Scripture: John 4:21 (ESV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.’”

In response to the Samaritan woman’s question about the proper place of worship, Jesus shifts the focus from where worship happens to how and whom we worship. He tells her that a new era is coming—an era in which worship will no longer be confined to specific sacred locations like Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem. Instead, true worship will be defined by a relationship with the Father, not by geography.

John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that this statement signals the end of the Old Covenant system and the beginning of something far greater. Under the Old Testament, worship was tied to the temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were offered and God’s presence was uniquely manifest. However, Jesus declares that with His coming, the time is near when worship will not be limited to a physical place but will be accessible to all who seek God in spirit and truth.

Calvin emphasizes that Jesus does not dismiss the significance of past worship practices but reveals that they were always meant to point toward a greater reality. He notes that many people today still place too much importance on external religious practices rather than on the heart of true worship. Jesus’ words remind us that worship is not about a specific church building, ritual, or tradition but about a heart that is devoted to knowing and loving God.

For us, this verse challenges us to examine our view of worship. Do we associate worship primarily with a place or a routine, or do we see it as a daily way of life centered on communion with God? Jesus teaches that worship is no longer about location but about spiritual nearness to the Father. This truth invites us to worship wherever we are, knowing that God’s presence is not confined to a temple but is with us always.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus wanted the Samaritan woman to move beyond focusing on where worship happens?
2. Are there ways you have unintentionally limited your view of worship to certain places, traditions, or routines?
3. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of worship that is centered on your relationship with God rather than on external practices?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that true worship is not about a place but about a relationship with the Father. Help us to worship You with sincerity, whether we are in a church building, at home, or anywhere in our daily lives. Keep us from focusing too much on external forms of worship while neglecting our hearts. May we draw near to You in spirit and truth, rejoicing that You have made worship accessible to all through Your grace. In Your name, Amen.

This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:21.

Scripture: John 4:20 (ESV) – “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.”

After Jesus reveals her past, the Samaritan woman redirects the conversation to a long-standing religious debate between Jews and Samaritans. Instead of focusing on her personal need for salvation, she raises a question about the proper location for worship—whether it should be on Mount Gerizim, where the Samaritans worshiped, or in Jerusalem, where the Jews worshiped. This shift from personal conviction to theological debate is a common human response when confronted with truth.

John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that the Samaritan woman’s question is an attempt to avoid dealing with the deeper spiritual issues Jesus has exposed. Rather than immediately acknowledging her need for grace, she turns to external religious matters. Calvin notes that many people react this way when confronted with the gospel—they focus on secondary issues instead of addressing their hearts before God.

However, Calvin also points out that her question is not entirely irrelevant. The dispute between Jews and Samaritans over the true place of worship was a real issue, and she likely wanted Jesus’ perspective. Yet, as Jesus will soon explain, the focus should not be on where people worship but on how they worship. True worship is not confined to a specific place—it is about worshiping God in spirit and truth.

For us, this verse challenges us to examine whether we sometimes hide behind religious discussions to avoid facing personal conviction. It also reminds us that true worship is not about locations, traditions, or external rituals but about a heart that is genuinely devoted to God.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman shifts the conversation from her personal life to a religious debate?
2. Are there ways you tend to focus on external religious matters instead of addressing your own heart before God?
3. How can you grow in worshiping God in spirit and truth rather than being distracted by outward traditions?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us that true worship is not about a place but about a heart that seeks You in spirit and truth. Help us not to avoid Your conviction by focusing on secondary matters, but to come before You with honesty and humility. Teach us to worship You with sincerity, longing to know You more deeply. Remove any distractions that keep us from true communion with You. In Your name, Amen.

This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:20.

Scripture: John 4:19 (ESV) – The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.”

In this moment, the Samaritan woman realizes that Jesus is no ordinary man. Having just heard Him reveal details about her past that no stranger could possibly know, she acknowledges Him as a prophet—someone with divine insight. Though she does not yet fully grasp His identity as the Messiah, she begins to recognize that she is in the presence of someone who speaks for God.

John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that this reaction, while a step forward, still falls short of true faith. The woman sees Jesus as a prophet, but not yet as the Christ. Calvin notes that many people, when confronted with God’s truth, acknowledge it superficially without fully embracing its implications. The woman’s words reflect an initial awakening, but she is still avoiding direct confrontation with her own spiritual condition. Instead of asking Jesus what His knowledge means for her, she will soon shift the conversation toward religious debate.

