Just on the Way to…hey wait!

John 4:1-4

Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was making more disciples and baptizing more than John (although Jesus’ disciples were baptizing, not Jesus himself). Therefore, he left Judea and went back to Galilee.

Jesus had to go through Samaria.

                This passage seems to be nothing more than a transition. To get to the next story, Jesus needs to move from Judea to Galilee.  Yet, there are a few important details here to be noticed. 

                First, Jesus decides to move on.  He is aware that the Pharisees are paying more attention to Him now.  He knows that, if engaged, the conflict between himself and the religious establishment will intensify.  He knows that this is inevitable, but the time is right for that.  He has much to do before he allows that clash that will lead to His death to progress.  Timing is important and now is not the time.  So he decides to move on.

                This leads to another important decision.  Jews, if they could possibly avoid it, never traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee via Samaria.  It wasn’t done, because Samarians were the enemy.  Nonetheless, the text says:

                “Jesus had to go through Samaria.”

Why? Why use the imperative “had to” here.  Jesus didn’t have to go through Samaria.  He could take the well worn road that nearly everyone took to make the same journey.  We won’t find out until next time, but for now, let’s just take note that Jesus had “an appointment” in Samaria to keep. 

                One more detail worth noticing.  The author of John felt the need to let us know that it was not Jesus baptizing more people than John the Baptist.  He lets us know that it was Jesus’s disciples who were doing the baptizing.  This is significant because it’s clear that Jesus, from the very beginning of his public ministry, is committed to passing this ministry onto others.  The disciples are not just along for the ride, they are ministry interns.  They are not Jesus’s personal assistants; they are co-laborers with Christ. 

                Even in the transitions, Jesus is intentional and purposeful in every step.  Timing is important.  The road taken is important.  That people are trained to serve is important. 

Questions:  How have you found that seemingly minor details can often be very important?

Prayer:  Lord, help us not to live our lives on autopilot.  Help us notice the opportunities of little moments and little decisions.  Amen,

Prayer Focus:  Try to notice people today that you would normally not pay any attention.  As you do, pray a little prayer for God to bless them.

Song:  Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield