IS NOT THIS THE CHRIST?

                             by Jaime Castillo

                               Copyright 1996

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Introduction

For those familiar with the Bible and the lessons therein, there is one
particular event which took place with Jesus (who I prefer to call
‘Jehoshua’) and the woman from Samaria. John 4:1-42 (KJV), This story
illustrates a very simple lesson with regards to my position of faith and
my beliefs in the teachings of David Koresh, that is, as it pertains to my
personal experience with the man! This synopsis I hope will give the reader
a better understanding of the power and effect that Christ’s words had on
the Samaritan woman, and his apparent influence on the Samaritan people.

The Samaritans

"Is not this the Christ?" is what the Samaritan woman said referring
Jehoshua. What makes this story interesting to me are the circumstances
surrounding her reaction, based on her subsequent conversation with Christ,
to conclude that he was indeed the Christ . To me, what ever all was spoken
to the woman must have had a strong impact on her to conclude that he
(Jehoshua), could be the Messiah spoken of by the Prophets. Whatever the
case, we do know from what is recorded that she became convinced of
Jehoshua’s Divinity.

As we continue to take scripture into consideration, we should also
recognize, that not all who came in contact with Christ, accepted him as
such. Although many were given the opportunity to hear him speak some
heeded his message and doctrine, while others neglected the truths
presented to them. Whatever the case, Christ was accepted by a few and
rejected by many. With this in mind, we can now consider the testimony of
John and that of the other Apostles.

Scripture tells us that the woman gave witness she had come in contact with
Jehoshua - a Jew! (John 4:27-28). Although it was not a common thing for
Jews to associate with the Samaritans, Christ would not be hindered by the
prejudices of men and their traditional views or theological differences
whatever they might be. As Christ had spoken to the woman he must have
convincingly spoken words of truth and meaning , which ultimately effected
her reasoning, in which she replied to the people of her city, "Come, see a
man, which told me all things that I ever did" Is not this the Christ?"
(John 4:29) Although David Koresh, in my experience, did not tell me all
that I ever did, he did bring to my attention many of my personal
experiences in life through the course of his teachings and in the context
of the scriptures. As David related his own experiences, we (those at Mt.
Carmel) as individuals could either relate or agree to any given
circumstances that might apply to us. Although not all of us shared the
same experiences as David, he was able to communicate on everyone’s level
while sharing his reasoning in light of scripture. In doing so, a unity of
minds was somewhat adopted in which all could identify, or agree or
disagree while testing the credibility of his teachings.

Luke tells, "Then opened he (Christ) their understanding, that they might
understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:25). Christ being " the word made
flesh," no doubt manifested a Spirit (a certain way of thinking) which
brought about conviction and awakening of ones perception. In the case of
the Samaritan woman, Christ revealed to her her thoughts (John 4: 16-19)
that she might come to a better understanding of who he was. In her
interaction with Truth (Christ), it says, "And many of that city believed
on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, he told me all that I
did. And many more believed because of his own Word" (John 4:40-41).

For those of us who had the privilege (as far as I am concerned! ) to hear
what David taught, know through our experience, which many do not
understand, is what makes it hard for individuals to perceive the
scriptures in the light of our experience! Whatever opinions one might have
about who David Koresh was or wasn’t, in honesty with oneself, one would
have to look at things objectively before making any judgments of his
teachings. But keeping in mind the Samaritan story, let us continue on to
consider this lesson!

The Bible also tells us that Christ taught, "as one having authority, for
never man spake like this man" [referring to the authorities who were sent
out by the religious leaders to find occasion against him] (Matthew 7:29,
John 7:47). The power of the Spirit working in and through Christ no doubt
left an impression on the minds of those who heard him. Although David did
not perform any miracles, his ability to communicate and teach the
scriptures, opened our minds to perceive and understand God’s word more
clearly. This ability of his is why myself and those at Mt. Carmel found
David’s teaching so fascinating; the fact that he could harmonize the
scriptures and bring to life not only the written word, but the Spirit of
the letter!

Conclusion

In conclusion to the Samaritan experience, the Samaritans also testified,
"Now we believe, not because of thy (the woman) saying, for we (the
Samaritans) have heard him (Jehoshua) ourselves, and know that this indeed
is the Christ, the Savior of the World" (John 4:42). This story should
register in our hearts and mind that the spirit of Truth, is to be tested
on ones encounter, experience, and perception of what knows and understands
to be a Truth. We really don’t know what our reactions would have been 2000
years ago, but we do have recorded the lessons of men who were influenced
and experienced in spiritual matters - that we today might learn to heed as
to what took place, and come to grips with our own spiritual condition! As
for myself, and I am sure that of my fellow brothers and sisters in the
Faith, we know what we know what our experience has been, and only God the
Father will inevitably reveal the Truth that so many seem to misunderstand.
As David always said, "You can’t judge what you don’t understand!" And it
is not our position to do so.

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