Daily Devotions
My Song In The Night (Gospel of John)
我夜间的歌曲 (约翰福音）
Rejected at Nazareth
Text: John 4:43-45
REJECTED AT NAZARETH
Jesus had sought to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Nazareth, His hometown. This was not recorded in the Gospel of John. However, this was noted in the Gospel of Mark. His hometown found it hard to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. They rejected Him outright (Mark 6:1-6). Their unbelief caused Jesus to marvel at them (Mark 6:6)! There was no solid reason to reject Jesus at all! The rejection prompted a remark made by Jesus. “A prophet has no honour in his own country.” (John 4:44)
GREATLY ACCEPTED IN SAMARIA
The reception of the teachings of Jesus in Samaria stands out in the most remarkable manner! So many had come to salvation and had been blessed with everlasting life (John 4:39, 41).
1. Deep ethnic problems had been set aside.
2. Many hearts were receptive to Jesus.
3. The word of God had stirred up the heart to come alive to Jesus in new-found faith.
GREATLY ACCEPTED IN GALILEE
Jesus returned to Galilee after a successful two-day ministry in Samaria! He chose to minister in Galilee. What was the reception like?
1. The Galileans received Jesus well
a. They welcomed Him.
b. They were very open to His teachings.
c. They were a sharp contrast to the people of Nazareth.
2. One particular reason stood out
a. The Galileans who welcomed Jesus had seen His miracles performed in Jerusalem (John 4:45).
b. They too had gone to the feast in Jerusalem (John 4:45).
c. These were devout Jews whose hearts were already well-disposed to hearing the gospel Jesus proclaimed.
d. The sign-miracles had caused them to consider believing in Jesus as their personal Saviour.
3. The feast at Jerusalem
a. This is a reference to the Feast of the Passover (John 2:23).
b. This was one of three annual Feasts that devout Jews endeavoured to attend every year.
c. At the Feast, Jesus had performed many signs (John 2:23).
d. Nicodemus had been most impressed (John 3:2).
e. The Galileans who went up to Jerusalem saw the same signs.
f. Thus, they received (an alternative word in translation would be “welcomed”) Jesus well.
They too received the promised gift of everlasting life through faith in Jesus the Saviour and Lord.