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 verses thirty-nine through fifty-four of the fourth chapter. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:39-42). “Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaean received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was not going down, his servant met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee” (John 4:43-54). When you come to this particular portion of scripture you will find the events which would unfold after Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well outside the city of Sychar. If you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the previous verses you will find the Samaritan woman leaving her water pot at the well behind her as she would journey into the city. What’s more is that not only would this woman leave her water pot at the well but she would also leave Jesus Himself behind at the well. Perhaps completely and utterly overwhelmed with the revelation that was just given to her she felt compelled to journey into the city that she might speak unto the men of the city concerning what had just happened. There is not a doubt in my mind that this woman was completely and utterly overwhelmed with what had taken place between her and Jesus and how He had not only spoken unto her concerning living water but also worship. Moreover it would be there at the well where Jesus would ask this woman to go and call her husband unto the well which would open up an entirely different course and flow of this interaction. It would be there in the midst of the conversation where the woman would respond unto Jesus by declaring that she had no husband—a statement to which Jesus would respond by not only acknowledging was true but would also go on to reveal further truth concerning it. IN response to this woman making the declaration that she had no husband Jesus would declare unto her that she had had five husbands and the man whom she was presently with was not her husband. Upon hearing this the woman would speak unto Jesus how she perceived that he was a prophet for there would be no other explanation for how and why He would know such things about her and her personal life. As I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I can’t help but see the progression of revelation and understanding within this woman’s heart concerning Jesus. Initially this woman would perceive Jesus as being a Jew—one whose people had no dealings or interactions with Samaritans at all. If you read this particular passage of Scripture you will encounter the tremendous truth that this woman would initially perceive that Jesus was a Jew for His appearance and perhaps even His accent and dialect would reveal that He was from Galilee. Upon first encountering and meeting Jesus there at the well this woman would have absolutely no clue or understanding of who He was. This is something which is truly astonishing when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the reality of this woman’s limited understanding in those opening moments of her interaction with the Lord Jesus. This woman would indeed perceive that Jesus was a Jew and perhaps even wondered how and why He would even be In Samaria—much less sitting down at a well outside the city of Sychar. Oh what is truly astonishing when you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture is how the apostle John writes how Jesus departed from Judaea that he might return unto Galilee. While journeying and traveling from Judaea unto Galilee, however, the apostle John writes how Jesus must needs pass through Samaria although the apostle John would not immediately reveal how or why Jesus felt compelled to pass through Samaria on His way unto Judaea. The only thing Scripture initially reveals is that Jesus must needs pass through Samaria on His way unto Galilee without even describing the reason and purpose for that journey. If there is one thing I absolutely love about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s that not only did Jesus pass through Samaria but He actually stopped within Samaria. Upon reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that Jesus didn’t merely pass through Samaria without stopping in the midst of it but instead chose to stop and sit down by a well. Oh the more you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that this is one of only two distinct times when the Lord Jesus would deliberately and intentionally reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. Time and time again when the unclean spirits and devils would cry out and pronounce Him as the Son of the Highest and as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God Jesus would command them to be silenced. Just would straitly and strictly forbid any unclean spirit or devil from pronouncing Him as the Christ and the Son of the living God. What’s more is that as you read the four gospel narratives you will find that even when Simon called Peter made the confession and profession that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God Jesus would charge and command His disciples to not publicly reveal and declare Him as the Christ and the Son of the living God. Jesus would commend and bless Simon called Peter for his confession and profession and would further declare that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto him but His Father which was in heaven. Simon Peter would make the declaration that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God and Jesus would not only pronounce Him blessed but would also declare that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto Him but His Father who was in heaven. Moreover the Lord would go on to declare unto Simon called Peter that it would be upon this rock He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following passages which are found in the four gospels concerning the declaration and profession of those who would indeed declare that Jesus would be the Christ and the Son of the living God beginning with the sixteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “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;p and others Jeremiahs, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that 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 the should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20) “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! