John 4
BSB1 When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 Now He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink." 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." 11 “Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock?" 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back." 17 “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. 18 In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully." 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in 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 Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He." 27 Just then His disciples returned and were surprised that He was speaking with a woman. But no one asked Him, “What do You want from her?” or “Why are You talking with her?" 28 Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus. 31 Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something." 32 But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33 So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?" 34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. 36 Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37 For in this case 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 now you have taken up their labor." 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41 And many more believed because of His message. 42 They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world." 43 After two days, Jesus left for Galilee. 44 Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. 45 Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well. 46 So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe." 49 “Sir,” the official said, “come down before my child dies." 50 “Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed. 51 And while he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive. 52 So he inquired as to the hour when his son had recovered, and they told him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour. “ 53 Then the father realized that this was the very hour in which Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and all his household believed. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus performed after coming from Judea into Galilee.
Study Notes — John 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 4
- Themes from John 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
John chapter 4 begins with Jesus leaving Judea and traveling through Samaria, where He meets a woman at Jacob's well. Jesus asks the woman for a drink, and then reveals that He is the Messiah, offering her living water that will quench her thirst forever. The woman, amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her past, returns to her town and tells everyone about Jesus, leading many to believe in Him. Jesus then teaches His disciples about the importance of doing God's work and reaping a harvest of souls. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a nobleman's son, demonstrating His power and authority.
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 4 is situated in the larger context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee and Judea. After being rejected by the Pharisees in Judea, Jesus travels through Samaria, where He encounters the Samaritan woman and many others who are eager to hear His message. This chapter highlights Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status, and to provide them with the living water that only He can give. The chapter also sets the stage for Jesus' later ministry in Galilee, where He will perform many miracles and teach many people about the kingdom of God.
Heart Application
As we read John chapter 4, we are reminded of the importance of responding to Jesus' revelation with faith and obedience. We are also encouraged to follow Jesus' example and reach out to those around us, regardless of their background or social status. May we be like the Samaritan woman, who was eager to share Jesus' message with others, and may we be like the nobleman, who put his faith in Jesus and received healing and salvation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 4 is about Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well. Jesus offers her living water that will quench her thirst forever, and He reveals Himself as the Messiah. The woman is amazed and shares Jesus' message with others, leading many to believe in Him. Jesus also teaches His disciples about the importance of doing God's work and reaping a harvest of souls. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of responding to Jesus' revelation with faith and obedience, and of sharing His message with others.
Voices from the Church
“The living water that Jesus gives is not a mere metaphor, but a reality that quenches the deepest thirst of the human soul. It is a water that flows from the throne of God, and it is available to all who come to Jesus in faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The woman's response to Jesus is a model for us all. She does not simply hear Jesus' words and then forget them, but she responds with faith and obedience, and she shares Jesus' message with others.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus Travels Through Samaria (John 4:1-6) — Jesus leaves Judea and travels through Samaria, where He encounters a woman at a well.
- Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:7-26) — Jesus asks the woman for a drink, and then reveals that He is the Messiah, offering her living water that will quench her thirst forever.
- The Woman's Response (John 4:27-30) — The woman is amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her past, and she returns to her town to tell others about Jesus.
- Jesus Teaches His Disciples (John 4:31-38) — Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of doing God's work and reaping a harvest of souls.
- Jesus Heals a Nobleman's Son (John 4:46-54) — Jesus heals a nobleman's son, demonstrating His power and authority.
Core Doctrines
- The Person of Christ
- John chapter 4 highlights Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the one who can provide living water and eternal life. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrates His divine knowledge and power, showing that He is the Son of God.
- The Nature of Worship
- Jesus teaches that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but can be done in spirit and truth. This highlights the importance of worshiping God in a way that is authentic and heartfelt.
- The Importance of Faith
- The woman's response to Jesus is a model for us all. She does not simply hear Jesus' words and then forget them, but she responds with faith and obedience, and she shares Jesus' message with others.
