Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 4:19

"The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet." — John 4:19 (ASV)

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

She did not deny Christ's charges; she could not, for they were so accurately descriptive of her whole life.

The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

It would have been a sign of better things if she had said, "Lord, I perceive that I am a sinner;" but that confession had to be made a little farther on. How apt people are to think about the preacher rather than about themselves! If half the criticisms which are passed upon ministers of Christ were bestowed upon the hearers themselves, how much sooner they might receive the blessing they need! The woman then asked our Lord a question about religion which was strangely out of place for such a woman as she was.

Yet, often, those who have the least morality will have the most ceremonialism and concern about the externals of worship.

The woman saith unto him, Sir,

She is getting more respectful now. When conscience begins to work, men treat the ministry with greater deference.