Jesus Answered and Said Unto Her, if Thou Knewest the Gift of God
Jesus' conversation with the woman demonstrates his compassion and teaches us that his doctrine is not based on merit, but rather for those who seek him.
John Calvin preaches on Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting Christ's grace and compassion in offering living water to someone who did not deserve it. Calvin emphasizes that none of us are worthy of God's salvation, yet through His mercy, we are chosen to receive His heavenly doctrine and be part of His family. The preacher reflects on the divine wisdom in Jesus choosing to engage with this woman, showcasing that God's salvation is not based on human merit but on His sovereign will to reveal Himself to those who may not even seek Him.
Text
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. --John 4:10
"Jesus answered." Christ, now, availing himself of the opportunity, begins to preach about the grace and power of his Spirit, and that to a woman who did not at all deserve that he should speak a word to her. This is certainly an astonishing instance of his goodness. For what was there in this wretched woman, that, from being a prostitute, she suddenly became a disciple of the Son of God? Though in all of us he has displayed a similar instance of his compassion.
All the women, indeed, are not prostitutes, nor are all the men stained by some heinous crime; but what excellence can any of us plead as a reason why he deigned to bestow on us the heavenly doctrine, and the honor of being admitted into his family? Nor was it by accident that the conversation with such a person occurred; for the Lord showed us, as in a model, that those to whom he imparts the doctrine of salvation are not selected on the ground of merit.
And it appears at first sight a wonderful arrangement, that he passed by so many great men in Judea, and yet held familiar discourse with this woman. But it was necessary that, in his person, it should be explained how true is that saying of the Prophet, "I was found by them that sought me not; I was made manifest to them that asked not after me. I said to those who sought me not, Behold, here I am" (Isaiah 65: 1). --Commentaries
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Conversation with the Woman
- The Lord's Conversation with the Woman is Not an Accident
- The Lord's Conversation with the Woman is a Model
- The Lord's Doctrine is for Those Who Do Not Seek Him
- The Lord's Doctrine is for Those Who Ask Not After Him
Key Quotes
“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” — John Calvin
“I was found by them that sought me not; I was made manifest to them that asked not after me. I said to those who sought me not, Behold, here I am” — John Calvin
Application Points
- We should recognize that we have no excellence to plead as a reason why God deigned to bestow on us the heavenly doctrine.
- We should seek God with humility and recognize that he is willing to bestow his doctrine on those who do not deserve it.
- We should remember that God's doctrine is for those who seek him, even if they do not seek him in the classical sense.