For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. John 4:44
I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 4:43-45 using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: After spending time in Samaria, Jesus moves on to the north to Galilee (see this map). He does not go into his hometown of Nazareth because His message is rejected as they don't see Him as the Promised Messiah nor worthy of hearing what He has to say - The text shares how Jesus "had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown" (v44). See also Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 6:1–6, Luke 4:14-30. God does not soften the heart of those in His hometown but instead allows their hearts to remain hardened to His message. This is clearly a mystery in the Bible - at least for me....for now.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: People near and dear to us are often the most difficult with whom to share the gospel - because they perhaps think they know us already and there is not anything about us. The Galileans, on the other hand welcomed Jesus as the text shares how they saw what He had done in Jerusalem as they were present. The text is silent about whether they believed or not - only that they welcomed Him. Perhaps they were interested more in His miracles then His teaching - perhaps both - the text is not clear.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid judging another. The Bible wants us to love and to have mercy. God alone is judge. Claim the promise that if you seek Jesus with all of your heart, soul, and mind you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Follow the Galilean example to welcome Jesus. Obey God by showing mercy to others that doubt (Jude 22-23).
My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who is full of mercy and love for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
