John 4:19
Verse
Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
18In 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.20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”
Sermons
Alistair Begg
J. Glyn Owen
Joseph Carroll
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I perceive that thou art a prophet - And therefore thought him well qualified to decide the grand question in dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans: but she did not perceive him to be the Messiah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sir, I perceive, &c.--Seeing herself all revealed, does she now break down and ask what hopes there might be for one so guilty? Nay, her convictions have not reached that point yet. She ingeniously shifts the subject from a personal to a public question. It is not, "Alas, what a wicked life am I leading!" but "Lo, what a wonderful prophet I got into conversation with! He will be able to settle that interminable dispute between us and the Jews. Sir, you must know all about such matters--our fathers hold to this mountain here," pointing to Gerizim in Samaria, "as the divinely consecrated place of worship, but ye Jews say that Jerusalem is the proper place--which of us is right?" How slowly does the human heart submit to thorough humiliation! (Compare the prodigal; see on Luk 15:15). Doubtless our Lord saw through the fetch; but does He say, "That question is not the point just now, but have you been living in the way described, yea or nay? Till this is disposed of I cannot be drawn into theological controversies." The Prince of preachers takes another method: He humors the poor woman, letting her take her own way, allowing her to lead while He follows--but thus only the more effectually gaining His object. He answers her question, pours light into her mind on the spirituality of all true worship, as of its glorious Object, and so brings her insensibly to the point at which He could disclose to her wondering mind whom she was all the while speaking to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The woman saith unto him, Sir,.... With another countenance, and a different air and gesture, with another accent and tone of speech, dropping her scoffs and jeers: I perceive that thou art a prophet; such an one as Samuel was, who could tell Saul what was in his heart, and that his father's asses were found, and where they were, Sa1 9:19; and as Elisha, whose heart went with his servant Gehazi, when Naaman turned to him to meet him, and give him presents; and who could tell, ere the king's messenger came to him, that the son of a murderer had sent to take away his head, Kg2 5:26. And such a prophet, that had such a spirit of discerning, this woman took Christ to be; and who indeed is greater than a prophet, and is the omniscient God; who knows all men's hearts, thoughts, words and actions, and needs not that any should testify of them to him; for he knows what is in them, and done by them; and can tell them all that ever they did, as he did this woman, Joh 4:29. Now in order either to shift off the discourse from this subject, which touched her to the quick; or else being truly sensible of her sin, and willing to reform, and for the future to worship God in the place and manner he had directed, she addressed Christ in the following words.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:19-20 The woman dodged Jesus’ moral probing and brought up the historical ethnic division between Jews and Samaritans. 4:19 a prophet: Jesus revealed knowledge about the woman (4:16-18) that was inaccessible to the average person (cp. 1:48). • As the woman’s understanding of Jesus unfolded, her names for him became increasingly well informed. Earlier she recognized him as a Jew (4:9) and called him sir (4:11, 15, 19). Later she thought he might be the Messiah (4:29). Finally, the people of the village recognized him as Savior of the world (4:42). Her growing understanding of Jesus’ identity is a testimony to John’s readers (see 20:31).
John 4:19
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
18In 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.20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Chief End of Man - Part 7): The Internality of True Worship
By A.W. Tozer4.4K37:01Chief End of ManJHN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vastness and wonder of the universe, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and worshiping God in light of this mystery. He highlights the significance of having the Holy Spirit dwelling within a person, rather than relying on external factors such as nationality or religious affiliation. The preacher also emphasizes the liberating power of Jesus' words, which bring light and elevate believers above the worldly and traditional influences. He concludes by mentioning his intention to continue discussing the internal aspects of worship and spirituality in future sermons.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 2 - Graven Mistakes
By Alistair Begg1.4K45:40FreedomEXO 20:4ISA 40:18MAT 6:33JHN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the influence of entertainment on our culture and how it has affected public discourse. He emphasizes the longing within every person to get close to God and the various ways people try to achieve this. The preacher warns against creating our own images of God based on human sources rather than seeking Him directly. He also highlights the example of the city of Las Vegas as a metaphor for our national character and the dominance of entertainment in various aspects of our lives, including religion, news, athletics, and education.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Mark - Two Days Before Passover
By J. Glyn Owen77141:18PassoverMAT 6:33MAT 26:1MAT 26:14MRK 14:1JHN 4:19JHN 13:34In this sermon, the preacher discusses the rejection of light and its consequences. He emphasizes that when knowledge and understanding are rejected, it often leads to misunderstanding and even hatred towards those with differing beliefs. The preacher explores the reasons behind the rejection of Jesus by the ecclesiastical leaders, highlighting the role of their desire for wealth and their failure to address their cardinal sin. He urges the congregation to reflect on these principles and apply them to their own lives. The sermon also touches on the power of love received, which leads to love being reciprocated, and the dangers of lust ruling, which can lead to irrationality and blasphemy. The preacher then directs the audience to the passage in Mark's Gospel, specifically focusing on verses 1-11, where the episode of Mary breaking her alabaster box of ointment is discussed in the context of the overall narrative of Jesus' passion.
