27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. (John 4:27-30 KJV)
The women tell the Samaritans about Jesus
We have here the rest of the story of what happened when Christ was in Samaria, after his long conversation with the woman.
Just as the conversation reached its climax—when Christ revealed himself as the Messiah—the disciples arrived. “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” (Song of Solomon 8:4). They were surprised that Jesus was talking so openly with a woman, especially a Samaritan. He usually kept more reserved company, and the Samaritans were not among the lost sheep of Israel.
They didn’t expect him to preach to such a woman, forgetting how unremarkable they themselves were when he first called them. Yet they didn’t question him. None asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” (John 4:27). It’s best to trust that whatever Jesus says or does is right. If you’ve had a wrong thought, keep it to yourself—“If you have played the fool and exalted yourself…clap your hand over your mouth” (Proverbs 30:32; see also Psalm 39:1-3).
The woman, seeing the disciples arrive, left her water jar and went back to town (John 4:28-29). She likely saw they weren’t pleased and left out of courtesy to Christ, allowing him time to eat. She was eager to tell her neighbors and knew he would soon continue his journey. “The light is with you for a little while” (John 12:35). She used her time well—when one opportunity for receiving truth ended, she turned to share it.
Her water jar was left behind: (1) so Christ could have water to drink, showing kindness—he made wine for others but not for himself (cf. Matthew 10:42); (2) to hurry back to town with the good news; and (3) because she was so caught up in better things. Those who come to know Christ show it by valuing eternal things above earthly ones. Early zeal may temporarily overshadow worldly concerns. Mr. Hildersham once defended such conduct—neglecting weekday business to hear God’s word—as justified.
She went into the city and said to the men—perhaps town leaders or just people in the streets: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29).
She wanted her neighbors to know Christ. Like the woman in Luke 15:9 who found her lost coin, she wanted others to rejoice and share in what she found. If Jesus has made himself known to us, we honor him by making him known to others. The woman who once lived sinfully returned as an evangelist—quae scortum fuerat egressa, regreditur magistra evangelica, said Aretius. Christ told her to call her husband; she took that as license to tell everyone. She started in her own town, among family and acquaintances—those we live near offer the best opportunities to do good.
She was honest and direct in what she shared. First, she told them what impressed her most: “He told me everything I ever did.” Jesus may have only spoken of her husbands, but that was enough to convince her of his divine knowledge. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13). Two things struck her: the extent of his knowledge—only God and her conscience knew such details—and the power of his words. He spoke with such penetrating authority that being told of one sin convinced her of all. She didn’t repeat his theological insights, nor his claim to be the Messiah, but highlighted the personal and convicting nature of his words. This kind of encounter is the most convincing and powerful.
Second, she urged them to meet him: “Come, see a man…” Not as a spectacle, but to hear and talk with him as she did. She didn’t argue the case—she invited them to experience it themselves. Many who see the truth can’t explain it well to others, but they can still bring people to where they found help. Jesus was nearby—at the edge of town—and she urged them to go. When God’s truth comes so close to us, we’re without excuse if we ignore it.
Third, she invited them to judge for themselves: “Could this be the Messiah?” She didn’t state it as fact, though convinced herself, but put the idea before them fairly and humbly. Sometimes, this kind of appeal can reach people’s hearts before they realize it.
They responded. “They came out of the town and made their way toward him” (John 4:30). Though she was a woman of little status and questionable reputation, God moved their hearts to listen to her. Just as lepers once brought the first good news to Samaria (2 Kings 7:3), this woman became the unlikely first witness of the Messiah. They didn’t summon him to town but went out themselves—showing their respect and eagerness. If we want to know Christ, we must seek him where he is found.