Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first thirty-eight verses of the fourth chapter. “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had hear that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, say thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city of buy meat.)) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 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 live water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw a. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said,I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou sort a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him. Must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:1-26). “And upon this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? Or, Why tallest thou with her? The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him” (John 4:27-30). “In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to Finnish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that Soweto and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying, true, One Soweto, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that wherein ye bestowed no labour: other men labour Ed, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:31-38). When you come to the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John you will find an account that is actually quite interesting when you take the time to think about it. It is in the fourth chapter of this gospel where we find the Lord Jesus departing from Judaea and returning unto Galilee. What we find here in this passage Og Scripture if that the Lord Jesus knew that the Pharisees heard that he made and baptized more disciples than John and as a direct result of this departed from the region of Judaea. In the opening verses of this passage of Scripture we find the apostle John writing how when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard and learned that he baptized and made more disciples than John He would indeed depart from Judaea and return unto Galilee. Scripture is entirely unclear at what point during His life and ministry this would take place, however we must conclude that it took place sometime during the time when John the Baptist was still free and permitted to teach and baptize men and women in the waters of the Jordan River. In fact it is when you consider the words which are found in the final verses of the third chapter we find and discover this reality of the disciples of John getting into a dispute with some of the Jews about purifying. It would be in this context we find and read how some would come unto John the Baptist and seek to make him aware of the one whom he bore witness of and testified concerning had indeed baptized more than himself and that all men were coming unto him. Oh if you want to truly understand the words and language found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John it is absolutely necessary to read and consider the words which are found in the final verses of the previous chapter. If you take the time to read the words which are presented in the final verses of the third chapter of this gospel account you will find John the Baptist having to not declare and profess that he was not the Messiah and Christ but rather to profess and proclaim the pre-eminence of the Messiah and Christ. It would be within this passage of Scripture John the Baptist would defend the Messiah and the Christ and make the emphatically declaration that he was indeed the friend of the bridegroom. John the Baptist would indeed rise up in the midst of those who were present during those days and publicly speak of the Messiah and the Christy whom He had personally bore witness and testified of. Here in this passage of Scripture we find John the Baptist explaining unto those who came unto him that he must indeed decrease that the Messiah and Christ might increase. This is something which we must needs recognize and understand for when we consider the words which are found in the fourth chapter we must needs understand that they are indeed based entirely on that which took place in Judaea in the final verses of the previous chapter. It was the Jews themselves who came unto John the Baptist speaking of the one whom he bore witness of and testified concerning making and baptizing more disciples than he and as a direct result of this John the Baptist would indeed need to make the public defense concerning and about the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is that when you read the first three chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find that almost at the very heart and center of it are the declarations which John the Baptist would make concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more you read the words which are found in this particular passage of Scripture the more you can and will be brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding John the Baptist and those declarations which he would make concerning the person and Idenity of this Jesus of Nazareth. It would be beginning almost at the start of the first chapter we find the account of that which John the Baptist would declare and profess concerning Jesus of Nazareth and how he was specifically chosen to bear witness unto that one who would come after him. In fact the more you read the four New Testament gospel the more you can and will be brought face to face with the public testimony and witness John the Baptist would indeed make concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is within the four New Testament gospel narratives we find powerful testimonies and witnesses of that which John the Baptist would proclaim and exclaim concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this being said I would dare say that what adds even more weight and meaning to the exchange which would take place between Jesus and this Samaritan woman from the city of Sychar is when you think about the fact that it would come on the heels of those declarations which John the Baptist would indeed make concerning that one who would come after him. Initially John the Baptist would speak of one whom he had not yet known and who had not yet made manifest unto him and yet the time would indeed come when there would no longer be any mystery surrounding that One who was the Christ and the Messiah for it would be revealed unto him at the Jordan River. As you read and study the four New Testament gospels you will find and discover that John the Baptist would indeed testify and bear witness of one who would come after him who would indeed baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. John the Baptist would baptize with water