John 4:43-46 (WEL) Now, after two days, he left there and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 Then when he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen everything that he did at Jerusalem at the festival, for they had also gone to the festival.
V43 Now, after two days, he left there and went into Galilee.
Two days after spending some time teaching the new Samaritan believers in Sychar, Jesus leaves for Galilee. He has a plan. He is not just wandering around.
V44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Often those who know the teacher, preacher, prophet, etc., have a low opinion of them.
Most consider his own country to be Nazareth. Others suggest Jerusalem, Judea, Bethlehem, or heaven. Nazareth was where Jesus was raised and worked until it was time to begin His ministry.
The Greek word for honor is G5092 τιμή timē, which means (CWSB Dictionary) to “pay honor, respect.”
Jesus is God the Son. The Samaritan woman honored, gave recognition, to Jesus as Messiah.
Some comments:
(Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Abridged – Little Kittel)) “’Recognition’ is the sense in John 4:44. The common combination with dóxa occurs in Christological statements in 2 Peter 1:17 (the transfiguration) and Hebrews 2:7, 9; 3:3. In Hebrews 2:7ff. Christ’s passion is the presupposition of his crowning with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5ff.), i.e., his institution to high-priestly dignity. Moses has his own honor, but this is far inferior to that of the Son (Hebrews 3:3). In these references, timḗ is one part of dóxa. Dignity of office is the point in Hebrews 5:4.”
J. C. Ryle quoting: “Alford says, “The only true and simple view is that this verse refers to the next following, and indeed to the whole narrative which it introduces. It stands as a preliminary explanation of ’Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,’ and indicates the contrast between the Samaritans, who believed on Him for His own word, and His own countrymen, who only received Him because they had seen the miracles which He did at Jerusalem.” This view of the text seems to me as far-fetched and unsatisfactory as any of those I have mentioned. Moreover, I doubt much whether the Greek word rendered “for” is ever used in the sense Alford puts on it in the New Testament.”
Principle: Honor those who are honorable in God’s sight. Compare Romans 13:7, Luke 18:20, and Mark 12:17.
V45 Then when he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen everything that he did at Jerusalem at the festival, for they had also gone to the festival.
It appears that they welcomed Jesus because of seeing the miracles; they were hoping for a miracle show in their area plus physical healings, not necessarily spiritual healing, which is most necessary.
We learn:
- How Jesus deals with individuals.
- What people are interested in is the physical more than the spiritual and signs and miracles instead of truth.
Questions:
- What is more important to you—physical things or spiritual things?
- Do you try to understand the person to whom you are speaking?