The Woman of Samaria
W. Jay. John 4:25-26 The woman said to him, I know that Messias comes, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.… And in bringing a man to this state, we may observe that, commonly, some one particular sin, gross in its nature, and to which he has been addicted, is charged home upon the conscience. But a broad surface is not likely to penetrate; it must be pointed to enter. The indictment which arraigns this criminal, like every other, exhibits some specific charge; and the man exclaims, "O my swearing, my lying, my Sabbath-breaking, my prayerless life!" "Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither." But she exclaims, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Two reasons may be assigned for her proposing this question so instantly and abruptly. It has been supposed — 1. That it was by way of diversion. But it has also been supposed — 2. That her aim was to seize the present moment to gain information as to what was deemed important, and which she concluded this know- ing one might afford. Herein two things are observable — (1) That it should cool us, in many of our contests, to remember that the things we are contending about are of short duration; and that while we are disputing, they are vanishing away. There are "things which cannot be shaken, but must remain."(2) The best way to make up differences in little things is to be zealous about great ones. To these, therefore, the Scripture always directs our regards, knowing that if these supremely occupy the mind, we shall have neither time nor inclination for comparative trifling. 1. Observe the omniscience of our Lord, and bring it home to yourselves. 2. Let us worship the Lord, " in the beauties of holiness"; and in order to this, never forget the information which our Saviour has given us. 3. Let us inquire whether He has manifested Himself to us. (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. WEB: The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things."