unto repentance for the remission of sins to prepare and make ready a people to meet their Lord and yet there would be a period of time when he would testify and bear witness of one whom he had not yet known. There was a period of time when John the Baptist would speak of and bear witness concerning the Messiah and the Christ and yet would not know who that person truly was. What John the Baptist would have is the revelation that would be given unto him by the eternal Father that the one whom he saw the Spirit descending and lighting upon would be that one who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost .Oh this is important for us to recognize and pay attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous dichotomy that exists between John the Baptist bearing witness and testifying concerning one whom he had not yet known and that which would take place when he would finally become aware of and know of whom he had been bearing witness of and testifying concerning. Oh what makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is that while Jesus walked in Judaea and while Jesus walked in Galilee He would never make the declaration that He was indeed the Christ. It isn’t until you come to the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John where you find certain accounts of the Lord Jesus making the profession that He was indeed the Christ. In fact it would be unto the Samaritan woman at the well outside the city of Sychar where Jesus would make the declaration and profession that He was indeed the Christ. It is also in the ninth chapter when we read of the man who was born blind receiving sight for the very first time we find Jesus emphatically declaring and professing unto this man that he was indeed the one who had been waiting for. Before we get into the words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John I am absolutely convinced we must needs consider the four distinct gospel accounts of the ministry and testimony of John the Baptist. We know that John the Baptist would indeed baptize in water unto repentance for the remission of sins, however, we must needs recognize and understand that he would also be sent of God to bear witness of and testify concerning the Messiah and the Christ. The sole purpose and foundation for the ministry which John the Baptist would be given would indeed be that ministry which would prepare men and women for the coming and arrival of the Messiah. John the Baptist would indeed spend time bearing witness of and concerning the one who was the Christ making the declaration that He would be mightier than himself and would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Eventually and ultimately the Messiah and the Christ would be made manifest and would be revealed unto him at the waters of the Jordan River. It would be there at the waters of the Jordan River where John the baptist would see the heavens opened unto and before Jesus of Nazareth, would see the Holy Spirit descend and light upon Him in the bodily form of a dove and would also hear the voice of the Father speaking from heaven proclaiming and exclaiming that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. It would be that which was experienced here at the Jordan River that would once and for all solidify within the heart and mind of John the Baptist who was indeed the Messiah and the Christ. Up until this point in time we find and read of John the Baptist speaking of one whom he did not yet know and declare that He would be the one who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost and yet now there would be no more mystery for it would be revealed unto him who the Messiah and Christ truly was. Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the following words which are found in each of the four New Testament gospel narratives written by the gospel authors. It is here in this passages of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the tremendous truth concerning the witness and testimony which John the Baptist would indeed make concerning the Christ—both before it was revealed who the Messiah and Christ truly was and after it was revealed and made known who this Messiah and Christ was. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four gospel narratives beginning to read with and from that which is present in the New Testament gospel which was written by the apostle Matthew: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Elias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his lions; and his meat was locust and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all JMudaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:1-12). “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbid him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17). “And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment: Beholod, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath. Not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:7-15). “And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:9-13). Consider if you will the following words which are written and recorded in the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by John Mark concerning John the Baptist and the witness and testimony he would bring concerning the Messiah and the Christ: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:1-8). “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11). We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of what is found in the New Testament gospel narratives which were written by the apostle Matthew and John Mark for they prepare us for that which we find in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. In the third chapter of the New Testament gospel written by Luke we find a powerful expose concerning the public ministry of John the Baptist and the witness and testimony he would bear concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke beginning to read with and from the first verse before we return to the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John: “Now in the fiftieth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonities, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:1-9). “And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:10-14). “And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison” (Luke 3:15-20). “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased” i(Luke 3:21-22). It is at this point where I find it absolutely necessary to return to the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John and the witness and testimony which John the Baptist would bear concerning Jesus of Nazareth. It is indeed true that John the Baptist would initially bear