John 4:1-4 “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
And he must needs go through Samaria.”

Today we look at a few verses that simply record where Jesus went. Yet take note of the first verse.

The first verse mentions that WHEN Jesus knew that the Pharisees heard that Jesus was getting more famous, so to speak, that’s when He left Judea. There are actually several times in the scriptures where similar things happen. Today, many people love publicity and love to be known and popular and “famous.” However, Jesus was not into being famous. He had a purpose for coming to the earth, and that was to reconcile unholy sinners to a holy God. Jesus saw that it was neccessary at that moment to not be too known or seen. So when word began spreading that He was growing bigger than John the Baptist, He left.

As we’ll read in other places, Jesus knew that if He became too widely known He wouldn’t be able to move as freely, or do the much needed work that He was set to do. This is something we ourselves need remember too: what God has called us to do. We should NEVER let popularity, or fame, or recognition blind us to our purpose and call from God. We shouldn’t seek the treasure of having many “likes” and “comments” and “shares” on social media. We shouldn’t seek the treasure of going “viral” or being “recognized” by this or that person. Nor should we do the same toward others by looking at those who have obtained fame, as though they are greater and should grab our focus, attention, respect, or love. I know it’s vastly going against the flow of modern society, but our treasure needs to be hid in Christ, our affection on things above, not on fame and early glory! Jesus knew, and demonstrated this in today’s first verse.

The rest of the verses today simply explain that Jesus Himself didn’t baptise anyone, but rather His disciples. Can you imagine the pride that could have happened if Jesus Himself baptised? “Oh I’m better than you because I was baptised by JESUS!!” Not to mention the problem of what we are being baptised into. Jesus would be, in a way, baptising into Himself and His own resurrection in a way. But that’s a whole other study in and of itself which we’d have to cover another time. Just note that Jesus Himself didn’t baptise anyone rather His disciples did, before they all departed into Galilee, and having to go through Samaria to get to Galilee.

I love you, dearly beloved in Christ and continue to pray for you daily. Please keep the body of Christ worldwide in your prayers as you read this. This year has been very hard and difficult for so many, and we need to hold each other in prayer, and we need to draw nigh to the Lord each and every day. May God Continue to bless, and keep you, and draw you closer to Him each day! I love you all, and keep you in prayer each day!

Love always in Christ,
Your friend always,
And brother,
Michael