And so begins chpater 4. May god bless this and wipe away our foolishness that we may see His full Glory.
Jhn 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
Jhn 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Jhn 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Jhn 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
- What can we learn from "Jesus Himself baptized not?"
- Why do you think Jesus left Judaea?
- Is there any prophetic foreshadowing in verses 3& 4?
- Define the words "must needs" in verse 4?
In going from Judaea to Galilee Jesus most direct route did lay through Samaria, but Jews (especially strict ones) were required to take a longer route around to avoid contact. So why did Jesus take this path. It was because in Samaria lay one of His sheep that was not in His fold, one He must bring in. Simply put, the providence and purpose of Jesus took Him through Samaria for some of His elect. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" John 10:16. To appreciate the gospel we must go back to the basic truth of predestination that puts God first and makes the choice His way before it is ours (John 15:16; II Thess 2:13). His journey took Him through Samaria because there were chosen sheep there, which had been given Him before the foundation of time and for all eternity (John 6:37-40).
Father twas thy love that know us
Earth’s foundation love before
That same love to Jesus drew us
By its sweet constraining power
And will keep us
Safely now and ever more
Dr. G. S. Bishop