witness of and testify of Him whom he knew not of, however, there would come a point in time when John the Baptist would receive revelation and confirmation from heaven itself concerning Jesus of Nazareth as being the Messiah and the Christ. It was revealed unto John the Baptist that the One whom he saw the Holy Spirit descend and light upon would be that one who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. There seems to be every indication that at least until the tine of Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River and the vision and revelation John the Baptist would have concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ he bore witness and testified of one whom he did not know. There seems to be—at least a cursory indication that it wasn’t until the baptism of the Lord Jesus in the waters of the Jordan that the identity of the Messiah and Christ had not yet been confirmed. We know how the apostle Matthew wrote of John the Baptist initially seeking to forbid and prohibit Jesus from being baptized of him and his need to be baptized of Him. It would be Jesus who would emphatically declare that it needed to be so that all righteousness might be fulfilled. There at the Jordan River—after Jesus came up straightway out of the water—the heavens were opened unto him and John the baptist would see the Holy Spirit descend upon Him in the bodily form as a dove. What’s more is there would come a voice speaking from heaven proclaiming that this was indeed His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first and third chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John concerning the witness and testimony of John the Baptist concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:6-18). “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:19-28). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36). “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John,a nd said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:22-36). I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding John the Baptist and the proclamation he made concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be in the first chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative we discover John the Baptist not only speaking of Jesus of Nazareth as being the Lamb of God but he would also go on to emphatically exclaim and proclaim that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. What makes this all the more astonishing and intriguing when you think about it is that the confirmation John the Baptist received concerning Jesus being the Son of God would indeed be that which took place at the Jordan River. It would be there at the Jordan River where John the Baptist would see the heavens opened before and unto Jesus and the Holy Spirit descending and lighting upon Him in the bodily form as a dove. What makes this truly unique when you take the time to think about and consider it is when you understand that it was revealed unto John the Baptist that He whom he saw the Spirit descending and lighting upon would be the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. There at the Jordan River John the Baptist would witness and behold the Holy Spirit descend from heaven in the bodily form as a dove and light upon the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Accompanying the descent of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit would indeed be the emphatic declaration made from heaven that this was the beloved Son of the Father in whom he was well pleased. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the revelation which John the Baptist would indeed receive concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is one thing which makes all of this all the more astonishing and intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider that John the Baptist wasn’t the only one who would receive revelation from the Father that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. If you read the sixteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew as well as the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find Simon called Peter making the emphatic declaration that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Not only this but in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John you will find Nathanael making a powerful declaration and proclamation concerning the person of Jesus and that He was the Christ. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in these three chapters in the four gospel accounts for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth concerning the the revelation that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye thaty I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20). “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” John 6:66-71). “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith to him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Zion of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:43-51). I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to consider these passages concerning the witness and testimony which John the Baptist would indeed make concerning Jesus of Nazareth. It would be John the Baptist who would publicly exclaim and proclaim that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God which took away the sins of the world. What’s more is that John the Baptist would also declare and exclaim that Jesus was truly the Son of the living God and that One which was to come. Within the four gospel narratives there would indeed be wonderful and powerful accounts of those who would publicly make the proclamation in the presence of Jesus that He was the Son of the living God. It would be Simon called Peter and Nathanael who would both declare that He was the Son of the living God while the apostle Peter would in fact declare that Jesus was indeed the Christ. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it brings us face to face with the awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and what was exclaimed and proclaimed concerning Him. What’s more is that if you read the four gospel narratives you will find that Jesus would charge the unclean spirits and devils who knew who he was and would proclaim him to be the eternal Son of the living God to be silent. When the unclean spirits and devils would speak of Jesus as being the Christ and the Son of the living God Jesus would charge and command them to be silent. Jesus would not permit the unclean spirits and devils to make the declaration and proclamation that He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God and would command them to be silent. What’s more is that after Simon called Peter would proclaim that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God He would charge them not to declare and proclaim that truth in the hearing of others. Simon Peter would indeed make the declaration and proclamation that Jesus was the Son of the living God and the Christ in the hearing of the disciples and in the presence of Jesus and yet He would charge them not to make Him known or proclaim that He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. If there is one thing which makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you come to the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel. As you come to this chapter you will find Jesus departing from Judaea that He might return unto Galilee where He had His origin. The sole reason and purpose Jesus would depart from Judaea and return unto Galilee was indeed because the Pharisees had heard that he baptized and made more disciples than John. It would be as a direct result of this Jesus would depart from Judaea and return unto Galilee and yet instead of journeying from Judaea straight into Galilee the apostle John records how Jesus must needs journey through Samaria. Jesus would indeed make the journey from Judaea unto Galilee and yet as He would make that journey He would pass through Samaria—namely and mainly because he had a divine appointment there in the city of Sychar. Scripture reveals how Jesus needed to go through Samaria and upon arriving there he would come to a city which was called Sychar which was near a parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. The apostle John would write how Jacob’s well was there and it would be there at that well Jesus would sit being wearied from His journey. Oh I absolutely love that Scripture not only reveals the time of day when Jesus sat down at the well, and not only reveals that Jesus sat down at the well but also that Jesus was weary from the journey for it reveals something incredibly unique and powerful concerning this encounter Jesus knew He would have with this woman at the well. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind the Lord Jesus knew and understood that which He would need to accomplish and fulfill there in the city of Sychar as He would indeed meet a woman who would come forth from the city itself to draw water. I have previously written concerning this particular encounter and how there is incredibly significance surrounding the mention of the hour of day in this passage for I would dare say that if this particular hour was not the normal time when women would come to draw water out of the well it would indeed be the time when this particular woman would come forth from the city and draw water from the well. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the apostle John writing concerning it being the sixth hour of the day for I can’t help but think about the fact that this woman would indeed come forth out of the city at this particular hour and time of the day. The sixth hour of the day would indeed be somewhat early during the day and this woman would come forth from the city with her pitcher that she might draw water out of the well. Oh what makes this all the more intriguing when you consider it is when you find Jesus instructing this woman to go and call her husband to come unto them there at the well. The woman would indeed respond by declaring that she had no husband—a statement of which Jesus would declare unto her that she had rightly spoken for she had had five husbands and the one whom she was presently with was not her husband. This is something which I find truly intriguing when you take the time to think about it for it seems to suggest that this woman might have had a certain reputation in the midst of the city. We know that after Jesus would reveal unto her that He was indeed the Christ she would leave her pitcher at the well and return unto the city and exclaim unto the man how there was a man who had told her everything she had ever done. This is truly significant for this woman would also make the declaration that this one whom she had encountered at the well might very well be the Christ and the Messiah who was to come. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I can’t help but be drawn to the tremendous and incredible fact that this woman might very well have come forth from the midst of the city at the sixth hour of the day—not only to draw water from the well for the day but also perhaps to avoid the other women in the city. Is it possible that this woman had a reputation among the woman of the city as perhaps being loose and cavalier with her love life having been with five different men who were her husbands? Is it possible that this woman came unto the well at the sixth hour that she might avoid the stares, the side talk, the comments, the shame, the mocking and perhaps even the shame and the condemnation that would be hurled against her? Oh it is within this New Testament gospel narrative we find the account of another woman who was caught in the act of adultery. What’s more is that not only do we find the account of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery but one who was also brought into the Temple and unto the presence of Jesus accused and condemned by the Pharisees. It would be the scribes and Pharisees who would drag this woman into the court of the Temple accusing this woman—and not only accusing this woman but accusing her according to the law of Moses. This woman was indeed guilty according to the law of the Moses and the Pharisees emphatically declared unto Jesus that the Law demanded such a woman be stoned. Undoubtedly that accusation which was brought against this woman might very well have drawn the ire and the angels t of those who had come to the temple in worship. Now instead of being in the court of the Temple to worship the living God they sought to take up stones that they might cast against and upon her to stone her to death according to the law of Moses. