George Hutcheson
John 4:15. The woman saith unto Him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
1.
The bars of ignorance and sin even in the elect, hindering them from Christ, are not easily broken; so much appears in this woman’s answer. Whether we understand her to speak by way of derision, or rather that Christ’s spiritual preaching did reveal to her some excellence in these things (as may happen even in natural minds); yet she only took them up in a natural way, and accordingly her desire was but carnal.
2.
Even nature may have a loathing at these outward infirmities that follow sin, and yet will not be affected with spiritual needs without being renewed. Such people may have a desire to be happy and free of these troubles although they seek this happiness under the sun, and often in what will be their greatest misery; for the woman desires to be rid of thirst and of trouble in seeking water.
3.
It is the great fault of many that they would be content with as much of Christ as may serve their worldly ends, and no more. Particularly, it is but a natural and carnal desire after spiritual things when they are sought to supply natural imperfections and needs, and to bring about natural, imaginary happiness; for such was her desire: “Give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw”.
- These are the “Doctrines”, or lessons, as edited, that Hutcheson (1626-74) draws from these verses, in his Exposition of the Gospel of John. Continued from December.