"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

September 25, 2012

To find His sheep - Jhn 4:1-4

Jhn 4:1-4  (1) When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (2) (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) (3) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.  (4) And he must needs go through Samaria.
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).