The Gospel of John: John 4.1-15

Read and meditate on John 4.1-4.
The woman of Sychar came to the well hoping to draw some water. That would be hard work, and, in the end, she wouldn’t get what she was seeking. She’d get more.

          ¹When Jesus knew the Pharisees
had heard what He was doing, and that He
had baptized more disciples than had John –  
²although the Lord Himself baptized no one, 
but His disciples did – ³He left Judea,
departing to return to Galilee.
⁴And it was necessary that He through
Samaria should go.

- John 4.1-4

Reflect
1.  Verse 1 records the mood in Jerusalem after Jesus had been there and accomplished many signs. The report that reached John about Jesus baptizing, reached the Pharisees as well. With this one verse John sets a tone in his narrative that will continue to grow heavier and more prominent. How would you describe that tone? Complete this prayer: You were no stranger to tension, Lord Jesus, and to people wishing you weren’t around. As Your disciple I…

2.  At the same time, this verse introduces a contrary tone, represented by the reactions of the people to Jesus. How would you describe the mood suggested by the second part of verse 1? Meditate on Revelation 1.9. Life in the Kingdom of God finds us living in the tension between two moods. Explain. Give me boldness, Lord, to keep my eyes on You and…

3.  John is careful to clarify that Jesus baptized no one, but His disciples did. The text might be read to suggest that Jesus only baptized His disciples, and no one else, but the Greek clarifies that John meant the disciples baptized, but Jesus did not (“disciples” in the nominative, not the accusative case). Why do you suppose it was important for John to point out that Jesus did not baptize but His disciples did? Why do we need to know this? I know, Lord, that You have given me certain responsibilities, and I…

4.  The normal route for Jews to take from Jerusalem to Galilee was on the east side of the Jordan River, through the region called Decapolis. That way they didn’t have to go through Samaria (see on, v. 9). But John said “He needed to go through Samaria.” In what sense did Jesus “need” to take this unlikely route. Meditate on Luke 19.10 as you contemplate your answer. You have sent Me, Lord, in the same way You were sent (Jn. 20.21). Help me to see the “needs” as I…

5.  From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was on the move, seeking those He had been sent to save. He could have gone to Jerusalem, rented a store front, and put up a sign saying something like, “Religion at 11.” But He didn’t. Is there a lesson in this for churches? Explain. Bring together into one the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“It may perhaps surprise you that it is said, ‘Jesus baptized more than John,’ and after this was added, ‘although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples did.’ What then? Was the statement made false, and then corrected by this addition? … Or are both true, that is, that Jesus both did and also did not baptize? He did in fact baptize, because it was he who cleansed. And he also did not baptize, because it was not he who touched. The disciples supplied the ministry of the body; he afforded the aid of his majesty. Now, when could he cease from baptizing, so long as he did not cease from cleansing? In fact, John the Baptist said about him, ‘This is he that baptizes.’ Jesus, therefore, is still baptizing. And so long as we continue to be baptized, Jesus baptizes. Let a person come without fear to the minister below, for he has a master above.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

Jesus never did anything randomly. He always had a purpose. His every move, all His teaching, and every good work He performed were intended to show the love God has for His world, and to bring near the Kingdom and redemption of God. Oh, that we might be as purposeful as Jesus in all our ways! How might you become a seeker of those in need of God’s redeeming grace?

Closing Prayer
He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the LORD was my support.
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.

Psalm 18.16-19

Psalm 18.35, 36, 49 (I am Thine: I Am Thine, O Lord, I Have Heard Thy Voice)
You have saved me, Lord, and Your gentleness
Holds me up and makes me strong;
You enlarge my steps as You guide and bless
And preserve me all life long.
    I will thank You, thank You gracious Lord,
    I will lift Your Name in praise
    Till the nations hear Your saving Word
    And amend their sinful ways.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.