Book of John - Chapter 4 - Verse 16
Meaning
When Jesus said "Go, call thy husband, and come hither" in John 4:16, he was addressing a Samaritan woman who had come to the well to draw water. This interaction is significant because Jesus was speaking to someone who was not only a Samaritan, but also a woman. In Jewish culture at the time, it was uncommon for a man to speak to a woman in public, let alone a Samaritan woman. This moment highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with people from all walks of life, regardless of their social status or background. By asking the woman to go and call her husband, Jesus was not only revealing his knowledge of her personal life, but also inviting her to acknowledge her past and be honest about her current situation. This encounter ultimately leads to the woman recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, showing that he is able to transcend social barriers and offer salvation to all who come to him in faith.
Theological Overview
When Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well to go and call her husband, he is not just making a casual request. This statement serves as a pivotal moment in their conversation, revealing his knowledge of her personal life and providing an opportunity for her to acknowledge her sin. By asking for her husband, Jesus is indirectly highlighting her past and current relationships, which leads to a profound theological discussion about the woman's spiritual life. This interaction demonstrates Jesus' ability to perceive the innermost thoughts and desires of individuals, inviting them to confront their own shortcomings and seek redemption. Through this encounter, we see the transformative power of Christ's grace and the healing that comes from acknowledging and repenting of our sins.