How does John 4:4 demonstrate Jesus' intentionality in His ministry? Setting the Scene John 4:4: “Now He had to pass through Samaria.” • Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee. • Typical Jews avoided Samaria by taking a longer eastern route. • Scripture’s wording—“had to”—signals more than geography; it hints at divine purpose. The Weight of “Had to” • Greek term “edei” conveys necessity, not mere convenience. • It echoes other mission-driven statements: – John 3:14 “the Son of Man must be lifted up.” – Luke 4:43 “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other towns also.” • Each “must” reveals a deliberate alignment with the Father’s plan (John 5:19). Intentional Kingdom Priorities • Salvation over social custom—Jesus heads straight into territory despised by many Jews. • Individual worth—He is on a collision course with one Samaritan woman, yet through her an entire village hears (John 4:39-42). • Mission momentum—Galilee will follow, but Samaria is purposefully first on this trip. A Path that Shatters Barriers • Ethnic barrier: Jews vs. Samaritans (cf. 2 Kings 17; Ezra 4). • Gender barrier: a Rabbi engages a lone woman publicly (John 4:27). • Moral barrier: her checkered past (John 4:17-18). • Jesus’ route embodies Ephesians 2:14—He is “our peace, who has made the two one.” A Precedent for His Followers • Acts 1:8—“you will be My witnesses… in Samaria” mirrors His footsteps. • Philip later takes the gospel to Samaria (Acts 8:5-8). • The Lord models proactive bridge-building, urging disciples to move toward, not away from, the marginalized. Additional Snapshots of Intentionality • Luke 19:1-10—detour to Jericho tree for Zacchaeus: “I must stay at your house today.” • John 11:6—waiting two days before going to Lazarus “so that you may believe.” • Mark 5:1-20—crossing stormy waters to free one tormented man in the Decapolis. • Each episode underscores calculated, purposeful movement, never random wandering. Takeaway Truths • Jesus’ ministry steps are mission steps; every mile answers a divine “must.” • Obedience may lead through places others bypass; His followers can trust the path He chooses. • No cultural, moral, or ethnic wall deters the Savior when a soul is at stake. |
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