John 4:27-42 And on this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seek you? or, Why talk you with her?… I. THE GLORY OF ALL TRUE USEFULNESS BELONGS TO CHRIST (ver. 27). The woman is nameless, and nothing else is known of her. II. COMMONPLACE SELF-DENIAL AN EVIDENCE OF GRACE (ver. 28). To leave a waterpot for a thirsty disciple better sometimes than the bequest of a fortune. Simon made a feast for Jesus, but the woman with the alabaster box showed more generosity. III. THE NEAREST FIELD OF USEFULNESS IS OFTEN THE BEST (ver. 28). She knew the prejudices of the city and the great shock they would receive. But this was the field closest to hand. Many people spend half a lifetime in looking for their vocation, whereas God is always saying, "Begin at home" (Mark 5:19). IV. WOMEN ARE SOMETIMES MORE USEFUL THAN MEN. They have more tact, fervency, fortitude. V. THE PRIVILEGE OF "HIM THAT HEARETH" IS THAT HE MAY SAY "COME" (ver. 29). The Greek is an adverb of beckoning, a gesture of language, "Hither." Let no one hesitate for addresses or acts. He who temporizes will be like Demas; he who calculates like Ananias; he who covets like Achan; but he who gives himself wholly to Christ's service will say, "Come and see." VI. REVELATION OF ONE'S SINS THE CLEAREST EVIDENCE OF JESUS' NEARNESS. VII. NO GREAT TALENT NEEDED IN ORDER TO DO GOOD (ver. 30). It is piety, not education, spirituality and experience, .not culture or learning which God uses in the conversion of souls. VIII. THE SUREST MEANS OF PERSONAL GROWTH IS PATIENT LABOUR FOR THE GROWTH OF OTHERS (vers. 31-36). IX. DIVISION OF LABOUR ESSENTIAL FOR THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL (ver. 37). Some cannot preach like Whitefield; who can write letters like Harlan Page. Ingatherings are the result, often, not of preaching but prayers. X. THE TRUTHS OF THE GOSPEL COME TO US BETTER BY EXPERIENCE THAN TESTIMONY. (vers. 39-41). "If any man will do His will," etc. XI. THE BEST MEMORIAL OF ANY ONE IS FOUND IN THE SOULS HE HAS WON (ver. 42). The Empress Helena's church has perished, the memory of the woman and her work has made the well immortal. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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? |
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