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek yet? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:35-42). “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 of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guide! 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, IK saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son 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). “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). We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in each of these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding those instances when men themselves would make the declaration that Jesus was the Son of the living God. It would be John the Baptist who would be the first to make the profession and declaration that Jesus was the Son of the living God after beholding the heavens opened unto Him and seeing the Spirit descend and rest upon Him in the bodily form of a dove at the Jordan River. That which would enable John the Baptist to make the declaration that Jesus was the Lamb of God—and not only the Lamb of God but also the Son of God—was the experience and encounter which would take place at the Jordan River when He would see the Spirit descend and rest upon Jesus in the bodily form as a dove and would hear the voice of the Father speaking from heaven declaring that He was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. What makes this all the more intriguing is when you consider the the next day after John the Baptist would make the declaration concerning Jesus that He was the Lamb of God and the Son of God he would once more make the declaration that Jesus was the Lamb of God—a statement which would cause two of his disciples to depart from him and begin following Jesus. One of these disciples was Andrew who was the brother of Simon called Peter and after seeing where Jesus dwelt would go and find his brother and invite him to come and see the one whom they had met for they had found the one who was the Christ—the One whom the Law and the prophets had spoken of. Moreover it would be in the first chapter of this New Testament gospel we find Nathanael make the declaration unto Jesus that He was the Son of the living God and the King of Israel, thus being the third person during those times to speak of Christ as either the Son of the living God or as the Christ and Messiah. If you continue reading the words which are found in the four New Testament gospels you will find Simon Peter making two distinct declarations and professions concerning Jesus the Christ and the Son of the living God. It would be in the sixteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find Jesus and His disciples entering into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi. Upon entering into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi directly in the shadow of Mount Hermon the Lord Jesus Christ would ask His disciples whom men said that He the Son of man was. The disciples would respond by voicing and presenting the opinions of men—namely how there were those who would say that Jesus was Elias, while others would say that He was Jeremias, while others would say that he was that prophet. Upon hearing the opinions of others Jesus would present the question in a more personal manner unto the disciples and ask them whom they said that He the Son of man was. It would be in response to this Simon called Peter would make the confession and profession that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for in response to Simon called Peter’s confession and declaration we find Jesus commending and blessing him for such a revelation. Jesus would declare unto Simon that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto him but rather His Father who was in heaven, thus suggesting and implying that it would and could only be His Father who was in heaven that would and could reveal this unto Him. Moreover the Lord Jesus Christ would go on to declare that it would be upon this rock upon which He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. What makes this encounter all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider how immediately after this Jesus would straitly charge His disciples that they tell no man that He was the Christ and/or the Son of the living God. As you continue reading within the four New Testament gospels you will find many of the Jews in Galilee being offended with Jesus because of the words which He had spoken. Jesus would speak of eating His flesh and drinking His blood and declare that except one eat His flesh and drink His blood they would have no part in and of Him. The apostle John goes on to reveal how from that time on many of His disciples turned back and walked no more with Him—perhaps leaving Jesus with the twelve disciples and maybe a few others. We know that Jesus would have been with at least the twelve disciples for the apostle John would write how Jesus would speak directly unto the twelve and would ask them if they would also go away. Upon hearing these words and this question asked by the Lord Jesus Simon called Peter would ask the Lord to whom they should and/or could go for He alone had the words of eternal life. Moreover Simon called Peter would go on to declare how they believed and were sure that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God. Oh this would be the second time in which Simon called Peter would make the declaration, the confession and profession that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. There would be no commendation nor blessing for Simon called Peter’s declaration and confession this time and the only words Jesus would speak would be the question “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” Oh how absolutely incredible and important the words which are found in this passage of Scripture truly are for they bring us face to face with the second declaration and confession which Simon called Peter would make concerning Jesus being the Christ and the Son of the living God. Before returning to the words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and the physician Luke. It would be in each of these two gospels where we not only find the account of Jesus being baptized of John