ShareThe third and fourth chapters of the Gospel of St. John illustrate how the Word of God manifested His divine power by bringing about the spiritual regeneration of men through His grace. The story of Nicodemus (Jn 3:1-21) demonstrated how some Jews would come to accept the faith. The story of the Samaritan woman at [...]

SharePreviously, the Evangelist had shown how Christ’s teaching (vv. 7-26) had born fruit in the Samaritan woman, for she gave witness to Christ by proclaiming His greatness to the people of her city (vv. 28-29). Next, he offered three proofs that demonstrated how her testimony bore fruit in the Samaritans (vv. 39-42). First, her testimony [...]

Share Christ’s disciples were slow to understand what He meant by “food,” just as the woman at the well had been slow to understand what He meant by “water.” To lead the woman and the disciples to the truth, it was necessary that He clearly identify to them the realities represented by the figures of water [...]

ShareAfter the Evangelist had given Christ’s teaching on living water, he then showed the effect of that teaching, which is most fruitful for believers. Christ’s teaching to the Samaritan woman had one effect upon the woman and another effect upon his disciples. She marveled at His words, but they were surprised that He was speaking [...]

ShareIn the first nine verses of the fourth chapter, the Evangelist had provided us with the setting: a public well at Shechem, in the region of Samaria. He mentioned the characters: Christ and a Samaritan woman who came to draw water. He gave the occasion for the encounter: Christ resting at midday during His journey [...]

ShareIn the first chapter, the Evangelist explained the nature and power of the Word of God. In the second chapter, he pointed out two ways in which the Word manifested His power over nature: in the miracle at Cana and in His own bodily resurrection. In the third and fourth chapters, he showed how the [...]

ShareIn the previous section, St. John the Baptist had urged his disciples to follow Christ, because Christ’s doctrine is more splendid and more certain than the Baptist’s. In this section, the Evangelist demonstrates how Christ’s teaching makes a difference in the disciples who choose to receive it. First, he notes the relative scarcity of believers; [...]

ShareIn verse 26, we read that some disgruntled disciples of the Baptist complained to him that Christ was baptizing. They expressed their dissatisfaction in two respects. First, they were indignant because Christ took upon Himself the office of baptist. They therefore reported to John, “here he is, baptizing.” Second, they expressed concern that Jesus’ fame [...]

ShareIn the first part of chapter three, Christ taught us about spiritual regeneration through baptism with water and the Spirit. In the remainder of this chapter, we learn how John’s baptism with water differs from Christ’s baptism with water and the Spirit. “After this,” that is, after Christ spoke to Nicodemus about spiritual regeneration, “Jesus [...]

ShareIn the previous section, Christ taught Nicodemus that the cause of our spiritual regeneration is the coming down and the lifting up of the Son of Man, and as we go down with Him in the waters of baptism, He lifts us up to eternal life, which is the fruit of His Incarnation and Redemption. [...]