Scripture: John 4:45 (ESV)
“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.”
At first glance, this verse seems to contradict the one just before it. Jesus had said that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown (v. 44), yet here the Galileans “welcome” Him. But John clarifies their motive: they welcomed Him because of the signs they had seen in Jerusalem. Their reception was not rooted in genuine faith or recognition of His identity—it was admiration for His miracles. They saw power, not the Savior.
John Calvin addresses this apparent contradiction by noting the superficial nature of the Galileans’ welcome. He writes, “They received Christ, not as a teacher to instruct them, but as a wonder-worker to amuse them.” Calvin warns that not all who welcome Christ do so rightly. True honor means receiving Jesus for who He is, not merely for what He can do. Many are eager to embrace blessings, but reluctant to submit to His Lordship.
J.C. Ryle offers a similar caution. “There is such a thing as reverence without faith—admiration without love—praise without obedience.” Ryle observes that the Galileans were enthusiastic about Jesus as long as He performed signs. But their “faith” was shallow and self-serving. Ryle urges believers to examine their hearts: do we receive Christ only for the benefits He brings, or because He is the Son of God, worthy of worship regardless of what He gives?
This verse challenges us to move beyond surface-level admiration of Christ. True faith welcomes Him not for the signs, but for His truth. The Galileans had seen, but they had not truly heard. Their response shows how easy it is to be near Jesus, yet far from truly honoring Him.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways are you tempted to welcome Jesus for what He gives, rather than for who He is?
- How can you cultivate a deeper, more reverent faith that isn’t dependent on outward signs?
- What does it look like in your life to truly honor Christ as Lord, not just admire Him as a miracle-worker?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we confess how easily our hearts can drift toward loving Your gifts more than loving You. Help us to welcome You for who You truly are—our Savior, our Lord, our God. Teach us to seek not just signs, but truth. Deepen our faith, so that our devotion is not shallow or conditional, but rooted in Your worthiness. May we honor You not with lip service, but with wholehearted obedience. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 