Calvin also highlights Jesus’ patience in this moment. He does not rush the woman toward immediate belief, but instead, He allows her to process what she is experiencing. This demonstrates how God often works in people’s hearts—gradually revealing truth and leading them to deeper understanding.

For us, this verse is a reminder that encountering Jesus always demands a response. Some may, like the woman, acknowledge His wisdom without fully surrendering to Him. But Jesus does not reveal truth just for intellectual recognition; He calls us to faith. As we come to see who He truly is, we must not stop at admiration—we must embrace Him as Lord and Savior.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman calls Jesus a prophet instead of immediately recognizing Him as the Messiah?
2. Have you ever acknowledged Jesus intellectually without fully surrendering to Him? How did God lead you to deeper faith?
3. How can you help others move beyond superficial recognition of Jesus to a true relationship with Him?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank You for patiently revealing Yourself to us, even when we do not immediately understand. Help us to see You not just as a great teacher or prophet, but as our Savior and Lord. Remove any hesitation in our hearts and lead us to full faith in You. Give us the wisdom and patience to guide others into a deeper understanding of who You are. In Your name, Amen.

This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:19.

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:

1. How does Jesus’ knowledge of the Samaritan woman’s past demonstrate both His omniscience and His grace?
2. 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?
3. 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.

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:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman gave a partial answer instead of fully confessing her situation?
2. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be completely honest before God? What holds you back?
3. 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.

Scripture: John 4:16 (ESV) – Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

At this moment in His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus shifts from offering living water to addressing her personal life. By asking her to call her husband, He is not simply making conversation; rather, He is gently exposing the reality of her sin. Before she can fully receive the spiritual life He offers, she must first recognize her own need for salvation.

John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that Jesus’ request was not meant to shame or humiliate the woman but to awaken her conscience. Calvin notes that Christ often leads people to self-examination before granting them grace. By revealing her moral state, Jesus prepares her heart to receive the gospel. Calvin also emphasizes that this is a pattern in how God works—He does not merely comfort sinners; He first convicts them so they understand their need for a Savior.

Calvin further observes that many people resist confronting their sin, preferring to focus on external religious practices or earthly concerns rather than dealing with the true condition of their hearts. Yet, Jesus’ approach shows that salvation requires repentance. He does not condemn the woman outright but instead leads her toward acknowledging her spiritual thirst so that she might desire the living water He offers.

For us, this verse is a reminder that coming to Christ involves honesty about our sin. We cannot truly appreciate His grace until we recognize our need for it. Just as Jesus lovingly exposed the Samaritan woman’s past, He invites us to bring our brokenness before Him so that He may heal and transform us.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus asked the woman to call her husband rather than immediately revealing her sin?
2. How does this passage challenge you to honestly examine areas of your life that need repentance?
3. Have you ever experienced a moment when God gently confronted you with your need for His grace? How did that shape your faith?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You see our hearts completely, yet You approach us with both truth and grace. Help us to be honest before You, recognizing our sin and our need for Your saving work. Give us the humility to allow You to expose what is hidden, knowing that Your purpose is to heal and restore us. May we always thirst for the living water You offer, trusting that only You can satisfy our souls. In Your name, Amen.

This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s Commentary on the Gospel of John on John 4:16.

Scripture: John 4:15 (ESV) – “The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.’”

The Samaritan woman responds to Jesus’ offer of living water, but she still does not fully understand what He means. Her focus remains on physical water—something that would make her life easier, sparing her the daily effort of drawing from the well. While she expresses interest in what Jesus is offering, she is thinking in earthly terms, not yet realizing that Jesus is speaking of a spiritual reality.

The document highlights how this moment reflects a common human tendency: people often seek Jesus for temporary relief rather than for the eternal satisfaction He provides. Like the Samaritan woman, many today come to Christ hoping for solutions to physical or material problems while failing to recognize their deeper spiritual need. Yet, Jesus is patient, leading her toward a greater understanding of what He is truly offering.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that this verse shows how spiritual truths are often misunderstood when seen through the lens of earthly desires. Boice points out that while the Samaritan woman’s request was sincere, it was incomplete—she wanted the benefits of Christ’s gift without yet grasping its true significance. Boice also warns that many today fall into a similar mindset, seeking Jesus only for what He can do for them in this life, rather than for the eternal life He offers.

