John 4:45

Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.

Study Bible

When He arrived in Galilee
This phrase marks the return of Jesus to Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Galilee was a significant area in Jesus' ministry, often seen as a place of receptivity to His message. The Greek word for "arrived" (ἦλθεν) indicates a purposeful coming, suggesting Jesus' intentional mission to reach the people of Galilee. Historically, Galilee was a diverse region, both culturally and religiously, which may have contributed to the openness of its people to Jesus' teachings.

the Galileans welcomed Him
The word "welcomed" (ἐδέξαντο) implies a warm reception, indicating that the Galileans were open and receptive to Jesus. This reception contrasts with the rejection He faced in other areas, such as Nazareth. The Galileans' welcome can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown (John 4:44). This acceptance highlights the readiness of the Galileans to embrace the works and words of Jesus, setting the stage for His ministry in the region.

They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast
The phrase "great things" (πάντα ἃ ἐποίησεν) refers to the miracles and teachings of Jesus during the Passover feast in Jerusalem. The Greek word for "great" (μεγάλα) emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Jesus' works, which were not only miraculous but also revelatory of His divine authority. The feast mentioned is likely the Passover, a time when Jews from all over gathered in Jerusalem, providing a wide audience for Jesus' ministry. This context underscores the impact of His works, as those who witnessed them spread the news, contributing to His growing reputation.

for they also had gone to the feast
This phrase indicates that the Galileans were among the pilgrims who traveled to Jerusalem for the feast. The annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover was a significant religious duty for Jews, as prescribed in the Torah. The fact that the Galileans had been present at the feast and witnessed Jesus' works firsthand explains their enthusiastic reception of Him upon His return. This shared experience at the feast created a connection between Jesus and the Galileans, fostering a sense of anticipation and hope for His ministry in their midst.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, returning to Galilee after performing miracles in Jerusalem.

2. Galileans
The people of Galilee who welcomed Jesus, having witnessed His works in Jerusalem.

3. Galilee
The region where Jesus was raised and where He performed many of His early miracles.

4. Jerusalem
The city where Jesus performed miracles during the feast, which the Galileans attended.

5. The Feast
Likely referring to the Passover, a significant Jewish festival where Jesus performed miracles.

Teaching Points

Recognition of Jesus' Authority
The Galileans welcomed Jesus because they recognized His authority through the miracles He performed. We should also recognize and honor Jesus' authority in our lives.

Witnessing and Testimony
The Galileans' response was based on what they witnessed. Our testimony about Jesus can have a powerful impact on others, encouraging them to welcome Him into their lives.

Faith Beyond Signs
While the Galileans welcomed Jesus because of His miracles, true faith should not rely solely on signs but on a personal relationship with Him.

Openness to Jesus' Work
Just as the Galileans were open to Jesus' presence and works, we should remain open to how Jesus wants to work in our lives today.

Community and Worship
The communal experience of the feast in Jerusalem led to a shared recognition of Jesus. Engaging in community worship and fellowship can strengthen our faith and understanding of Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Galileans' welcome of Jesus challenge or affirm your own response to His works in your life?

2. In what ways can you be a witness to Jesus' authority and power in your community, similar to the Galileans who saw His miracles?

3. Reflect on a time when your faith was strengthened by witnessing or hearing about Jesus' work in someone else's life. How can this experience encourage others?

4. How can you cultivate a faith that goes beyond seeking signs and miracles, focusing instead on a deeper relationship with Jesus?

5. What role does community worship and fellowship play in your spiritual life, and how can it help you recognize and respond to Jesus' presence and work?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 2:23-25
This passage describes how many believed in Jesus because of the signs He performed in Jerusalem during the feast, providing context for why the Galileans welcomed Him.

Luke 4:14-15
Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, teaching in synagogues and being praised by all, showing His growing reputation.

Matthew 13:57
Jesus mentions that a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, which contrasts with the welcome He receives here.

Acts 2:22
Peter speaks of Jesus' miracles, wonders, and signs, affirming His divine authority and connecting to the Galileans' recognition of His works.