George Hutcheson
12 After this he went down into Capernaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples, and they continued there not many dayes.
Here, in the second part of the chapter, we have Christs departure from Cana to Capernaum, with his company in going thither, and his short abode there, occasioned, as appeareth from v. 13. by the near approach of the Passeover. It is not needful to enquire what his errand was there, and upon what occasion his mother and brethren went with him; whether because Joseph was now dead, and so he took care of his mother, or because they would convey him on his way, or because his brethren were to go up to Jerusalem with him; only this voyage was before that, Matth. 4.13. when he came to dwell in Capernaum, for then John was cast in prison, Matth. 4 12. but now he was not, as appeareth from John 3.24. Doct. 1. Christ was content to submit himself to the wanting of a certain abode and setled dwelling in the world, that he might sanctifie our pilgrimage, and tossed condition to us; and to invite his followers willingly to be removed or tossed from place to place, as he hath service for them; so much are we taught by this his removal. 2. Christ hath errands in eminent places, as well as obscure, and will not despise eminent persons or places for their eminencie, more then the base for their basenesse; and he can make the work of his Kingdome in a land advance from obscure beginnings and places, to be more eminent and conspicuous; So much may we gather from Christs going out of obscure Cana to Capernaum a chief City in Galilee. 3. As it is wisdome in Christs own to go still in his company, so others also may be with him so long as his way and theirs lieth together, [or] when he is working gloriously, and his Gospel hath credit; for, after this miracle, we finde not only his mother and disciples, but his brethren or kinsfolk with him, who yet believed not in him, John 7.5. 4. Christ may stay longer or shorter while, and do little or much in a place as he pleaseth; And particularly, he stayeth or removeth according as may contribute to advance the great work of his glory, and of sinners salvation; for, he continued there not many dayes, as having more to do at this time in Jerusalem.
