John 4:5-21

Dr. Ronnie Wolfe

SEVEN IMPORTANT EXPRESSIONS IN THE

STORY OF OF THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

To preach through this story would take many hours of study and preaching, but now I would like to bring out some expressions that caught my attention as I was reading this today. They tell much about the story.

1.  Then cometh he to the city, Verse 5

Notice that the woman did not come seeking Christ, but Jesus came to the city seeking the woman at the well. It was not by chance that he came at the time of day when women come to the well. God's providence is amazing!

2.  There cometh a woman, Verse 7

The woman did not arbitrarily come to the well, but she was drawn there by circumstances, and Jesus took advantage of the opportunity to speak to her about spiritual things, as he "must needs go through Samaria" (See verse 4).

3.  How is it that thou . . . askest drink of me? Verse 9

Why would Jesus choose to bring the Gospel to anyone, but especially to a woman with which the Jews had no dealings? This is the heart of Jesus. The Gospel message is to all people, and that is why he asked water from the woman at the well.

4.  If thou knewest, Verse 10

She did not that Jesus was the Son of God and the Savior who would save his people from their sins. If she had known that, she would have asked him for spiritual water, which could give her eternal life, but she did not know; therefore, she did not ask.

People do not know, so they do not ask. The Gospel must introduce and describe the Savior to the world; he can be known no other way.

5.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, Verse 14

The water is not in the well but in Jesus himself. Only he can give the water that is a fountain springing up into everlasting life, and whosoever drinks of the water of Christ shall live forever.

6.  I perceive that thou art a prophet, Verse 19

Nicodemas knew that Jesus was a man come from God, and now that Jesus had spoken to this woman, she conceived, or understood, that he was a prophet. He spoke as a prophet.

7.  Woman, believe me, Verse 21

The final thrust of the discussion with this woman was the essence of salvation through the Gospel--believe me. Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.