the Baptist at the Jordan River but we also find the account of His being transfigured before Peter, James and John atop the mountain—a vision and revelation which He would charge them to tell no man until after He had been raised from the dead. I am absolutely convinced that when we read the words found in this passages of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the truth of God Himself making the declaration that Jesus was the Son. Oh it would be one thing for John the Baptist declaring that Jesus was the Son of God and it would be one thing for Andrew to make the declaration that Jesus was the Christ whom Moses and the prophets wrote about. It would be one thing for Nathanael to make the declaration that Jesus was the Son of the living God and the King of Israel and even for Simon called Peter to make the confession and profession that Jesus was the Christs and the Son of the living God. It would, however, be something entirely and altogether different for the Father to speak from heaven and declare that Jesus was indeed His beloved Son. The same Father who would reveal unto Simon called Peter that Jesus was indeed the Son and the Christ would on two separate occasions speak from heaven and declare Jesus to be His beloved Son. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following two passages found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and the beloved physician Luke: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. John forbid him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto hi, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil 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 after six days Jesus takers Peter, James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light, and, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 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 17:1-13). “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistening. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heaven with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a flood, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen” (Luke 17:28-36). Within these passages we find there were two distinct times within the life of Jesus when the Father would utter his voice from heaven and makes the declaration concerning Jesus as being His beloved Son. It would be as Jesus would emerge from the waters of the Jordan River the heavens were opened unto Him, the Holy Spirit would descend upon Him in the bodily form as a dove and the voice of the Father would make the declaration that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. What’s more is that there would be a second time within the life of Jesus when the voice of the Father would be uttered from and would declare and profess that He was His beloved Son—namely, atop the mountain after Jesus’ appearance was altered and He was transfigured before the disciples Peter, James and John. It would be after Moses and Elijah departed from Jesus and His three disciples and after Simon called Peter would declare unto Jesus how it was good for them to be there with Him and how they ought to build three tabernacles—one for Him, one for Moses and one for Elijah. Immediately after this a bright cloud would overshadow them and it would be revealed unto them that this was His beloved Son and a command was given to listen to and hear Him. Thus with the encounter and experience atop the mountain the voice of the Father would make the profession and declaration that Jesus was His beloved Son. Thus far we have witnessed John the Baptist declare that Jesus was the Son of God, we have witnessed Nathanael declaring that Jesus was the Son of the living God, and we have witnessed Simon called Peter making the declaration that Jesus was both the Son of the living God and the Christ. Oh this is something we must needs recognize for there would be [at least] three distinct individuals who would speak of and make the profession and confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God. As if this weren’t enough the Father Himself would make the declaration from heaven that Jesus was His beloved Son in whom he was well pleased. It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and understand this for when we come to the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find the progression of revelation within the heart and spirit of the woman who was at the well. What would initially and originally begin with this woman perceiving that Jesus was indeed a Jew—one whose people had no dealings or interactions with Samaritans—would eventually transition to her believing and perceiving that Jesus was indeed a prophet. It would be when and in response to Jesus spoke unto her as having five husbands and the one whom she was now with was not her husband this woman would make the declaration that she perceived he was a prophet. Eventually and ultimately the conversation would transition to worship as this woman would declare unto Jesus how their fathers worshipped in [this mountain] which was perhaps a location there in the midst of Samaria. The Jews, however, declared and believed that it would be in Jerusalem where was the place men ought to worship before and unto the living God. Jesus would respond unto this woman and declare unto her that the hour was coming when they would neither worship in the mountain in Samaria nor yet at Jerusalem—and not only worship but worship the Father. Moreover Jesus would go on to declare that the Samaritans worship what they know not of while the Jews knew what and whom they worshipped for salvation was of the Jews. This would immediately be followed by Jesus declaring that the hour was coming and now was when the true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Not only this but Jesus would declare that God is a spirit and those that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. We must needs recognize and understand that which is mentioned at this particular point within the fourth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John for it would be in direct response to this the woman would speak unto this One who spoke with her at the well and declare that she knew that Messiah was coming which is called Christ. Not only this but this woman would also go on to declare that when the