11.09.07
The Withdrawal From Judea (Matt. 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:19-20; 4:14; John 4:1-4)
The Withdrawal From Judea (Matt. 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:19-20; 4:14; John 4:1-4)
Jesus had an influential ministry in Judea, now he changes direction and heads towards Galilee. Why? First, Jesus knew of the conflict the Pharisees wanted to stir up between His disciples and John‘s disciples. Division was not Christ’s goal here, His disciples and John’s disciples were on the same team. So, Jesus was going to travel to Galilee – a place John may not have ministered in (no doubt he had followers from that area though).
The second reason was because of Herod’s imprisonment of John. This was basically the same as rejecting Christ since they both were preaching the same message. It was the rejection of the message that kingdom was near, and a rejection of the call to righteousness. Why was John locked up? There were a couple of reasons – Herod marrying Herodias (his brother’s wife) and John denouncing this union; also the influence wielded by John in the area (which could lead to an uprising and revolt). Luke gives a third reason in 4:14 – Jesus was led by Holy Spirit. And in John 4:1 we perhaps see a 4th reason – With Jesus gaining influence, perhaps the Pharisees publicly announced their intention to silence Him. Since it was not yet time for Christ to give His all, He withdrew to Galilee.
