Scripture: John 4:18 (ESV) – “For you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
In this verse, Jesus fully reveals His divine knowledge of the Samaritan woman’s life. She had spoken partially but not fully truthfully about her marital status, yet Jesus, in His omniscience, exposes the full reality—she has had five husbands and is now living with a man who is not her husband. Rather than condemning her, Jesus gently leads her to the realization that He sees and knows her completely.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, emphasizes that this moment demonstrates Christ’s ability to penetrate the human heart. Calvin notes that the woman likely thought she could avoid discussing the details of her personal life, but Jesus makes it clear that nothing is hidden from Him. However, rather than rebuking her harshly, He speaks in a way that invites her to deeper self-examination and recognition of her need for grace.
Calvin also highlights an important lesson from this verse—true conversion requires an awareness of sin. Many people resist coming to Christ because they do not want their sins exposed, yet Jesus’ approach shows that His purpose is not to shame but to heal. The Samaritan woman’s past was known to Him, yet He still engaged with her, offering her living water. This interaction illustrates that salvation is not for those who think they are righteous, but for those who acknowledge their sin and turn to Christ in faith.
For us, this verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus knows every detail of our lives—our failures, our regrets, and our sins—yet He still invites us to Himself. We cannot hide from Him, but we do not need to, because His purpose is to bring us into the light, not to leave us in shame.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Jesus’ knowledge of the Samaritan woman’s past demonstrate both His omniscience and His grace?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to acknowledge your sin before God? How does this passage encourage you to bring them into the light?
- How can you follow Jesus’ example in addressing sin in others with both truth and grace?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You know us completely—our past, our struggles, and our sins—yet You still invite us to receive Your grace. Thank You for seeing us as we are and loving us enough to lead us into the truth. Help us to come before You with honesty, knowing that Your purpose is to heal and restore. May we also reflect Your love to others, speaking truth with grace as we point them to You. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:18.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 