John 4:1-42 When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,… Note that — I. NO GOOD DEEDS ARE EVER DONE IN VAIN, AND THAT THEY HAVE POWER TO BLESS MANY AGES TO COME. 1. None can measure his power for good. Influence may be mightier after death than in life. When Jacob dug that well, he little thought of the multitudes for whose refreshment he was providing, or of this sacred incident. Do you think the discoverer of printing foresaw the penny newspaper, or Columbus New York, and Boston, and Chicago? God watches over good efforts, and influences to bless them. 2. But if Jacob knew not all his well would do, he knew it would bless. How like a well is a gospel sanctuary! Look at the desert all around — how refreshing this spot in contrast. Here the weary find rest, the thirsty water. 3. Churches, like wells (1) are made by man's effort, but filled with God's gift; (2) Are not stagnant pools but living springs? II. JESUS STILL REFRESHES HIMSELF AT WELLS BUILT BY HIS PEOPLE. 1. What was it that refreshed Him here? "My meat," etc. 2. And Jesus still comes into our sanctuaries, and asks for small gifts of love as the return for His own greater love. He is yearning to find satisfaction in souls — waiting to see the full fruits of His servants efforts to save men. 3. How grateful was Jesus for this seat. He commanded John to record this gratitude. None of us will ever regret anything done to please Jesus. 4. You say, if I had seen Him, I would have invited Him to my home. Have you opened you heart to the heavenly Guest? III. THIS WELL IS CHRIST'S APPOINTED PLACE TO MEET UNSATISFIED SOULS. 1. He was there before the woman, waiting for her, and thoughtfully sent away the disciples that no restraint might check her conversation. Has He not promised to meet His people in His house? Have you not often said, "It was as though the preacher knew all my circumstances." 2. That woman, often like ourselves, little expected to find her Saviour. 3. She left her water-pot, and how often have you left your burdens. IV. THIS WELL IS THE PLACE FOR QUIET FREE CONVERSATION WITH THE SAVIOUR, where Christ wants to enlighten, refresh, and pardon. (R. H. Lovell.) Parallel Verses KJV: When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, |
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