“So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast” (John 4:45 ESV).
The apostle John wrote that when Jesus returned to Galilee, the people welcomed Him because they had seen His works in Jerusalem. This appeared to be a positive reception, yet John revealed that it was based on signs rather than a true understanding of His identity. Just before this, Jesus had said that a prophet has no honor in his hometown, yet now He was welcomed, showing an ironic and possibly superficial honor. John contrasted this sign-based response with the deeper, word-based faith of the official that “believed the word that Jesus spoke” (v.50). The narrative moved from fascination with Christ’s works to genuine faith in His word.
We can see ourselves in the Galileans. We may come to welcome Jesus for what He can do for us rather than for who He is. We may be drawn to His power, His provision, or His help in times of need. Yet this kind of welcome remains shallow if it does not move us to trust His Word. We are called to grow from seeking signs to resting in His promises. True welcome will come when we look from His hands to His face, from His power to His very presence in our lives. Let us ask ourselves honestly, have we truly welcomed Jesus, or have we only welcomed Him for what He can do for us? Let us therefore welcome Jesus as He later teaches, “Abide in me, and my words abide in you” (John 15:7).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we are often drawn more to what You can do than to who You are. Help us to move from shallow faith to deep trust in Your Word. Teach us to welcome Your Son not only for His works but for His presence in our lives. Strengthen our faith so that we rest fully in Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.