Messiah would come he would tell them all things. Oh there is something truly astonishing found in this passage of Scripture for what we read here seems to suggest this woman was living with an expectation of the Messiah and the Christ which was to come. We know that the Jews themselves were living with the expectation and anticipation of the Messiah and the Christ coming unto to them, however, it would be something else entirely different for the Samaritans to live with the expectation of the Messiah and the Christ coming. Pause for a moment and consider how incredibly powerful this particular section of Scripture truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth that this woman professed and declared unto the person of the Lord Jesus how she knew that Messiah was coming which would be called the Christ. Not only this but this woman would go on to declare that when the Messiah would come He would tell them all things—something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of. Oh I firmly believe we must needs recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the expectation and anticipation that was present within the heart and soul of this woman. There seems to be every indication in this passage that this woman knew and believed that Messiah would come—He who was called the Christ and who would tell us all things. What an incredibly unique and powerful declaration this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it would indeed set the tone and stage for what we find in this passage of Scripture and chapter. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about the words this woman spoke and how these words would indeed seem to offer every indication that she was waiting for and expecting the Messiah who was called the Christ to come. Not only this but there also seemed to be the expectation that when the Messiah who was called the Christ came He would tell us all things—those things which might otherwise be declared and proclaimed unto the Jews and the jews alone. Oh there seems to be every indication that what we find in this passage of Scripture is a profound invitation given unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal Himself unto her for not only would this woman speak of her knowing and believing the Messiah would come which was called the Christ but there also seemed to be the expectation that when the Messiah which was called the Christ would come He would show and teach them all things. Much like the Holy Spirit who would come and not speak of Himself but would speak, tell and reveal all things concerning Jesus the Christ so also this woman had the expectation that when the Messiah and Christ would come He would tell them all things. Oh pause for a moment and consider how absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is for this woman was a Samaritan and was not even a jew and yet she would live with the expectation and anticipation of the Messiah and the Christ. Oh pause and consider how the Samaritans would and could have lived with the anticipation and expectation of the Messiah and the Christ. Here within this passage of Scripture we find this Samaritan woman making the wonderful and powerful declaration that she knew the Messiah and the Christ was coming and when He is come He would tell them all things. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I can’t help but think about the fact that Jesus must needs pass through Samaria for He knew there was a woman of reputation in the midst of the city who lived with the expectation and anticipation of the Messiah. Jesus must needs pass through Samaria because He knew and recognized that there was a woman present in the midst of the city who was living with the anticipation and expectation of the Messiah and the Christ. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus showed up in Samaria to show forth Himself as the Messiah and the Christ for He knew and understood there would indeed be those present within it who were living with the expectation and anticipation that He was the Christ. In fact it is when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find this woman departing from the well, departing from Jesus and leaving her water pot behind that she might journey into the city and speak directly unto the men of the city. This woman would enter into the city and would invite them to come and see a man who told her everything she had ever done. That which the apostle John writes and reveals is how the men of the city believed on Jesus for the saying of the woman which testified, “He told me all things that I ever did.” IN direct response to this the Samaritans would come unto him and besought him that he would tarry with them—a request which Jesus would oblige as He would abide there two days. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you read how there would be many more who would believe because of Jesus’ own word and would speak unto this woman declaring that they believed—not because of her saying alone—but because they have heard Him themselves and knew that He was indeed the Christ who was the Saviour of the world. Oh it is when you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find this woman speaking unto the Lord Jesus and declaring unto Him that she knew the Messiah which was called the Christ would come. Not only this but she would also go on to declare unto Jesus that when the Messiah which was called the Christ came He would tell them and reveal unto them all things. It would be in response to this the Lord Jesus would declare unto Her that He which spoke unto her was indeed the Messiah and the Christ. Pause for a moment and consider what this particular encounter and experience would indeed have been like as Jesus was not in a town in Galilee nor was he in a city of Judaea confirming that He was the Christ and the Messiah. In fact there would be no place in any of the four gospels other than the ninth chapter of this New Testament gospel where Jesus would even make any such declaration that He was the Christ and the Messiah. It would be in the ninth chapter of this gospel where we find Jesus in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and giving sight unto a man who was born blind. It would be there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem the Lord Jesus would not only give sight unto this man who had been born blind but would also reveal unto Him that He was the Christ and the Messiah. To my knowledge there are only two distinct times within the four gospels when Jesus explicitly declares unto certain individuals that He was indeed the Christ and the Messiah with the first being in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and the second coming in the second chapter of the same New Testament gospel. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the ninth chapter of this gospel narrative for within it we not only find the giving of sight but we also find the revelation of the Messiah and the Christ. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the first verse of the ninth chapter: “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:1-7). “The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: other said, he is like him; But he said, I ask he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the Pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not” (John 9:8-12). “They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How ca a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What quest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? How then doth he now see? His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be his disciple? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and doth thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe, and worshipped him” (John 9:13-37). “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:39-41). I THAT SPEAK UNTO THEE AM HE! THOU HAS TSEEN HIM AND IT IS HE THAT TALKETH WITH THEE! Oh pause and consider the words which are found within each of these passages for it would be in Samaria where Jesus would make the emphatic declaration unto this woman that He which spoke unto her was indeed the Messiah and the Christ. It would be in the city of Jerusalem where Jesus would first ask the man who was born blind and whose sight had been restored unto him whether or not he believed on the Son of God. This man who was born blind and yet received his sight would ask Jesus who this Son of God was that He might believe on Him—a question to which Jesus would respond by declaring unto him how he had both seen him and it was He which talked with him. What a truly astonishing and captivating truth is found in these passages of Scripture for it would be unto the woman in Samaria Jesus would reveal Himself as the Christ and the Messiah while it would be in unto the man who had been born blind Jesus would reveal Himself as the Son of the living God. In fact I would dare say that the sole reason and purpose Jesus must needs pass through Samaria was because He knew there was at least one who was living and moving with the Messianic expectation and anticipation within their heart. I firmly believe that Jesus needed to pass through Samaria on His way unto Galilee because He knew that He needed to reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. Jesus knew that this woman was indeed living with the expectation and anticipation that the Messiah and Christ was indeed coming and it would be in response to this expectation and anticipation Jesus would indeed show up—and not only show up but also reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. Oh that we would recognize and understand this for Jesus shows up where there is an expectation and anticipation of Him and where men and women wait in anxious expectation for Him to arrive and appear. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus needed to pass through Samaria—and not only pass through Samaria but sit down at this well and ultimately abide there for two days—because the revelation of the Messiah and the Christ was desperately needed in that place. 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 the fact that Jesus knew and understood the expectation and anticipation that was present within this woman’s heart. In fact I would dare say that Jesus steered and guided this conversation that He might ultimately lead it into the place where He would reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. I am absolutely convinced that when we read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture we must needs acknowledge and understand that Jesus undoubtedly had every intention to reveal Himself as the Messiah and the Christ unto this woman. What’s more is I would dare say that Jesus had it in His heart to reveal and manifest Himself as the Christ and the Messiah in the midst of this city of Samaria before He even departed from Judaea. Jesus Himself revealed that he came not to do His own will but the will of Him who sent Him. Moreover Jesus emphatically declared that he spoke only those things which the Father spoke and told Him, thus indicating that He would not speak anything that was outside, apart and separate from the divine will, plan and purpose of the living God. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding Jesus needing to journey through Samaria that He might pause for an interlude in the midst of it that he might demonstrate and manifest Himself as the Messiah and Christ. Oh Scripture doesn’t seem to indicate that Jesus performed any work, sign or wonder there in Samaria but only that He taught and spake unto them. What a truly astonishing and powerful truth this truly is when you think about it that the Jews demanded a sign that they might believe that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. The Jews and the Pharisees continually asked Jesus for a sign to demonstrate and prove that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God. Jesus would be present in the midst of the city of Sychar in the region of Samaria and there would not be a single one from among them who would ask Him for a single sign, wonder and miracle. The more I think about the interaction and encounter between this woman and the person of the Lord Jesus the more I can’t help but wonder how she had come to live with the Messianic expectation and anticipation. We know that this woman would speak unto Jesus and declare unto Him how she knew that Messiah comes which was called the Christ and that when the Messiah was come He would show unto them all things. The question I find myself asking is how this woman