John 4:27–30

In the next branch of this part of the chapter is recorded; First, (in these verses,) that the conference being broken up by the disciples returne, (who wondred at their Masters carriage, and yet would not challenge it) she proveth how she was affected with it, by forgetting her own errand, and going to invite those of the City to come to him, wherein she had successe. Whence learn; 1. Poor sinners may meet with so sweet a time in Christs company, that the company even of disciples would be an interruption to it; for, she had so sweet a time with Christ, that the disciples coming puts an end to it: They had been sent to buy meat, v. 8. and now they returning, the conference breaks up, or at least shortly after. 2. Providence doth wisely and graciously order dispensations towards his people, so as they are not prejudged thereby, but they tend to good; therefore doth not the disciples come, till she knew him to be the Messiah, and till the breaking up of the conference tended to a greater good in sending her to bring in more. 3. Christ will demit himself, and stoop so low to a poor sinner, as is marvellous to flesh and blood; and there is more kindnesse, meeknesse and humility in him alone, then in all his followers; for, his disciples marvelled that he talked with the woman, or, that he should take notice of such a one, and, it seems, he was upon the close of his discourse, and had not yet ended when they came. He is so compassionate, as he needs no intercessors. 4. It is no strange thing to see Christs followers soon forget themselves, and, being advanced by grace, to become so proud as to despise others; for, they who were even now chosen out of the dust, marvelled that he talked with the woman. 5. Such reverence is due to Christ in his working, as when we can see no reason for what he doth, yet we are bound not to quarrel, but to suppresse our own thoughts; for, so did they, yet no man said, VVhat seekest thou? or, VVhy talkest thou with her? 6. When a soul hath tasted of Christ and his excellencie, other things will be little regarded, which before were in great esteem; for, so was it with this woman, she came to draw water for her thirst, and thought much of that water, but now she forgot her errand, and left her water-pot, and went her way. 7. True grace is communicative of it selfe, and knowledge of Christ will make a person diligent to spread his name, and particularly, to these they have greatest interest in; for, she goeth to the City, where she dwelt, and saith to the men, come, &c. 8. Such as are kindly inviters of others to Christ, from any saving knowledge of him, they will not be content that men rest on their report, but would have them taste and see themselves, nor will they be content to send others, but will go to share themselves; Come, (not go) and see a man, saith she. 9. As Christ knoweth all that men do, so his searching and discovering Word is a special mean of Conversion, and a sanctified sight of one sin, discovered by Christ, will open mens eyes to see more; therefore, albeit Christ spake many good words to her, yet this was the hook that catched her, he told me all things that ever I did; she saith, all things, either because that in one instance he gave proof of his ability so to do; or, because that discovery represented other things to her as seen by him. 10. Christs doctrine is then effectual, and prevaileth, when himself is seen in and by it; therefore, subjoyneth she, Is not this the Christ? not as doubting of it her self, seeing he had told her, but as pointing it home to them, that they may consider of such an opportunity. 11. Weak instruments, and such as have but small knowledge and weak faith, yea, even women in their stations, labouring in the Gospel, shall not want their own successe, but may have powerful effects; for, upon this weak womans invitation, they went out of the City, and came unto him.