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  JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER, IF THOU KNEWEST THE GIFT OF GOD
  by John Calvin
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Summary: 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.

Topics: "Divine Mercy", "Gods Sovereignty"
Scripture References: Isaiah 65:1, John 4:10

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-calvin/jesus-answered-and-said-unto-her-if-thou-knewest-the-gift-of-god/
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