Albert Barnes Commentary John 4:26

"Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]." — John 4:26 (ASV)

I that speak to you am he. I am the Messiah. This was the first time that he openly professed it. He had not yet done so to the Jews, because it would have excited envy and opposition. But nothing was to be feared in Samaria; and as the woman seemed reluctant to listen to him as a prophet, and professed her willingness to listen to the Messiah, he openly declared that he was the Christ, so that by some means he might save her soul. From this we may learn:

1. The great wisdom of the Lord Jesus in leading thoughts along to the subject of practical personal religion.
2. His knowledge of the heart and of life. He must, therefore, be divine.
3. He gave evidence here that he was the Messiah. This was John's design in writing this gospel. He therefore recorded this narrative, which was omitted by the other evangelists.
4. We see our duty. It is to seize all occasions to lead sinners to the belief that Jesus is the Christ, and to use all topics of conversation to teach them the nature of religion. There was never a model of such great wisdom in this as the Savior, and we will be successful only as we diligently study his character.
5. We see the nature of religion. It does not consist merely in external forms. It is pure, spiritual, active, an ever-bubbling fountain. It is the worship of a pure and holy God, where the heart is offered, and where the desires of a humble soul are breathed out for salvation.