John 4:43-45 - Homiletics

Our Lord's return into Galilee.

He was now about to enter on the scene of his longest ministry.

I. THE REASON OF HIS RETURN TO GALILEE . "For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country."

1 . This might appear to be a reason for his avoiding Galilee, which was undoubtedly his own country.

2 . He meant that, though he might have no reputation in Galilee, he could carry into it the reputation he acquired in Judaea and Jerusalem. These places might be regarded as setting the fashion to Galilee by the high estimate they put upon his achievements.

3 . The proverb implies that a prophet, or any one who speaks in the name of the Lord, is entitled to special honour by virtue of his office . He ought to receive

II. THE WELCOME OF THE GALILAEANS . "The Galileeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast."

1 . The Galilaeans were not religious aliens in Palestine. "For they also went unto the feast."

2 . The reason of the Galilaean welcome to Christ was the impression made upon them by the miracles at Jerusalem. This fact marks their spiritual inferiority to the Samaritans, who believed on him for his word.