John 4:22

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”

Context:To understand this verse better, let’s examine the context. The woman had questioned Jesus about the proper place of worship, mentioning that Samaritans worshiped on Mount Gerizim, while the Jews worshiped in Jerusalem. Jesus responds by saying, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship.” He acknowledges the difference in worship practices between Samaritans and Jews but emphasizes that the Jews have a correct understanding of who and what they worship.

Jesus’ statement:“We know what we worship.” Jesus, as a Jew, affirms that the Jewish people possess a true understanding of God and His salvation. The Jews had been entrusted with the revelation of God’s Word through the Old Testament scriptures, the prophets, and the promises given to them. They had a rich history of encounters with God, including the covenant made with Abraham, the giving of the Law to Moses, and the promise of a Messiah.

Salvation is of the Jews:Jesus states that salvation comes from the Jews. This refers to the fact that the promised Messiah, who would bring salvation to humanity, would come through the Jewish lineage. The Old Testament prophecies pointed to a Messiah who would be born of the seed of Abraham, from the tribe of Judah, and from the family line of David. Jesus, the Messiah, fulfilled these prophecies and came as the Savior of the world.

Universal salvation:Although Jesus acknowledges that salvation is of the Jews, it is important to note that His message extends beyond the Jewish people. The offer of salvation through Jesus is not limited to a particular ethnicity or nation but is open to all people. In other parts of the New Testament, it becomes clear that the gospel is meant for everyone, irrespective of their background or nationality.