John Calvin Commentary John 4:16

"Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither." — John 4:16 (ASV)

Call thy husband. This appears to have no connection with the subject; indeed, one might suppose that Christ, annoyed and put to shame by the woman's impudence, changed the subject. But this is not the case. For when he perceived that jeers and scoffs were her only reply to what he had said, he applied an appropriate remedy to this disease by striking the woman’s conscience with a conviction of her sin.

It is also a remarkable proof of his compassion that when the woman was unwilling of her own accord to come to him, he drew her, as it were, against her will.

But we should primarily observe what I have mentioned: that those who are utterly careless and almost stupid must be deeply wounded by a conviction of sin. For such persons will regard the doctrine of Christ as a fable until, being summoned to the judgment seat of God, they are compelled to dread as a Judge him whom they formerly despised.

All who do not hesitate to rise against the doctrine of Christ with their scoffing jests must be treated in this manner, so that they may be made to feel that they will not go unpunished. Such also is the obstinacy of many, that they will never listen to Christ until they have been subdued by violence.

Whenever, then, we perceive that the oil of Christ has no flavor, it ought to be mixed with wine, so that its taste may begin to be felt. Furthermore, this is necessary for all of us, for we are not seriously affected by Christ speaking unless we have been aroused by repentance.

Therefore, for anyone to profit in the school of Christ, his hardness must be subdued by the demonstration of his misery. Just as the earth, to become fruitful, is prepared and softened by the plowshare, so this knowledge alone shakes off all our flatteries, so that we no longer dare to mock God.

Whenever, therefore, neglect of the word of God steals upon us, no remedy will be more appropriate than for each of us to arouse himself to consider his sins. In this way, he may be ashamed of himself and, trembling before the judgment seat of God, be humbled to obey Him whom he had wantonly despised.