How does John 4:25 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Setting the Scene in John 4:25 “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ) ‘is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.’ ” (John 4:25) • The Samaritan woman voices a widespread expectation: a single, authoritative figure—“Messiah”—who will “explain everything.” • This anticipation rests on clear Old Testament promises. Her words echo specific passages that describe the Messiah as Teacher, Prophet, King, and Revealer of truth. Rooted in the Torah: Deuteronomy 18 “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.” “I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.” • Key connection: – “He will tell them everything” ↔ “He will explain everything to us.” • Moses promises a singular, definitive Prophet; the woman in John 4 expects exactly that kind of figure. Wisdom and Understanding: Isaiah’s Portrait “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding…” “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor…” “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.” • Connections to John 4:25: – The Messiah endowed with divine wisdom naturally “explains” all things. – “Wonderful Counselor” highlights His role as authoritative teacher. Liberating Truth: Isaiah 61 Fulfilled “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me… to proclaim liberty to the captives… to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” • Jesus cites this passage in Luke 4:18–21, announcing its fulfillment. • The Samaritan expectation that Messiah would clarify God’s plan aligns with Isaiah’s vision of a Spirit-anointed herald who announces and explains God’s favor. Royal Authority and Eternal Rule • Micah 5:2: the coming Ruler from Bethlehem. • Psalm 110:1 – 4: the Lord seated at God’s right hand, a priest forever. • Zechariah 9:9: the humble, righteous King arriving in Jerusalem. • These passages assure that Messiah’s teaching comes with sovereign authority—a background that makes “He will explain everything” both believable and binding. Samaritan Scriptures and the Prophet Like Moses • Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch; Deuteronomy 18 was central. • Their hope focused on “Taheb” (“Restorer”), essentially the Prophet-Messiah. • Thus, when the woman speaks of Messiah, her source is the same promise cherished by Israel: a figure who would reveal God’s full counsel. Jesus’ Immediate Confirmation (John 4:26) “Jesus told her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’ ” • The conversation moves from expectation to revelation—prophecy meets its fulfillment. • By identifying Himself, Jesus validates every Old Testament prophecy she had in mind. Key Takeaways • John 4:25 captures the distilled hope of Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 18, Isaiah 9, 11, 61, Micah 5, Psalm 110, and Zechariah 9. • Each prophecy paints a Messiah who is more than a political liberator: He is the ultimate Teacher, Prophet, Counselor, King, and Priest. • The Samaritan woman’s words show that these promises created a unified expectation across cultural lines, ready to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. |
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