We are indebted to the Gospel of John for our record of the early ministry of Christ. Standard works on the harmony of the Gospels, such as that of A.T. Robertson, depict the events of John 1:18-4:45 as occurring prior to the Great Galilean Ministry. There was a period of overlapping with the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. The point was reached that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (John 4:1-2). It was at this point that Jesus left Judea and departed again to Galilee (v.3).
Jews traveling from Judea to Galilee often skirted around Samaria, due to the mutual racial prejudice. But instead of avoiding Samaria, Jesus “needed to go through Samaria” (v.4). This is when John narrates the beautiful account of Jesus (at Jacob’s well) leading a Samaritan woman, step by step, to a point of faith in Him as the Messiah. This had a rippling effect, as many others there (near Sychar) believed on Him (John 4:5-42).
It was from there that Jesus then made His way to Galilee (vv. 43-45).
Here below is a view that would be familiar to travelers in the Galilee. Note the Sea of Galilee at center.
An international highway, the Via Maris passed through this area. Here is a closer view of the Arbel cliffs:
Click image for larger view.
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