Scripture: John 4:22 (ESV) – “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
Jesus continues His response to the Samaritan woman by addressing the difference between Samaritan and Jewish worship. He tells her that the Samaritans worship what they do not know, meaning their worship is based on an incomplete and incorrect understanding of God. In contrast, Jesus affirms that salvation is from the Jews, meaning that God’s plan for redemption has been revealed through the Jewish people and fulfilled in the Jewish Messiah—Himself.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that Jesus is not being harsh but truthful. The Samaritans had a distorted version of God’s revelation—they accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch) and rejected the rest of Jewish Scripture. Because of this, their worship lacked the full knowledge of God’s promises, particularly those concerning the Messiah.
Calvin emphasizes that true worship must be grounded in truth. The Jews, though imperfect in their obedience, had received the full revelation of God through the Law and the Prophets. More importantly, the Messiah—the fulfillment of God’s salvation—would come from the Jewish people. Jesus is pointing to Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Jews had been waiting for.
For us, this verse serves as a reminder that worship must be based on God’s truth, not just human traditions or feelings. It also highlights the faithfulness of God, who chose Israel as the nation through whom the Savior would come, bringing salvation to all people. This verse challenges us to ensure that our faith is rooted in God’s revealed truth rather than in our own preferences or limited understanding.
Reflection Questions:
- What does Jesus mean when He tells the Samaritan woman, “You worship what you do not know”?
- How does knowing that salvation comes from the Jews deepen your appreciation for God’s plan throughout Scripture?
- How can you ensure that your worship and understanding of God are based on truth rather than personal opinions or traditions?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the truth of salvation and for fulfilling the promises given through the Jewish people. Help us to worship You in truth, basing our faith not on human traditions but on Your Word. Teach us to appreciate the full revelation of who You are and to share the good news with others, just as You did with the Samaritan woman. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:22.
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