How does John 4:17 reveal Jesus' knowledge of our personal lives? Setting the Scene John 4 finds Jesus resting by Jacob’s well in Samaria. A Samaritan woman arrives, and their conversation quickly moves from physical thirst to spiritual reality. Text Focus “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband.” (John 4:17) What This One Sentence Shows about Jesus’ Knowledge • Jesus responds without hesitation, proving He already knows the truth behind her statement. • His agreement (“You are correct…”) affirms the literal detail while preparing to unveil the fuller story (v. 18). • No prior introduction, no shared history—yet He possesses precise information about her marital status. • He demonstrates divine omniscience wrapped in gentle conversation. • By stating the fact before she confesses it fully, He reveals that nothing in her personal life is hidden from Him. Supporting Passages on His Complete Knowledge • Psalm 139:1–4 – “O LORD, You have searched me and known me… before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it.” • Hebrews 4:13 – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” • John 2:24–25 – Jesus “knew all men… for He Himself knew what was in a man.” • Revelation 2:23 – “All the churches will know that I am He who searches minds and hearts.” Why This Matters for Us Today • He sees every layer of our story—successes, failures, hidden struggles. • His knowledge is never merely informational; it is relational, inviting repentance and restoration. • Because He already knows, we can approach Him without fear of surprise or rejection. • The same Lord who read the Samaritan woman’s life reads ours, eager to exchange our emptiness for living water. Key Takeaways • John 4:17 spotlights Jesus’ perfect insight into individual lives. • His omniscience assures us Scripture’s portrait of Him is literal and trustworthy. • We can live transparently before the One who knows us entirely and still offers grace. |