In John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine

In John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine

COMMENT:

In the book of John 4:9 the Samaritan lady clearly describes the prophetic doctrine. And in John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine. And the lady goes further in John 4:12 and asks a distinguishing question that sets Jesus Christ as being mystery. In John 4:19, the message is clear about the prophetic doctrine and then, in the following verse John 4:21–26, the mystery doctrine begins.

ANSWER:

There is no doubt that Jesus reveals mysteries concerning the Kingdom program. In Matt 13:11 Jesus says, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” These mysteries. however, were already prophesied and are not the same as the unsearchable secrets, Eph 3:8, which were revealed to Paul for the Body of Christ. You even point out in your comment that it was according to prophecy. What Jesus revealed were mysteries because the Jews were ignorant of these things recorded in the scriptures, and, unlike the prophets, who declared these things, but did not see them come to pass, Mat 13:17, the Jews were now seeing the incarnation of the scriptures being realized before their eyes. Thus, the mysteries that Jesus revealed were already prophesied; things ‘darkly’ announced in the Old Testament, and during all that period ‘darkly’ understood, but now being brought to light for those who had faith to see. 

These prophesied mysteries that Jesus revealed and expounded on are not associated with Paul’s mysteries. In contrast, the mysteries that Paul wrote about were kept secret by God and were never prophesied or recorded in scripture. There is a big difference between that which was prophesied since the world began, Act 3:21, and that which was kept secret since the world began, Rom 16:25-26. The mystery doctrine that you and I should adhere to is the doctrine revealed to Paul, which he received for the first time only AFTER the resurrection of Christ. Notice what Paul says here,

Rom 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

One must always remember that the earthly ministry of Jesus was ONLY to the Jews in the Kingdom program. The purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to prepare the Jews to receive the Kingdom which was ‘at hand’. Jesus Himself says,

Mat 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: (6) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am NOT sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

To interpret scripture correctly, and to understand its true context, it is critically important to separate the prophetic program (for Israel) from the mystery program (for the Body of Christ). These two programs are like oil and water. They can never be merged or blended together. When you keep them apart, the scriptures will become clear and plain.

I hope this helps to clarify.