John 4:25

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

John 4:25 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Jesus had initiated the conversation, revealing His knowledge of her personal life and offering her “living water,” which symbolizes eternal life. Surprised by Jesus’ insights, the woman acknowledged her understanding of the Messiah’s coming.

The woman’s words show that the expectation of a coming Messiah was present among the Samaritans, not only among the Jews. Though Jews and Samaritans were often at variance, they agreed in this hope. The Samaritans, who received the writings of Moses, were familiar with the prophetic hopes of the Jewish nation. Her use of the present tense, “cometh,” suggests an eager expectation that the Messiah was near at hand.

Meaning

The woman referred to the Messiah as “Messias” and “Christ.” “Messias” is a transliteration of the Hebrew/Aramaic term for “Anointed One,” and the evangelist clarifies it for his readers as “Christ,” the Greek equivalent. This reveals that the Samaritans expected an Anointed One who would fulfill the prophecies within their sacred texts.

The woman believed that when the Messiah came, He would tell them all things. This reflects the Samaritan understanding of the Messiah’s role: not a Davidic king, but a figure like the Taheb, who would be primarily a lawgiver, teacher, restorer, and revealer. She anticipated that He would clear up religious confusion and teach them what they needed to know about worshiping God, which fits the preceding discussion about the proper place and manner of worship.

Biblical connections

The woman’s expectation finds its fulfillment in Jesus. In the very next verse, Jesus reveals Himself to her, saying, “I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:26). Her confession of faith in a coming Messiah is directly answered by Jesus’ self-revelation. This connection shows that Jesus is the long-awaited Savior who brings the revelation the woman hoped for.

Application

The woman’s acknowledgment of the Messiah’s coming reminds us of the importance of recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah. Just as she had heard about the Messiah and acknowledged His future coming, we have the privilege of knowing that Jesus has already come and fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. We are called to believe in Him and accept Him as our Savior and Lord.

Her expectation that the Messiah would reveal all things highlights Jesus’ role as the ultimate source of knowledge and truth. As believers, we have access to the teachings of Jesus through the Scriptures. We can seek Him through prayer, study His Word, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to gain understanding and wisdom in our lives.

Just as Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the woman, He continues to reveal Himself to us today. We can deepen our understanding of Jesus and His teachings by spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking a personal relationship with Him. Jesus desires to share His truth and wisdom with us, transforming our lives and drawing us closer to God.

Reflection

John 4:25 captures the expectation of the Messiah and highlights Jesus’ role as the fulfiller of that expectation. As believers, we can recognize Jesus as the Messiah, embrace Him as the ultimate source of knowledge, and seek His revelation in our lives.