John 4:43–45

Followeth in the third part of the Chapter Christs coming into Galilee, with his entertainment, and working of another miracle there: This history being interrupted, from verse 3. by the narration of what occurred by the way, is now prosecuted; And in these verses John relates his coming thither after his removal from Sychar, verse 43. that, expecting (according to the common proverb) no respect in his own City Nazareth, therefore he went not thither, or staid not there, verse 44. (but went to Cana, as it is, verse 46) and, that as he travelled through Galilee toward Cana, he was entertained and welcomed by them who had been at Jerusalem at the feast, and had seene his miracles there, verse 45. from verse 43. learn. It is the duty of the Lords servants closely to follow their calling from him, even though it should seeme they might do more good elsewhere; Therefore, notwithstanding his successe in Samaria, yet after two dayes he departed thence, and went into Galilee, being a part of his charge as Minister of the circumcision. From verse 44. Learn, 1. Christ is a Prophet among and above others, and whatever charge he lay on others to teach his people, yet he remains still the chiefe Teacher himself; for the proverb importeth that he was a Prophet. 2. The Prophets, or Messengers carrying the Word of God, should have honour, and a due estimation of the dignity of their calling and gifts, testified by reverence to their persons, obedience to their doctrine, and honourable maintenance, for, so much doth the proverb import, that a Prophet should have honour, and honour includeth all those; Their being spiritual parents, Rulers, and Christs Ambassadors calleth for this. 3. It is an usual and ordinary fault, that the servants of God are most disrespected among their own; for, such is mens naughtinesse by nature, that things that come from a farre like them best, and that acquaintance with mens persons, parents, &c. breeds contempt; Therefore, Christ met with this, and testified it, as ordinarily true, that a Prophet hath no honour in his own countrey. See Luke 4.22.—29. 4. Since Christs doctrine cannot be in request, where the Messengers carrying the same, are not in estimation; Therefore such as ingrately contemne Ministers, are justly deprived of the benefit of the Ministry; Therefore is this set downe as a reason why he went not to, or staid not in Nazareth, but went to Cana. 5. It is the duty of the servants of God to arme and guard themselves against contempt and disrespect, that it stumble them not, especially after they have enjoyed better times; therefore not onely doth Christ resolve on it, but testified concerning it when he came to Galilee, that his disciples who had seen him better esteemed of among the Samaritans, might not mistake. From verse 45. Learn, 1. Distance of place, and necessity of pains, should not hinder men from frequenting of Ordinances, and it is commendable where it is so; for, the Galileans also went unto the feast. Their great pains may condemne them that are lazie, and yet have fewer difficulties. 2. Albeit Christ get no respect nor welcome in one place, yet he will get it elsewhere; and those who have observed his dealing best, will respect him most; for, the Galileans received him, having seen all that he did at Jerusalem, &c. 3. Every work of Christ whereof we see not present successe, is not therefore lost, but may have rich fruit ready to appear in due time; for, the fruits of Christs miracles at Jerusalem (which chap. 2.23. are marked onely in general, to have produced some sort of faith) appear more clearly in Galilee. 4. Albeit fairest shews of good, founded onely on the sight of Christs works, will prove but unsound; yet in so far are Christs miracles rightly made use of, as they tend either to confirme doctrine, or induce men to receive and hear it, and to welcome the Messengers thereof for that end; for, so was it here, they received him (or made his person welcome, and admitted him as a Teacher among them) having seene all the things that he did, &c.