came to live with this expectation and anticipation of the Messiah and the Christ since she was a Samaritan and the Samaritans had no dealings with the Jews. How absolutely wonderful and incredible it truly is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for eventually and ultimately this woman would speak unto Jesus concerning the Messiah and the Christ thus demonstrating the anticipation and expectation which was present within her heart and soul. This woman undoubtedly lived with a tremendous expectation of the Messiah and the Christ and yet she would not realize that the One whom she was speaking with there at the well was the very One she had been looking for, longing for, anticipating and expecting. Here at the well this woman would be sitting down with the Messiah and the Christ and yet would initially perceive Him as nothing more than a Jew of whose people had no dealings with the Samaritans. Eventually she would perceive that Jesus was a prophet after He would speak unto her of having five husbands and the man whom she was presently with was not her husband. Ultimately, however, Jesus would reveal Himself unto her as the Messiah and the Christ after this woman would reveal the true desire of her heart—namely the Messiah and the Christ. Despite the fact this woman had five husbands and the man whom she was now with was not her husband this woman would live with the Messianic expectation and anticipation of the Messiah who was the Christ knowing that He Messiah and the Christ would indeed come. This woman undoubtedly lived with the wonderful expectation and anticipation of the coming and arrival of the Messiah and it would be in response to this anticipation and expectation Jesus would show up in the place of a physical and natural well. I absolutely love the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for what we find in it is an incredibly powerful picture of the Lord Jesus of necessity passing through Samaria for one single purpose and mission—the manifest Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. It’s worth nothing that Jesus could have simply led with the declaration that He was the Messiah and the Christ and yet He deliberately and intentionally waited for this woman to speak of the Messiah and the Christ which was to come. It wasn’t until this woman responded unto Jesus declaring that she knew the Messiah and the Christ was coming and that when He did come He would show them all things that Jesus actually responded and declared unto her that He which spoke with her was the Messiah. It is incredibly unique and captivating to read the words found in this passage of Scripture for we first find this woman speaking of the anticipation and expectation of the Messiah which was to come to which the Lord would respond declaring that He which spoke unto her was the Messiah. Ultimately this woman would leave the well, leave Jesus and her water pot behind her and return unto the city with a powerful message that would be declared unto the men of that city. This woman would return unto the city and would not only speak of a man who had told her everything she had ever done but also asked whether or not this One could not be the Christ and the Messiah which was to come. As a direct result of this woman’s testimony and witness there would be many within the city who would believe in Jesus based solely on that which she had spoken unto them. Without having even seen or heard Jesus for themselves they believed simply based on the word, the witness and the testimony of this woman alone. What’s more is that the men of the city would indeed come forth from the city unto Jesus and entreat Him to tarry and abide with them. The apostle John goes on to write how Jesus would abide with them two full days undoubtedly teaching them those things concerning the kingdom and of His Father. Oh there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what Jesus taught and spoke unto them during those two days He would spend in Samaria together with His disciples. This passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the absolutely incredible truth that Jesus would indeed abide in this city of Samaria for two days after the men of the city would entreat Him to abide and tarry with them. ASKING JESUS TO ABIDE! I have to admit that I absolutely love this concept of the men of this city asking and entreating Jesus to abide and tarry with them for it speaks to and reveals something that is absolutely necessary within our own hearts and lives. There is a great need for us to be those who so desire the person and presence of the Lord Jesus that we ask Him to abide and to tarry with us. There would indeed be instances within Scripture when men and women would ask the Lord Jesus to tarry and abide with them and I am reminded of the two men whom Jesus walked with on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus and how they too would entreat Him to abide and tarry with them. Jesus would indeed accommodate their request and would enter into their home and would bless, break and give bread unto them there in the midst of the house. It would be in the blessing and breaking of bread their eyes would be opened and they would recognize the One who not only walked with them but also the One who sat with them. Oh there is something to be said about not merely asking Jesus to show up but asking Jesus to actually tarry and abide. There is a lot of language about invitations for Jesus to come and invitations for Jesus to show up and yet I would dare say that such invitations are in and of themselves incredibly shallow. It isn’t enough for Jesus to merely show up and to arrive among us in our midst for we should want more—and not only should we want more but we should also know and understand that there is more. I read the words found in this passage of Scripture and I find myself coming face to face with the reality that the men of the city went out of the city and came unto Jesus that they might meet and see Him for themselves. After a brief dialogue and exchange between Jesus and His disciples the apostle John writes how many of the Samaritans who came out unto Jesus believed on him for the say of the woman which testified concerning one who told her all that she ever did. These men of the city would come out unto the place where this woman had indeed seen and met this one who might be the Messiah and the Christ and it would be upon coming unto that place they would not only speak with Him there but they would also ask Him to tarry and abide with Him. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and see how the men of the city not only came to the place where Jesus was but they would also entreat Him to abide and tarry with them. Scripture doesn’t reveal how long they anticipated and expected the Lord Jesus to tarry and abide with them for, however, the apostle John would reveal that He would do so for two days before departing unto Galilee. We know that this woman whom Jesus met at the well would believe that He was the Christ and the Messiah which was to come and we know that many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman. We also know that many more within the city believed—not because of the word and testimony of this woman but because of His own word. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it is one thing to believe on the Lord Jesus based on and because of the word and witness of another, however, it is something else entirely and altogether to believe on the Lord Jesus because of his own word. Many more believed on Jesus because they had heard His word as He tarried and abode with them and those who believed initially because of the word of the woman would not believe because of Jesus’ own word which He had spoken unto them. If you continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that those who professed unto the woman that they believed—not because of her saying alone but because of His own word—would go on to profess and declare that He was indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for I would dare say that the men of this city, this woman who encountered Jesus at the well and perhaps many others experienced a change and transformation in His presence and even after He left and departed from among them. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but wonder what it was like in this city of Sychar in the region of Samaria after Jesus departed from their midst and continued on to Galilee. How do you move forward after not only spending time in the presence of the Lord Jesus but also understand that He is indeed the Messiah and the Christ? What do you do with and in your life after Jesus has just spent two days with you—undoubtedly teaching and revealing Himself unto you as the Messiah and the Christ. Jesus would reveal Himself unto this woman as the Messiah and the Christ and as a direct result of this this woman’s witness and word many from the city would believe what was spoken of concerning this man whom she had encountered at the well. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider that there appears to be no indication that Jesus ever told this woman His name. The only thing Jesus revealed unto her definitely was that He who spoke with her was indeed the Messiah and the Christ and yet He would never introduce Himself as Jesus. In fact I am not even sure there are any interactions in the four gospels where Jesus introduces Himself by His first name and declares “I am Jesus” or even “I am Jesus of Nazareth.” Consider each of the four gospels and I would dare say you cannot and will not find any instance where Jesus deliberately and intentionally introduces Himself as Jesus and yet His fame would go out throughout all the cities, towns and villages in Judaea, Galilee and the surrounding regions. As I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I can’t help but be brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ revelation unto this woman and how He revealed Himself unto her as the Messiah and the Christ. We must needs recognize and pay attention to this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous revelation that would lead this woman to leave the well behind, leave her water pot behind and even leave Jesus at the well that she might return unto the city. There is absolutely no indication that Jesus ever instructed this woman to enter into the city nor was there any command given that this woman enter into the city and profess and proclaim that she had indeed found and discovered the Messiah. What’s more is that this would be the third time within this gospel alone where there would be one who would go forth and tell others how they had found the Messiah and the Christ. It would be in the first chapter where we find Andrew telling his brother Peter that he had found the Messiah and the Christ whom Moses and the prophets had written and spoken about. Moreover it would be Philip who would tell Nathanael that they had found the one whom the Law and the prophets wrote about—something which would result in Nathanael’s being introduced to Jesus and his ultimate declaration that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Israel. Now here we are in the fourth chapter and we find this woman from the city of Sychar whose name we don’t know returning unto the city and telling the men of the city how she had found the Messiah and the Christ. Imagine being this woman returning unto the city and making the bold declaration you had found the Messiah and the Christ and imagine being the men of the city who heard such a word and testimony and chose to believe. Pause for a moment and consider the fact that the men of the city didn’t despise or reject this woman’s claim nor did they ostracize and vilify her but Scripture reveals how they both believed on Him because of her word and came out unto Him that they might meet and see Him. I absolutely love that which is found in this passage of Scripture for what we find is the men of the city hearing the word and witness of this woman and determining that it was worth believing. That which we find in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the fact that these men did not reject nor did they despise the witness and testimony of this woman when she came unto them speaking of the Christ. Undoubtedly the men of this city—more than simply this woman herself—were anticipating and expecting the Messiah and the Christ so when this woman returned unto the city without her water pot and without water speaking of the Messiah and the Christ. Stop and consider how this woman would have left the city countless