John 4:4–6

In the second part of the chapter John recordeth what was Christs carriage and successe in his way to Galilee, in bringing in some first-fruits of the Gentiles, and of these without the Jewish Church; and first, he recordeth his conference with the woman of Samaria, in his disciples absence, to v. 27. Next, their returne, her going to the City to bring out the people, and his conference with the disciples in her absence, to v. 39. Thirdly, the conversion of some more of that city, to v. 43.

Unto this conference with the woman, some occasions are permitted. As, 1. That his streight way from Judea to Galilee, lay through (not the City, but) the Countrey of Samaria, and therefore he came there, v. 4. 2. That coming unto Sychar, a City of the territory of Samaria, where Jacobs Well was, he was so wearied with his journey, and the heat at noon, (which was their sixth houre) that he rested upon or beside the Well, while his disciples provided meat, v. 5, 6. and so Providence set the tryst with her who was coming. This Sychar is the same with that place of Jacobs abode, Gen. 33.18, 19. called there Shechem; and this description of it here mentioned, relates to that, Gen. 48.22. the interpretation whereof I remit to its proper place. Doct. 1. When persecutors have done their worst, neither Christ nor his followers will want work or successe, so long as the Lord pleaseth; for, Christ driven from Judea, findes both in Samaria. 2. As persecution and exile should not put Christs servants from minding their calling; and as they should employ the very time of their journey in seeking to do good; so a very short time, through Gods blessing, may produce great effects; for, so doth Christs practice and successe, while he is on his journey, teach us. 3. In every step of mens way, they should study to have a clear calling, especially for doing those things whereat others are apt to stumble and take offence; therefore, Christ, however his love put a necessity upon him to visit these wandring sheep, and he did not stand to go to an hateful place to seek them; yet being the Minister of Circumcision, Rom. 15.8. and having forbidden his disciples to go to the Samaritanes, Matth. 10.5. he will have his journey thither freed of obloquie, by the necessity of his going that way, from Judea to Galilee, be must needs go through Samaria, as being his streight way, as appeareth, Luke 9.51, 52. and 17.11. and is clear to them who know the scituation of that countrey. 4. A lawful and necessary calling, maketh converse lawful with those, with whom otherwise it were not justifiable; for, therefore he went through Samaria, and that warrantably, since it was the streight way to Galilee. 5. Piety and faith in God have a sweet savour and smell, above any excellencie that men can hunt after beside; therefore, is this place so eminent, even in Christs time, by reason of Jacobs abode, who worshipped God there, Gen. 33.9, 20. And because of his faith in giving that land to his children when they were sojourners in Egypt. 6. Christ took on, not only our nature, but the common infirmities thereof; and he is to be as seriously eyed as emptied in his humanity, as in the glory of his Godhead, for the comfort of sensible sinners who come to such an High Priest: therefore, it is recorded that he was wearied with his journey, ere half the day was spent: and that through wearinesse, he sate thus on (or, beside) the Well, that is, even as the seat offered, or as wearied men use to sit.