- The Mission of the Church
- Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status, is a model for the church today. We are called to follow Jesus' example and reach out to those around us, sharing His message of salvation and redemption.
Lessons from John 4
- The Importance of Responding to Jesus — The Samaritan woman's response to Jesus serves as a model for us today. We must respond to Jesus' revelation with faith and obedience, and we must share His message with others.
- The Nature of True Worship — Jesus teaches that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but can be done in spirit and truth. We must worship God in a way that is authentic and heartfelt.
- The Power of Faith — The nobleman's son is healed because of his father's faith. This demonstrates the importance of trusting in Jesus and having faith in His power and authority.
- The Mission of the Church — Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status, is a model for the church today. We are called to follow Jesus' example and reach out to those around us, sharing His message of salvation and redemption.
- The Importance of Sharing Jesus' Message — The Samaritan woman shares Jesus' message with others, leading many to believe in Him. We must also share Jesus' message with others, and we must be willing to take risks and face challenges in order to do so.
Themes from John 4
- The Theme of Living Water — The concept of living water is central to John chapter 4. Jesus offers the Samaritan woman living water that will quench her thirst forever, and He teaches that this water is available to all who come to Him in faith.
- The Theme of Worship — Jesus teaches that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but can be done in spirit and truth. This highlights the importance of worshiping God in a way that is authentic and heartfelt.
- The Theme of Faith — The woman's response to Jesus is a model for us all. She does not simply hear Jesus' words and then forget them, but she responds with faith and obedience, and she shares Jesus' message with others.
- The Theme of Mission — Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status, is a model for the church today. We are called to follow Jesus' example and reach out to those around us, sharing His message of salvation and redemption.
- The Theme of Redemption — John chapter 4 highlights Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the one who can provide living water and eternal life. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrates His divine knowledge and power, showing that He is the Son of God.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus mean by 'living water', and how can we experience it in our lives?
- How does the Samaritan woman's response to Jesus serve as a model for us today?
- What does Jesus teach about the nature of worship, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does Jesus' interaction with the nobleman's son demonstrate His power and authority?
- What are some ways that we can follow Jesus' example and reach out to those around us, sharing His message of salvation and redemption?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus Travels Through Samaria (John 4:1-6)
| John 4:1 | Jesus leaves Judea and travels through Samaria, where He encounters a woman at a well. |
| John 4:2 | The disciples are surprised that Jesus is speaking with a Samaritan woman, but they do not ask Him any questions. |
| John 4:3 | The woman asks Jesus why He is speaking with her, and Jesus responds by offering her living water. |
| John 4:4 | The woman is amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her past, and she asks Him how He knows these things. |
| John 4:5 | Jesus reveals that He is the Messiah, the one who can provide living water and eternal life. |
| John 4:6 | The woman returns to her town and tells others about Jesus, leading many to believe in Him. |
2. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:7-26)
| John 4:7 | Jesus asks the woman for a drink, and then reveals that He is the Messiah, offering her living water that will quench her thirst forever. |
| John 4:8 | The woman is amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her past, and she asks Him how He knows these things. |
| John 4:9 | Jesus responds by offering her living water, and the woman asks Him how He can give her this water. |
| John 4:10 | Jesus reveals that He is the Messiah, the one who can provide living water and eternal life. |
| John 4:11 | The woman asks Jesus where He will get this living water, and Jesus responds by saying that it will come from within Him. |
| John 4:12 | The woman is amazed by Jesus' words, and she asks Him if He is greater than Jacob, who gave the well to the Samaritans. |
| John 4:13 | Jesus responds by saying that He is the one who can provide living water that will quench the thirst of all people, regardless of their background or social status. |