(Worship) Session 1: Introduction
By Joseph Carroll2451:13WorshipSpiritual RealityJHN 4:19Joseph Carroll emphasizes the essence of true worship, drawing from John 4:19-24 and Revelation 4. He explains that worship is not confined to a location but is a spiritual act of attributing worth to God, requiring total submission and the desire to glorify Him. Carroll shares personal anecdotes illustrating how worship can transform one's relationship with Christ, making Him a tangible reality in their lives. He stresses that worship must precede service, as true worship leads to a deeper connection with God and empowers believers to serve effectively. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to worship that is genuine and heartfelt, enabling believers to experience the presence of Christ in their daily lives.
Christ Corporate Is the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of the ChurchThe Presence of GodJHN 4:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the essence of the Church is Christ Himself, arguing that Christianity has strayed from its original simplicity and has become entangled in human systems and control. He highlights the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught, and warns against the dangers of man trying to impose his own understanding on divine matters. Sparks points out that the true Church is not defined by geography or human structures but is formed by the presence of Christ among believers. He calls for a return to the foundational principle that the Church is Christ corporate, and that the presence of the Lord is the ultimate measure of any church's validity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that in times of shaking, only what is rooted in the presence of the Lord will endure.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I perceive that thou art a prophet - And therefore thought him well qualified to decide the grand question in dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans: but she did not perceive him to be the Messiah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Sir, I perceive, &c.--Seeing herself all revealed, does she now break down and ask what hopes there might be for one so guilty? Nay, her convictions have not reached that point yet. She ingeniously shifts the subject from a personal to a public question. It is not, "Alas, what a wicked life am I leading!" but "Lo, what a wonderful prophet I got into conversation with! He will be able to settle that interminable dispute between us and the Jews. Sir, you must know all about such matters--our fathers hold to this mountain here," pointing to Gerizim in Samaria, "as the divinely consecrated place of worship, but ye Jews say that Jerusalem is the proper place--which of us is right?" How slowly does the human heart submit to thorough humiliation! (Compare the prodigal; see on Luk 15:15). Doubtless our Lord saw through the fetch; but does He say, "That question is not the point just now, but have you been living in the way described, yea or nay? Till this is disposed of I cannot be drawn into theological controversies." The Prince of preachers takes another method: He humors the poor woman, letting her take her own way, allowing her to lead while He follows--but thus only the more effectually gaining His object. He answers her question, pours light into her mind on the spirituality of all true worship, as of its glorious Object, and so brings her insensibly to the point at which He could disclose to her wondering mind whom she was all the while speaking to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The woman saith unto him, Sir,.... With another countenance, and a different air and gesture, with another accent and tone of speech, dropping her scoffs and jeers: I perceive that thou art a prophet; such an one as Samuel was, who could tell Saul what was in his heart, and that his father's asses were found, and where they were, Sa1 9:19; and as Elisha, whose heart went with his servant Gehazi, when Naaman turned to him to meet him, and give him presents; and who could tell, ere the king's messenger came to him, that the son of a murderer had sent to take away his head, Kg2 5:26. And such a prophet, that had such a spirit of discerning, this woman took Christ to be; and who indeed is greater than a prophet, and is the omniscient God; who knows all men's hearts, thoughts, words and actions, and needs not that any should testify of them to him; for he knows what is in them, and done by them; and can tell them all that ever they did, as he did this woman, Joh 4:29. Now in order either to shift off the discourse from this subject, which touched her to the quick; or else being truly sensible of her sin, and willing to reform, and for the future to worship God in the place and manner he had directed, she addressed Christ in the following words.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:19-20 The woman dodged Jesus’ moral probing and brought up the historical ethnic division between Jews and Samaritans. 4:19 a prophet: Jesus revealed knowledge about the woman (4:16-18) that was inaccessible to the average person (cp. 1:48). • As the woman’s understanding of Jesus unfolded, her names for him became increasingly well informed. Earlier she recognized him as a Jew (4:9) and called him sir (4:11, 15, 19). Later she thought he might be the Messiah (4:29). Finally, the people of the village recognized him as Savior of the world (4:42). Her growing understanding of Jesus’ identity is a testimony to John’s readers (see 20:31).