A Twice Verified Proverb
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.




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