John 4:25 – “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Up to this point, Jesus had been revealing deep spiritual truths to her, explaining that true worship is not about a specific place but about worshiping God “in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). In response, the woman expresses her belief that the Messiah will come one day and bring full understanding.
She refers to the “Messiah,” explaining that He is the Christ, the Anointed One whom both Jews and Samaritans expected. Her words show a longing for truth, a hope that when the Messiah comes, He will reveal everything they need to know. What she doesn’t realize is that she is speaking to the very One she is waiting for.
Historical Context
The Jews and Samaritans both believed in a coming Messiah, but their understanding of Him was different. The Jews expected a powerful king who would deliver them from Roman rule and restore Israel. The Samaritans, on the other hand, believed in a prophet-like figure similar to Moses, who would bring truth and clarity about God’s will. The woman’s statement reflects this belief—she expected the Messiah to explain everything.
By the time of Jesus, many people were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, especially because of the hardships they faced under Roman oppression. However, they often misunderstood His purpose, expecting a political savior rather than a spiritual one.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the universal longing for a Savior. The Samaritan woman, despite her limited understanding, had faith that the Messiah would one day bring truth. Her words show that even people with incomplete knowledge can have a sincere desire for God’s revelation.
It also shows that Jesus did not come only for the Jews. He willingly engaged in conversation with this Samaritan woman, breaking cultural barriers and revealing that salvation was for all people. This moment foreshadows the mission of Jesus—to bring the good news to everyone, regardless of background.
Literary Analysis
John 4:25 serves as a transition in the conversation. Up until now, the Samaritan woman has been asking questions and trying to understand Jesus’ words. Her statement about the coming Messiah prepares for the climactic moment in the next verse when Jesus plainly tells her, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he” (John 4:26).
John’s Gospel often builds up to moments of revelation. Here, the woman unknowingly sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His identity. Her words also contrast with her earlier misunderstanding—while she originally saw Jesus as just a Jewish man, she now begins to express a deeper faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 18:15 – “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” This is one of the key Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah, which many Samaritans believed in.
- John 1:41 – “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).” This shows that Jesus’ disciples also recognized Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
- John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The woman expected the Messiah to explain everything, and Jesus is the one who brings ultimate truth and freedom.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds believers that people everywhere have a longing for truth. The Samaritan woman didn’t have perfect knowledge, but she had faith that the Messiah would come. Today, many people still have questions about God, purpose, and truth. This verse encourages us to point them to Jesus, the one who brings clarity and answers.
It also reminds us to keep our hope in Christ. Just as the woman waited for the Messiah, Christians today look forward to His return. Her faith in a coming Savior is a picture of the faith believers are called to have, trusting in Jesus even when they don’t yet understand everything.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He seeks people even when they have imperfect understanding. The Samaritan woman was not a religious leader or someone of high status—she was an outsider. Yet, Jesus revealed Himself to her because God’s love is for everyone, not just for a select few.
This verse shows that God does not require us to have all the answers before we come to Him. He meets us where we are, just as Jesus met the woman at the well, and gently leads us to the truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse builds anticipation for Jesus’ declaration in John 4:26, where He tells the woman directly, “I am he.” The conversation leads to one of the clearest statements of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the hope the woman expresses. He is the Messiah who came not just to explain the truth but to embody it (John 14:6). His coming was the answer to the long-standing expectation of both Jews and Samaritans. Through Him, people no longer had to wait for truth to be revealed—it had come in the person of Christ.
Some key passages that reinforce this truth:
- John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the truth the woman was waiting for.
- Matthew 16:16 – “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'” Others later recognized what Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman.
- John 4:42 – Later in the chapter, the people of Samaria declare, “We know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” This shows that her initial faith led to a greater recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the Samaritan woman’s expectation of the Messiah compare to your own understanding of Jesus?
- What does this verse teach us about how God meets people where they are in their faith journey?
- How can you help others who are searching for truth come to know Jesus?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust Jesus even when you don’t have all the answers?
- In what ways do you see the love of God demonstrated in this passage?
This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of humanity’s longing for truth. The Messiah the woman was waiting for had arrived—and He is still the answer for those seeking truth today.