times with her water pot and returned unto it with the water pot full of water and this time would be markedly and noticeably different. This time—instead of returning with her water pot full of water she would return with something else being full. I can’t help but think about the fact that instead of this woman returning to the city with her water pot full of water she would return with her heart and soul full of joy, full of expectation, full of anticipation, full of wonder, full of awe and so much more. There is not a doubt in my mind that after the encounter this woman had with the person of the Lord Jesus there at the well she would have returned completely and utterly overflowing with joy and wonder and amazement having believed that she had just found the Messiah and the Christ. Oh stop and ask yourself if you have ever been in that place where you were simply overflowing and bursting with joy, with excitement, with anticipation and with expectation over the revelation of the Christ, the revelation of the Messiah, the revelation of the Son of God and the revelation of Jesus Himself. When was the last time your heart and soul were so full with awe and wonder after having just experienced the person and presence of the Lord Jesus that you just had to testify about it and share it with others? When was the last time you could not contain yourself because of all the excitement and wonder that was present within your heart because of the awe and wonder that was present within your heart because of a revelation you experienced in the presence of the Lord Jesus. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the tremendous truth surrounding this woman’s return to the city and how she would not only return with her heart and soul bursting with awe and wonder having just spent time in the presence of the Messiah and Christ but also being able to testify to others how she had found the Messiah. I find it absolutely incredible that this woman undoubtedly returned to the city of Sychar with the well of her heart and the well of her soul full with awe, wonder and excitement while the physical and natural well used to draw water remained at the well completely empty. What a truly awesome and powerful truth this is when you take the time to think about it for this woman went to the well to draw water from this well and return with the water pot full and yet after encountering the person and presence of the Lord Jesus she would return unto the city with her heart and soul completely and utterly full with awe, with excitement, with wonder, with anticipation and with expectation. This woman would return to the city with her heart and soul set on fire by the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ as he would indeed reveal Himself unto her as the Messiah and the Christ. With this being said we must needs recognize that this woman would return unto the well where she had left her water pot and would be accompanied by the men of the city. The men of the city would believe her word, her witness and testimony and would accompany her to the well that they might see for themselves this man who had spoken unto and revealed to her everything she had ever done. This is something we must not lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to this woman and how she would come to this well with her water pot to draw water from the well and return unto the city with that water pot full of water and yet on this particular occasion she would encounter a different well. Actually there would be two different wells which would be manifested here at this earthly and natural well for there would be the well of her heart and soul as well as the well of the person, the presence and the idenity of the Lord Jesus. It would be there at this earthly and natural well where the well of her soul would be opened up and exposed and it would be there in that place where the well of the person and idenity of the Lord Jesus would indeed be opened up and revealed unto her. There is something truly powerful when reading and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to this woman coming to an earthly and natural well thinking and believing that her need was for physical and natural water. This woman had absolutely no clue that there was another well that was about to be opened up and exposed in the presence of one who would reveal Himself as as the Messiah and the Christ. It would be here at this well where the well of this woman’s own heart and soul would be opened and laid bare before the Lord Jesus and would indeed be filled with awe, wonder, excitement and joy in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Undoubtedly this woman would return unto the city full of joy and excitement at the prospect of having found the Messiah and what we must needs recognize is that by the time those two days were finished and completed it would not only be this woman who would believe that Jesus was the Messiah but it would be the city itself who would believe that He was the Messiah, that He was the Christ and that He was indeed the Savior of the world. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely powerful truth concerning the encounter this woman had at the well and how there at the well this woman would indeed experience the joy, the wonder, the excitement, the splendor and the anticipation and expectation that surrounds the Messiah. After spending what might have been a considerable amount of time wondering and waiting for the coming of the Messiah this woman would believe within her heart she had found the Messiah and had to return unto the city and proclaim this to all those who were present. In all reality this woman would be the first witness of the Messiah and Christ in Samaria before Philip would ever step foot there and before even Peter and John would come because of the mighty work of the living God that was taking place there. Oh that we would read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and recognize the incredible importance of the well of our heart and soul being completely and utterly filled with joy, with awe, with wonder and with anticipation and expectation in the presence of the Messiah and Christ and that we would be filled to overflowing with that reality and would bear witness of and testify concerning it.