For us, this verse challenges us to examine our motives for seeking Jesus. Are we coming to Him only for temporary blessings, or do we truly desire the living water that brings lasting spiritual transformation? Jesus is not just a provider of earthly solutions—He is the Savior who satisfies our souls for eternity.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the Samaritan woman’s response reveal a misunderstanding of what Jesus is offering?
2. Are there times in your life when you have sought Jesus only for temporary relief rather than for a deeper relationship with Him?
3. How can you grow in seeking Jesus not just for what He can give, but for who He is?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we confess that we often come to You seeking temporary solutions instead of recognizing our deeper need for You. Help us to understand that You offer far more than earthly blessings—you give eternal life and true satisfaction for our souls. Open our hearts to receive the living water You offer, and teach us to desire You above all else. In Your name, Amen.

Scripture: John 4:14 (ESV) – “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

In this verse, Jesus makes a bold and life-changing promise. Unlike the water from Jacob’s well, which temporarily satisfies physical thirst, the living water He offers brings eternal satisfaction. Those who drink from this water will never thirst again because it produces a lasting and overflowing source of life within them.

The document highlights the radical nature of this statement. Jesus is not merely offering temporary relief or another religious practice—He is offering Himself as the answer to the deepest needs of the human heart. The living water He gives is the presence of the Holy Spirit, who brings spiritual renewal, transformation, and eternal life. Unlike the well that must be revisited daily, Jesus provides an internal, continuous source of life that never runs dry.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, explains that this verse speaks to the difference between religion and a true relationship with Christ. Religion often leaves people spiritually thirsty, as it focuses on external rituals without offering true fulfillment. But Jesus offers something far greater—an inward change through the Holy Spirit, who satisfies the soul and produces lasting joy and peace. Boice emphasizes that this spring of water is not something we create ourselves; it is a gift from Christ, freely given to all who believe.

For us, this verse serves as a reminder that only Jesus can satisfy the deepest thirst of our hearts. The world offers temporary pleasures, but they always leave us wanting more. When we drink from the living water of Christ, we find true and lasting satisfaction. His presence in us becomes a spring that overflows, not just quenching our own thirst, but also impacting those around us.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you think Jesus means by living water? How is it different from earthly sources of satisfaction?
2. Have you experienced times in your life where you sought fulfillment in things that left you empty? How did turning to Christ change that?
3. How can you allow the spring of living water within you to overflow and impact those around you?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for offering us living water that truly satisfies. We confess that we often seek fulfillment in things that leave us empty, but You alone can quench the thirst of our souls. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may experience the overflowing joy and peace that come from knowing You. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your abundant life to those around us. In Your name, Amen.

Scripture: John 4:13 (ESV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again.’”

In this verse, Jesus begins to shift the Samaritan woman’s perspective away from physical water to a deeper spiritual truth. He points out the temporary nature of the water from Jacob’s well—those who drink from it will inevitably become thirsty again. This serves as a metaphor for all earthly pursuits and satisfactions, which can never truly satisfy the soul.

The document emphasizes that Jesus is gently leading the woman toward a greater understanding of her need. She has come to the well for water, but Jesus wants her to see that her real thirst is spiritual. Just as she will need to return to the well each day for water, so too will all earthly sources of fulfillment eventually leave people empty. No human relationship, material possession, or personal achievement can provide lasting satisfaction.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, points out that this verse speaks to the universal human condition. People continually seek satisfaction in the things of this world—whether in relationships, careers, entertainment, or wealth—only to find that these things never provide lasting fulfillment. Boice warns that many people spend their entire lives chasing temporary joys, never realizing that they need the living water that only Jesus offers.

For us, this verse is a reminder to examine where we are seeking satisfaction. Are we trying to quench our thirst with things that will ultimately leave us dry, or are we turning to Jesus, who alone can satisfy our deepest needs? True fulfillment is found in Christ, not in the things of this world.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some things people commonly pursue in search of satisfaction, only to find they still feel empty?
2. Are there areas in your own life where you have sought fulfillment apart from Christ?
3. How can you daily remind yourself to seek the living water that only Jesus provides?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that the things of this world can never truly satisfy our souls. Help us to stop chasing temporary joys and instead turn to You, the only source of living water. Teach us to find our fulfillment in Your presence and to trust that You alone can quench the deepest thirst of our hearts. May we seek You daily and encourage others to do the same. In Your name, Amen.