Scripture: John 4:17 (ESV) – The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’;”
In response to Jesus’ command to bring her husband, the Samaritan woman offers a half-truth—she does not have a husband at that moment, but she does not reveal the full extent of her situation. Jesus, however, knows her entire history and gently affirms the truthfulness of her statement while also preparing to reveal what she has left unsaid.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, highlights that this exchange demonstrates Christ’s divine knowledge of the human heart. He explains that while the woman’s response is technically true, it is also an attempt to avoid full confession. Calvin points out that people often suppress or minimize their sin rather than openly acknowledging it before God. However, Christ does not allow for superficial repentance—He brings conviction not to condemn but to lead sinners to true repentance.
Calvin also notes that Jesus’ approach here is full of wisdom and grace. Rather than immediately confronting her with a harsh accusation, He allows her to speak, giving her the opportunity to be honest. When she withholds full disclosure, He gently leads her to recognize that He knows everything about her. This method reflects how God often deals with us—He does not expose our sins to shame us but to bring us to a place of genuine humility and repentance.
For us, this verse is a reminder that we cannot hide anything from Christ. He knows every detail of our lives, even the things we attempt to downplay or conceal. Yet, rather than rejecting us, He invites us into honest confession so that we can receive His grace. Coming to Jesus requires an open heart, willing to admit our brokenness and trust in His mercy.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think the Samaritan woman gave a partial answer instead of fully confessing her situation?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be completely honest before God? What holds you back?
- How does knowing that Jesus already sees everything about you bring both conviction and comfort?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know us fully—our past, our struggles, and even the things we try to hide. Thank You for approaching us with both truth and grace. Help us to come before You with honesty, trusting that You do not expose our sins to shame us but to heal and restore us. Teach us to confess openly, knowing that Your mercy is greater than our failures. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:17.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 