John 4:43-45 Now after two days he departed there, and went into Galilee.… I. NEGATIVELY (ver. 44). 1. Regarded. Christ had an eye to this maxim when He avoided settling in Nazareth; which showed — (1) Christ's intimate acquaintance with human nature. (2) His ability to read the signs of the times. (3) His wisdom in selecting the most advantageous fields of labour — all of which qualities are essential to the preacher or teacher (1 Chronicles 12:32; Matthew 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:9). 2. Exemplified (Luke 4:29; Matthew 13:58). So Christ's servants find the circles most difficult to impress are those of one's household and city (Luke 6:40; Matthew 10:25). 3. Explained. (1) Envy. His fellow-townsmen were amazed at His superior wisdom and manifest supernatural gifts (Matthew 13:54). (2) Pride. (3) Familiarity. A prophet must be something of a mystery man if he would make his way in the world (John 7:27). Familiarity breeds contempt. II. POSITIVELY (Matthew 13:57). 1. Illustrated, as in Judaea (John 2:23; John 4:1) and Samaria (vers. 39-41), so now in Galilee, the inhabitants accorded Him a joyous welcome. The judgments of strangers are more to be relied on than those of friends. So with the apostles (Acts 13:46; Acts 15:3, 7, 12; Acts 18:6). 2. Justified. The behaviour of the Galileans was not an unreasoning enthusiasm. They had witnessed Christ's miracles at Jerusalem nine months before (John 2:23), and had apparently then arrived at Nicodemus's conclusion (John 3:2). It was, therefore, becoming and right that they should meet Him with acclamation. So already has the Gospel effected such marvels that it has a right to a cordial reception.Lessons: 1. The power of prejudice. 2. The advantage derived by the Gospel from publicity. 3. The ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.WEB: After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee. |
    |