Martin Luther in his comments on the Gospel of John has this to say.
“If I had gone . . . and seen and heard a poor pastor baptizing and preaching, and if I had been assured: “This is the place; here God is speaking through the voice of the preacher who brings God’s Word” -I would have said: “Well, I have been duped! I see only a pastor.” We should like to have God speak to us in his majesty. But I advise you not to run hither and yon for this. . . . Christ says: “You do not know
the gift” John. 4:10]. We recognize neither the Word nor the Person of Christ, but we take offense at his humble and weak humanity. When God wants to speak and deal with us, he does not avail himself of an angel but of parents, of the pastor, or of my neighbor.”