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words found in the fourth and eighth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for within them we find the account of two distinct women—both of whom might very well have stood accused, condemned, judged, shamed and slandered by others because of their actions and lifestyle. For the woman who was caught in the act of adultery it wasn’t necessarily about a lifestyle but about one single act which she had not only committed but had also been discovered in the midst of. In the cast of the Samaritan women who came forth from the city unto the well it was more about a lifestyle as she had been with five husbands and was presently with a man who was not her husband. I would dare say that this woman came forth from the city at the sixth hour which would have been early enough in the day perhaps to avoid the other women of the city. We know that when she returned into the city to speak of and proclaim there was one at the well who had told her everything she had done she spoke unto the men of the city. Oh I can’t help but wonder what the reputation of this woman was in the midst of the city as undoubtedly she might have had the reputation that she was incredibly loose with her relationships and her love life. This woman had been married five different times and had been divorced each of those times and was now with someone who was not her husband. This woman was now on her sixth husband and there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what type of reputation she had in the midst of the city. This adds even more weight and meaning to this passage for not only did Jesus need to pass through Samaria—a region which no Jew would journey through nor would have any deals with or within—but Jesus would also sit down at a well that he might meet and interact with this woman. What’s more is that this passage seems to indicate that Jesus needed to enter into Samaria that he might encounter and speak with this woman whom culture and society might very well have considered to be loose and perhaps even a sinner. A SAMARITAN AND A SINNER! I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be brought face to face with the tremendous truth that not only was this woman a Samaritan—one with whom Jews had no dealings with—but she might very well have been considered a sinner. It is in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke we find Luke referencing the woman who came into the presence of Jesus with her alabaster jar containing a precious ointment and perfume inside as being a sinner. Within this passage we find this woman who was not only a sinner but who also had a reputation in the city as being a sinner coming unto the Lord Jesus and anointing His feet with the perfume which she had brought with her as well as washing them with her tears and drying them with the hairs of her head. It would be in the seventh chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke we find one who was a sinner not only washing the feet of Jesus with her tears and drying them with the very hairs of her head but we also find her anointing His feet with the fragrant perfume which she had brought with her. Oh this lends a tremendous significance to what we find in the fourth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John for in this chapter we find a woman who might very well have been considered loose, promiscuous and even a sinner and adulterer by those in the city. This woman would come unto the well at the entrance of the city at the sixth hour to draw forth water out of the well and I can’t help but think about how incredibly unique this truly is when you take the time to consider it for this woman might very well have had a sordid reputation in the midst of the culture and society. This woman had had five husbands and there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder how she met and became involved with each of these five men. Were these five men who were her husbands single men when she had met them and began to be involved with them or is it possible that these men were betrothed and espoused unto another? Is it possible that this woman might very well have been considered a promiscuous homewrecker who was a sinner and an adulterer? Oh there is another passage found in this gospel narrative where we read of a woman who perhaps wasn’t considered an adulteress—at least in the sense of a lifestyle—but one who was caught in the act of adultery. It is in the eighth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative we find and encounter the narrative of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and was not only accused according to the Law of Moses but also stood to be stoned and judged according to the law of Moses. It would be there in the court of the Temple where this sinner and adulteress would potentially face judgment according to the Law which was written by Moses after having been given unto him by the living God in the wilderness. If there is one thing I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with when reading the words found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John it’s that he not only presented us with a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and quite possibly considered a sinner and an adulteress but John also presents us with a woman who might very well have been considered an adulteress. This woman whom Jesus met at the well was not only one who had had five husbands but was also with a man who wasn’t her husband. Essentially this woman was now on her sixth man and sixth relationship after the previous five relationships and marriages had indeed ended and failed. Oh I have to admit that I wonder and am curious how and why these previous five marriages and relationships failed. What happened between this woman and these five men that would have indeed caused them to fail and would have caused them to ultimately end up in divorce? Not only this but I can’t help but wonder how long each marriage lasted and how much time elapsed and passed between the ending of one marriage her moving on to the next relationship. It is quite clear from reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture that this woman was indeed looking for something. There is not a doubt in my mind that this woman was searching for something—something which might very well have seemed to have been elusive and unattainable. Stop and consider what it would take for this woman to have been with five different men whom she had as husband and for each of those marriages and relationships to end up in divorce. What’s more is consider what would and could have happened for each of these relationships to end in divorce and for this woman to now be with one who was not her husband. Oh there is absolutely no doubt and no mistaking the truth found in this passage of Scripture and how this woman was indeed searching for something—and not only searching for something but also searching for something which seemed to evade her altogether. This woman might very well have come to the well at the sixth hour because of her reputation among the women of the city as being one who was not only loose and cavalier but also one who was promiscuous and even an adulteress. Imagine what type of reputation this woman would and could have had among the women of the city having had been with five different men whom she had as husband and now being with one who was not her husband. This woman was now on her sixth relationship and even in our own culture and society she would have been considered one who was not only loose but also one who might very well be cavalier with her love life and relationships. OH it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John concerning the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and brought unto the Temple and into the presence of the Lord Jesus. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of this New Testament gospel beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and the Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:1-11). I have to admit that I absolutely love these two narratives which were found in the New Testament gospel written by John—and not only that which was written within this gospel but also that which was written in the seventh chapter of the gospel written by Luke. It is here within these chapters where we find Jesus delivering a woman caught in the act of adultery from her accusers and those who would judge and condemn her. It is here within these chapters where we not only find Jesus allowing a woman who was a sinner to anoint His feet with precious ointment and perfume but also wash them with her tears and dry them with the very hairs of her head. What’s more is that it is within these passages where we find Jesus deliberately and intentionally passing through Samaria and sitting down at a well in the city of Sychar that He might encounter this woman. Undoubtedly Jesus knew this woman would come forth from the city at that particular time and ensured that He was there ready and waiting for her. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that regardless of this woman’s past and regardless of this woman’s story Jesus still deliberately and purposefully arrived at the well before the sixth hour that He might be present there when this woman arrived. I have previously written how I believe Jesus was weary from His journey because He intentionally made it a point to be there for when this woman arrived. I firmly believe that Jesus wearied Himself from the journey that He might make it there just in time for this woman to arrive as she normally would to draw forth water out of the well. There is not a doubt in my mind that this woman would come forth from the city at the same time each day that she might draw forth water from the well. Jesus made it a point to be at the well at this precise time that He might meet this woman—and not only meet this woman but also minister unto her. I have previously written concerning this particular encounter how although this woman came unto the well to draw forth water out of it it was actually Jesus who came to this place to draw from a different well. I am absolutely convinced that this account is indeed a story of two wells—perhaps even three wells—which we must needs recognize and understand. There is the earthly, natural and physical well which was referred to as Jacob’s well which this woman—and perhaps countless others came to to draw forth water from it. There was the earthly well that provided natural water which would be used for cooking, cleaning, baking and other earthly and natural needs. There was indeed a second well which was a supernatural and spiritual well which was the well of living water which the Lord Jesus would speak about. This woman would come unto this well seeking to draw out water from an earthly and natural water not realizing that on this particular day she would come forth and encounter an eternal and divine well that would provide for her supernatural and living water that she might never thirst again. With this being said there is a third well which many might overlook when reading the words found in this passage of scripture which is the well of this woman’s soul. It was indeed true that this woman came unto this well to draw forth natural water from an earthly well and yet she had absolutely no clue that Jesus came to this well to draw from the well that was her soul. Jesus would speak unto this woman of both water and worship and in the midst of this encounter Jesus would also speak unto her of her own relationships—and not only of her own relationships but also of her own desires and pursuits. Jesus invited this woman to call her husband to which she would respond by declaring that she had no husband. It would be upon hearing this Jesus would declare unto her that she had correctly spoken for she had had five husbands and the man she was presently with was not her husband. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with a tale of three wells which were present in this passage. Two of these wells were unseen and perhaps even entirely and altogether unkown by this woman and one of these wells was very much visible, tangible and real before her. This woman would come to that well which was physical and visible and yet in the presence of Jesus another well would be exposed and another would be revealed. A WELL REVEALED! A WELL EXPOSED! A WELL VISITED! I read the words found in this passage of Scripture and I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize there are times in our lives when we come to those wells which we visit and yet it is in those places where we encounter and experience a well revealed and a well exposed within our lives. That well which is exposed is indeed the well of our souls in which everything must needs be brought forth in the presence of the Lord Jesus. With this being said it is absolutely necessary for us to recognize that it ins in the presence of the Lord Jesus where the contents of this well are safely discovered and revealed unto us. We must needs recognize that it is in the presence of Jesus where we find safety to allow the contents of that well exposed to be revealed and manifested in His presence that he might offer unto us healing, wholeness, cleansing and forgiveness. Oh there is a great need for us to recognize that this unseen and invisible well which is our very souls is exposed and laid bare in the presence of Jesus and it is He and he alone who is able to draw the contents out. What’s more is that Jesus doesn’t draw forth the contents of that well with condemnation, with shame, with guilt, with judgment and the like. Jesus would draw forth the contents of this well with compassion, with grace, with mercy and with love and tenderness. I have to admit the more I read the words which are found in this passage I am utterly and completely captivated with the beauty of these three wells and how it is in the presence of Jesus where the waters from these three wells coalesce and are revealed unto us. This woman did indeed come unto this earthly and natural well as she had perhaps done countless times before and yet on this particular day there would be two different wells which would be brought to light. It would be there at this earthly and natural well—there at this well which was indeed visible—two additional wells which were unseen and invisible would be revealed and made manifest. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is a great need to understand the safety that is found at earthly wells in the presence of Jesus. What’s more is that we dare not be afraid nor even ashamed when the well which is exposed in our lives is revealed and manifested unto us for when Jesus exposes it He does so to offer us healing, cleansing, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Oh there is something incredibly unique and powerful when we read these words for within it we come face to face with a well exposed and a well revealed and how it is in His presence where these two wells can indeed collide with each other. I am absolutely convinced that the well exposed and the well revealed are intrinsically linked and connected to each other. If there is one thing this passage reveals it’s that while we might indeed come to that earthly and natural well seeking to draw out that which we have previously drawn out and find ourselves encountering the meeting of the well exposed and the well revealed. There is a great need for us as the disciples of the Lord Jesus and the saints of the most high God to understand that in the presence of Jesus there is a safe place and a safe space for these secondary wells to be manifested and brought forth within our lives. It is in the presence of Jesus where this second well which is revealed and this third well which is exposed meet and provide us with an environment in which we can be completely and entirely changed and transformed in the presence of Jesus. This woman might very well have had five husbands and might currently be with one who was not her husband and yet in the presence of Jesus she would find transformation in the place of wells revealed and wells exposed. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to draw and call your attention to the incredible truth surrounding this well which is revealed and this well which is exposed for I firmly believe that both are needed to experience change and transformation. That well which is exposed is the well of our own souls in which Jesus seeks to draw out all that we have been holding on to and harboring throughout the course of our lives. That well which is revealed is the well of living water which is offered freely unto us that we might have life—and not only that we might have life but might also receive everything that we need from the presence of Jesus through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. It was Jesus who Himself spoke of rivers of living water flowing out of us and it was the apostle John who revealed that those living waters were indeed the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was Jesus Himself who declared that He was indeed the living water and that if anyone was thirsty they need to come unto Him. Here at this well we find the converging of a well exposed and a well revealed as one would indeed make way and make room for the other. In fact I would dare say that it’s in the emptying and bringing forth of the contents of the well exposed that room for the contents of the well revealed might be ready and made available to us, unto us and for us. In the case of the woman at the well Jesus would first ask her to drink and yet it would be in the context of asking her for a drink that he would indeed offer unto her the gift of living water. This is something we must needs recognize for not only did Jesus offer this woman the gift of living water and speak unto her of worship but he would also reveal unto her that He was indeed the Messiah and the Christ which was to come. How absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the reality of Jesus exposing the well that was this woman’s soul and drawing out the contents therein—“Come see a man who told me everything I ever did”—and His revealing the well of His own idenity—“Is not this the Christ?” The well which was exposed would indeed be everything she ever did and the well which was revealed would be the revelation of His identity as the Messiah and the Christ. The encounter this woman of the city of Sychar had with the person of Jesus of Nazareth is absolutely astonishing and remarkable when you truly take the time to think about it for here we have a woman who came forth unto physical and natural well which she had undoubtedly visited frequently that she might draw out natural water. It would be there in that place where we encounter and find the person of the Lord Jesus Christ ready and waiting there for her. There is not a doubt in my mind that this Jesus of Nazareth would be there at the well waiting for her that He might not only expose the well of her own soul—the well of everything she had ever done—but also reveal the well of Himself and of His own idenity—“I that speak unto thee am he.” It would be there at this earthly well everything she every did would be exposed while at the same time the idenity of the Messiah and Christ would be revealed. It would be in that context of the identity of the Messiah and Christ being revealed we encounter the wonderful and powerful invitation to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth as well as to partake of the living water which Jesus Himself came to offer and provide. Oh how absolutely wonderful it is to discover that in this place of a well that’s visible we also encounter a well that is exposed and a well that is revealed. It is in that place of a well exposed and a well revealed the identity of the person of Jesus is indeed manifested and it’s in that place where the invitation to worship the Father and partake of the living waters is made available. It’s in that place where transformation and change is indeed manifested within our lives and when we can indeed move forward from that place—not only knowing who the Christ is, not only worshipping the Father, not only partaking of the living waters but also receiving all the waters provide which is healing, cleansing, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Oh that we would read the words which are found in this passage and find ourselves encountering the person of Jesus in these places of visible wells knowing that it’s in the presence of Jesus in those places where the well within our own souls is exposed and the well of His idenity is revealed that we might indeed be changed and transformed from the inside out.