| John 4:14 | The woman asks Jesus to give her this living water, and Jesus responds by saying that it will become in her a spring of water welling up to eternal life. |
| John 4:15 | The woman asks Jesus to give her this living water, so that she will not have to come to the well again. |
| John 4:16 | Jesus tells the woman to call her husband, and the woman responds by saying that she has no husband. |
| John 4:17 | Jesus reveals that He knows the woman has had five husbands, and that the man she is currently with is not her husband. |
| John 4:18 | The woman is amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her past, and she asks Him how He knows these things. |
| John 4:19 | The woman calls Jesus a prophet, and Jesus responds by saying that He is the Messiah, the one who can provide living water and eternal life. |
| John 4:20 | The woman asks Jesus where the proper place to worship is, and Jesus responds by saying that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but can be done in spirit and truth. |
| John 4:21 | The woman says that the Messiah is coming, and Jesus responds by saying that He is the one who is speaking to her. |
| John 4:22 | The woman returns to her town and tells others about Jesus, leading many to believe in Him. |
| John 4:23 | The woman's testimony about Jesus leads many to believe in Him, and they ask Him to stay with them for two days. |
| John 4:24 | Jesus stays with the Samaritans for two days, and many more believe in Him because of His words. |
| John 4:25 | The Samaritans say that Jesus is the Savior of the world, and Jesus responds by saying that He is the one who can provide living water and eternal life. |
| John 4:26 | Jesus explicitly states, 'I, the one speaking to you, am He,' declaring His identity as the Messiah. |
3. The Woman's Response (John 4:27-30)
| John 4:27 | The disciples are surprised that Jesus is speaking with a Samaritan woman, but they do not ask Him any questions. |
| John 4:28 | The woman returns to her town and tells others about Jesus, leading many to believe in Him. |
| John 4:29 | The woman says that Jesus is the Messiah, and she asks the people to come and see Him for themselves. |
| John 4:30 | The people go out to meet Jesus, and they ask Him to stay with them for two days. |
4. Jesus Teaches His Disciples (John 4:31-38)
| John 4:31 | The disciples urge Jesus to eat something, but Jesus says that He has food that they do not know about. |
| John 4:32 | The disciples ask Jesus what this food is, and Jesus responds by saying that it is to do the will of God and to finish His work. |
| John 4:33 | The disciples do not understand what Jesus is saying, and Jesus explains that His food is to do the will of God and to bring people to faith. |
| John 4:34 | Jesus says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, and He asks the disciples to pray for more workers to be sent out. |
| John 4:35 | Jesus says that the fields are ripe for harvest, and He tells the disciples to look around and see the many people who are ready to believe. |
| John 4:36 | The disciples see the many people who are coming to believe in Jesus, and they are amazed by the harvest that is being reaped. |
| John 4:37 | Jesus says that one person sows the seed, and another person reaps the harvest, and He tells the disciples that they are both sowing and reaping. |
| John 4:38 | Jesus says that the disciples are reaping what others have sown, and He tells them to be thankful for the work that others have done. |
5. Jesus Heals a Nobleman's Son (John 4:46-54)
| John 4:46 | A nobleman comes to Jesus and asks Him to heal his son, who is at the point of death. |
| John 4:47 | The nobleman asks Jesus to come and heal his son, but Jesus tells him to go back home and that his son will live. |
| John 4:48 | The nobleman believes Jesus and starts back home, and his servants meet him on the way and tell him that his son is alive. |
| John 4:49 | The nobleman asks his servants what time his son got better, and they tell him that it was the seventh hour, which is when Jesus said that his son would live. |
| John 4:50 | The nobleman and his whole household believe in Jesus, and they are amazed by the miracle that He has performed. |
| John 4:51 | The nobleman's son is healed, and Jesus' disciples are amazed by the power and authority of their Master. |
| John 4:52 | The nobleman's servants tell him that his son is alive, and the nobleman is overjoyed and thanks Jesus for the miracle. |
| John 4:53 | The nobleman and his whole household believe in Jesus, and they are amazed by the miracle that He has performed. |
| John 4:54 | This is the second miracle that Jesus performs, and it leads many people to believe in Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman?
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman is significant because it highlights His mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status. It also demonstrates Jesus' divine knowledge and power, showing that He is the Son of God. (John 4:1-26)
What does Jesus mean by 'living water'?
