Read John 4:1-3. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
Digging Deeper
Yellow Flashing Lights. Sensing that something is not just right. Have we slowed down for what seem to be no good reason or hesitated to shift into another lane, but we were glad that we did. We sense something is not right. Danger ahead.
Jesus and his disciples have been baptizing and making more disciples than John the Baptist. Jesus wasn’t seeking popularity but His message resonated with the crowd. John wasn’t envious or jealous of Jesus but what about the religious leaders in Jerusalem. What were they thinking and feeling about this Jesus? Jesus was able to perceive potential conflict ahead, not with John the Baptist but with the Pharisees.
What would you and I do when we perceive potential conflict ahead? Our attitude may be this: We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re in the right. We’re going to keep on doing what we are doing. If they don’t like it, that’s their problem! That’s one approach. Another approach is to cease and desist. There’s also compromise. Let it all calm down. I won’t invade your space as long as you don’t come into my space.
Jesus wasn’t avoiding conflict with the Pharisees. It wasn’t the right time for the conflict. He wasn’t “running” away but was redirecting His ministry. Judea had John the Baptist. Who was preaching to Samaria and Galilee?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision to leave a ministry position because of potential or actual conflict? Don’t make hasty decisions to resign from a ministry position or leave your church. Be certain that if you were to leave that others can and will take over your ministry. Look for ministry opportunities within or even outside your church where workers are needed. Don’t leave in bitterness but pray for those who are left behind that they will remain true to the Lord. If God is closing a door for you, then believe that He will open another door of ministry for you.