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But the Samaritans’ hearts were different. They
were seeking a Messiah. One sign was sufficient in order for them to believe! They heard and believed. Jesus
was not looking for intellectuals, the rich, or the famous, but for those who would yield to Him and believe.
And they did. So after two wonderful days with the people of Sychar, Jesus leaves Samaria and continues on
His trip to Galilee.
After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast. (NASB) John 4:43-45 Without Honor. The proverb “that a prophet has no honor in his own country” is
a well known phrase that is used by many people. It can be found in newspapers, books, and on the internet.
Those who use the phrase may not realize that they are actually quoting the Bible. The proverb is true. That
is, greater respect comes from those outside of our family or social group than from those within, if it comes
at all.
The Greek word translated as “country” in John 4:44 is PATPIS. It refers to an area
of land associated with one’s family. This proverb also occurs in Matt. 13:54-57; Mark 6:1-4; and Luke
4:16-24, and each time it refers to Nazareth and the surrounding area. Nazareth and the surrounding area was
Jesus’ PATRIS because his parents, Joseph and Mary, had lived there before becoming engaged. After Jesus’ birth
and the brief trip to Egypt, they returned there to raise Him.
Why did Jesus go to Galilee if He was without honor in His homeland? The answer is found in the fact that He had so much honor in Judea that trouble was chasing after Him just like a bobcat after a small animal. By going to Galilee Jesus was able to escape popularity, at least for a while. He went there because He had little honor and to avoid an immediate encounter with the Pharisees. For now He could continue His ministry in peace.
Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. (NASB) John 4:46-47 |
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| Life & Heart of Jesus | |||||
