Ελληνικό SiteAvoid unnecessary conflict
Each of the gospel writers adds a bit to a complete understanding of events following John the Baptist’s confrontation with the committee of Pharisees from Jerusalem who inquired about his credentials. Read the following verses; and then rewrite their content into a single paragraph if you can.
John 4:1-4
Luke 3:19-20
Mark 1:14
Matthew 4:12
Luke 4:14
Meditation Points:
- Jesus could have stayed in the area and built a larger following for himself; but he didn’t.
- To get where he wanted to go, “he must needs go through Samaria.” Sometimes an insignificant “necessity” has much larger consequences.
- Herod the Tetrarch, son of Herod the Great is introduced as the one responsible for the imprisonment of John. And what landed the preacher in jail? His message that divorce and remarriage is a sin.
- How is it that Jesus gained such popularity?
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John 4:1-4
1When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4And he must needs go through Samaria.
Luke 3:19-20
19But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
20Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Mark 1:14
14Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Matthew 4:12
12Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
Luke 4:14
14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.