1 When 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,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. (John 4:1-3 KJV)
Commentary
We read of Christ coming into Judea (John 3:22), after he had kept the feast at Jerusalem. He left Judea four months before the harvest (John 4:35), so it’s estimated that he stayed in Judea about six months, building upon the foundation John had laid there. We have no specific record of his sermons and miracles there, only in general (John 4:1).
He made disciples—many embraced his teaching and followed him as one sent from God. His ministry succeeded despite opposition (Psalm 110:2-3). The term used for “made disciples” is the same as in Genesis 12:5—“the souls which they had gotten,” meaning they made them proselytes. It is Christ’s unique role to make disciples—to bring people to him and then shape them according to his will. “A Christian is made, not born one,” as Tertullian said.
He baptized those he made disciples, not personally, but through his disciples (John 4:2). He did this:
- To distinguish his baptism from John’s, who baptized everyone himself, acting as a servant, while Christ acted as a master.
- To focus more on preaching, which is the greater work (1 Corinthians 1:17).
- To honor his disciples by involving them in ministry and preparing them for future work.
- To avoid giving any disciple a reason to boast of being baptized by him (1 Corinthians 1:13-14).
- To reserve for himself the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5).
- To teach that sacraments do not depend on the virtue of the one administering them, and that what his ministers do at his command, he regards as done by himself.
He made and baptized more disciples than John—not just at that time, but more than John ever had. Christ’s approach was more appealing than John’s. His miracles persuaded people, and his free healings drew many.
The Pharisees heard about the number of disciples he was making and baptizing. They had watched him closely from the beginning and had no shortage of spies. When they thought they had dealt with John—who was now imprisoned—Jesus appeared, and he troubled them even more than John had. The gospel’s progress irritates its enemies, which is a sign that it is gaining ground.
Jesus knew what was reported to the Pharisees. Though the informers likely tried to keep their identities secret and the Pharisees tried to hide their intentions, nothing is hidden from the Lord (Isaiah 29:15). Christ knew what was said, and how much it was exaggerated. It’s unlikely he had baptized more than John, but the report made him seem more dangerous (2 Kings 6:12).
Because of this, Jesus left Judea and went again into Galilee. He left to avoid being persecuted to death—the Pharisees’ rage and schemes were fierce. He moved to a place where his actions would provoke less hostility.
His hour had not yet come (John 7:30); he still had work to do, and he wouldn’t expose himself before the time. His new disciples in Judea weren’t ready for persecution, so he spared them. He also followed his own teaching: “When they persecute you in one city, flee to another.” We’re not required to suffer when we can avoid it without sin. Christ avoided danger by ordinary means, not miracles, to guide and encourage his followers.
He went to Galilee because he had work there, more supporters, and fewer enemies. John’s ministry had prepared the way in Galilee, which was under Herod’s jurisdiction and was John’s last field of work. With John now imprisoned, the people would no longer be divided between him and Christ. The freedoms and limitations of faithful ministers all serve the gospel’s progress (Philippians 1:12).
But what safety was there in Galilee? Herod, who persecuted John, was unlikely to protect Jesus. As Chemnitz noted, “The godly, in this life, have those from whom they flee, but none to flee to except you, O God, who alone are our refuge.”