John 4:25–26

By this discourse concerning the change of Religion, the woman is brought to remember of the Messiah’s coming, for the full clearing of all doubts, to whom, as appeareth she remits the controversie; and Christ doth assure her that he is the same person. Whence learn, 1. Some knowledge of the mysteries of Religion may be found among those who otherwise are very far ost; whereby the Lord would condemne all those, who being in a nearer relation, do yet remain grossely ignorant, and all those who content themselves with notional knowledge; for, this woman a Samaritane, not only knew the Messiah was promised, but was expecting him as near at hand, in regard that things fore-prophecied before his coming were accomplished, and especially that the Scepter was removed from Judah; I know that the Messiah cometh, saith she. 2. It is the Will of God that the Scriptures and truths of God, should be made plain to the capacity of all, and that men should not please themselves with formes of words in the matter of knowledge, but should be acquainted with the thing it self; therefore, is the name Messiah, expounded, which is called Christ, (not by the woman, who understood that name well enough, but by John) for the use of all Readers, that they might know what was signified by that name. 3. Resolution in a controversie of Religion is only to be had and sought from Christ, who is the infallible resolver of all who come to his light; therefore, doth she remit the matter to him. 4. As the Will of God concerning Religion and the way of salvation, was not fully revealed till Christ came from the bosome of the Father; so Christ came to be a teacher of his Church, and hath fully revealed the counsel of God, concerning his service and mans salvation, so as there is no place for adding or diminishing: so much is imported in her expectation, VVhen he is come, he will tell us all things, to wit, which relate to this subject in hand. 5. Christ is not far off from any, who have an high estimation of him, and a desire after him, how great soever the distance seem to be to themselves; for, to this woman, so affected, he is at hand, I am he. 6. It doth commend Christs great condescendence, that he not only came into the world, but was pleased to converse with the vilest of sinners to do them good: for, saith he, I am he that speaketh unto thee, a lewd woman, and a scoffer. 7. It commendeth also his great compassion towards needy sinners, that his secret is with them, and that he will reveal himself unto them, when he lets others lie in darknesse; for, though, upon wise grounds, he forbade his disciples to make him known, and would not himself answer many captious and tempting questions of the Jewes to this purpose, yet he will not conceale himself from this Samaritane, now convinced of her need of him. 8. None can know or take up Christ, though present with them, and speaking to them, unlesse he reveal himself: therefore doth this woman need this declaration.