Jesus means that He can provide spiritual water that will quench the deepest thirst of the human soul. This water is available to all who come to Him in faith. (John 4:10-14)
Why does Jesus say that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual?
Jesus says that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual because it can be done in spirit and truth. This means that worship is not just about external actions, but about a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God. (John 4:20-24)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 4:10 → Jeremiah 2:13 | Jesus' offer of living water is reminiscent of Jeremiah's prophecy about the fountain of living water, which is God Himself. |
| 2 | John 4:14 → Isaiah 55:1 | The concept of living water is also found in Isaiah, where God invites all who are thirsty to come and drink from the fountain of living water. |
| 3 | John 4:20 → Deuteronomy 12:5-7 | The Samaritan woman's question about the proper place to worship is related to the Old Testament concept of the central sanctuary, where God's people would come to worship Him. |
| 4 | John 4:22 → Genesis 49:10 | The Samaritan woman's statement that the Messiah is coming is a reference to the Old Testament prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, who would be a descendant of Jacob. |
| 5 | John 4:26 → Matthew 26:64 | Jesus' statement that He is the Messiah is a declaration of His identity as the Son of God, which is also found in the Gospel of Matthew. |
| 6 | John 4:31 → Matthew 9:37-38 | Jesus' statement about the harvest being plentiful is similar to His statement in the Gospel of Matthew, where He tells His disciples to pray for more workers to be sent out. |
| 7 | John 4:35 → Luke 10:2 | Jesus' statement about the fields being ripe for harvest is similar to His statement in the Gospel of Luke, where He tells His disciples to pray for more workers to be sent out. |
| 8 | John 4:46 → Mark 5:21-43 | The story of the nobleman's son is similar to the story of Jairus' daughter in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus heals a young girl and raises her from the dead. |
| 9 | John 4:50 → Acts 16:31-34 | The nobleman's faith and the subsequent healing of his son is similar to the story of the Philippian jailer in the book of Acts, where a man and his household believe in Jesus and are baptized. |
| 10 | John 4:54 → John 2:11 | This is the second miracle that Jesus performs, and it leads many people to believe in Him. |
Sermons on John 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Getting Used to the Dark by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and warns about the subtle brainwashing that is leading towards a homogenized world church and state, preparin |
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(John) 01 - the Past by Alan Redpath | The video is a sermon on the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the prologue and the themes presented in the book. The speaker emphasizes that analyzing this gospel is almost |
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Grieving the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worldliness and its impact on society. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a young lady being shocked by a prayer du |
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An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of surrendering everything to God and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They admit to not knowing much about the H |
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A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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(True Disciple Conference) Ministry & Your Prayer Life by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a passion for the things of God based on truth. He mentions the example of John Piper, acknowledging his influence b |
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Christless Pentecost - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even |
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The Power of God - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be led by the Spirit. They emphasize the importance of humility and caution again |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 4
In John chapter 4, Jesus journeys through Samaria and encounters a woman at a well, offering her living water that will quench her thirst forever. This chapter highlights Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status, and to provide them with the living water that only He can give. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The water that Christ gives is the Spirit, which is a well of living water, springing up to eternal life.' Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrates His divine knowledge and power, showing that He is the Son of God. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of faith and worship, as Jesus teaches that true worship is not limited to a specific location or ritual, but can be done in spirit and truth. Through this chapter, we see the beauty of God's character, as He reaches out to those who are marginalized and oppressed, and offers them living water and eternal life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Initiative
Notice how Jesus takes the initiative to speak to the Samaritan woman, despite the cultural and social barriers between them. This demonstrates Jesus' mission to reach all people, regardless of their background or social status.
The Woman's Response
Observe how the woman responds to Jesus, first with skepticism and then with amazement and faith. This highlights the importance of responding to Jesus' revelation with faith and obedience.
The Disciples' Reaction
Notice how the disciples are surprised by Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman, but ultimately learn from Jesus' example and follow His lead. This demonstrates the importance of following Jesus' example and being willing to learn from Him.