find this man who could bring light to a darkened soul.

If you were asked to give a testimony of Christ’s redemptive work in your life, what would you say? Write out your testimony or say it aloud to yourself sometime today. Does your testimony include how Christ caused you to see your sin, your need of Him, and His ability to save you? Compare your testimony to that of the Samaritan woman.

Discovering the Truth (John 4:20-26)

"The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming.” … Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:25–26).

As soon as Jesus confronted the Samaritan woman with her sin, she changed the subject. This is very typical. We proclaim the Gospel, we confront unbelievers with their sin, we declare their need of Christ—and they want to engage in esoteric theological debate. We must be ready for these kinds of responses when we proclaim the truth to people.

We must also recognize our own tendencies to engage in religious conversation, seemingly to pursue truth but really running from the truth of our own sinful condition. It is much easier to discuss issues than to confront our own sin, to admit our guilt, and to take steps to repent of our wicked ways. It is much easier to stand on the periphery and contemplate high and lofty doctrines rather than face ourselves and deal with the particulars of how we live.

Jesus graciously indulged the woman. He used her inquiry about places of worship to turn her attention to His true identity. The woman didn’t want to talk about her sin, but she couldn’t get away from religion altogether. The Spirit was working on her heart. Even though the inquiry was a distraction, it was probably sincere. She really wanted to know the truth about worship. Jesus basically told her that the place of worship is less significant than the object and manner of worship. And He revealed that a time would come when people from all nations would worship God rightly.

Christians worship God in spirit and in truth. Worship is rooted in the very nature of God, who is spirit and truth. We must worship Him with humble hearts, and we must worship Him according to His Word, not according to our own imaginations.

The Samaritan woman had enough teaching to know that the Messiah would be the one who would usher in this kingdom of worshippers. Jesus directed her to the Messiah—Himself. This entire conversation that dealt with salvation, sin, and worship led her to Christ. If we do not recognize Christ as the Messiah, as the Redeemer, as our Lord, we have not truly found redemption. Coming face to face with Christ is at the heart of the Gospel.

Write out a presentation of the Gospel. Make sure you include a) the sinfulness of man; and b) the truth about Christ—who He is and why He is the only way. Make sure you have this ordered in your mind so you can share the Gospel clearly. Do not let them get off on issues, but stay focused.

Exposing Our Sin (John 4:15-19)

"Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband” (John 4:16–17).

Before anyone can truly come to Christ, they must have a sense of guilt. This is the whole point of verses 15–19.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman of a living water that would quench her thirst forever, but she only thought in physical terms. She didn’t understand that Jesus was offering a remedy for the lost condition of her soul.

To penetrate her blind condition, Jesus did not explain in obvious terms what He meant by living water. Instead, He moved the conversation to move her into considering her spiritual need. Once she realized the peril of her soul, she better understand what Jesus meant by “living water” in relation to her spiritual condition.

Concerning this turn in the conversation, Hendriksen writes, “Does the woman desire living water? Then there must be a thirst for this water. This thirst will not be truly awakened unless there be a sense of guilt, a consciousness of sin. The mention of her husband is the best means of reminding this woman of her immoral life. The Lord is now addressing Himself to her conscience.”

Jesus responds to her questions by asking her about her husband. He knew full well that the woman had no husband, and He knew her history of remarriage, which He soon reveals. The woman’s only response is the curt reply, “I have no husband.” Up to this point she had been rather talkative, but now she is guarded and defensive. Jesus doesn’t let up. He gives her the full blow by exposing her sin. Her only response is to agree and recognize Jesus as a prophet with full knowledge of her immorality.

In a time when we don’t want to feel guilty about anything, this passage holds particular relevance. The Gospel means nothing to our own hearts if we do not admit our sin and guilt before God. Given this fact, anyone who proclaims the Gospel must aim for the conscience. In addition to opening up the benefits of eternal life, sharing the Gospel entails lovingly confronting people with their sin (if not specifically, then at least generally). People need Jesus because they are sinners, guilty before God and condemned to eternal death. Jesus emphasized both the positive and negative aspects of the truth. We must be faithful to follow His example.

Did you confess your sin and guilt when you came to Christ? If not, maybe you have not really put your faith in Him as your Savior. When you share the Gospel, do you talk about judgment upon sin as well as eternal life for faith? As a believer, you still need to confess and repent of your daily sins (1 John 1:8–10).