John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
John 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Verse one is interesting in that it mentions “when therefore the Lord knew…” Jesus was God himself in the flesh, yet he knew what others thought, even before they spoke. There are many verses in the bible that speak of how he perceived things that were not yet done or spoken. It is important to notice that verse 2 tells us that Jesus did not baptize, and this was done I believe on purpose that man not get the significance of baptism mixed up with salvation.
John associates Jesus as Lord for the first time in his gospel. Though John the Baptist’s disciples were becoming jealous that Jesus had more baptisms, Jesus had greater concerns. The Pharisees were picking up on Jesus’ rise to prominence. They already were becoming suspicious of Him, even at this early point in His ministry. Evidently, in His infinite wisdom, He knew the time was not right for a public confrontation with the Pharisees.
We see that verse one even states that “Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.” This points to how that a person is saved and accepts Christ for salvation. Baptism is the first command we are to follow after being saved, and it is our entrance into the local church. But salvation is wholly of the Lord, and water has no significance in being born again. Baptism is a picture (symbolism) of our death to the old life when we enter the baptismal waters, and the picture of the new life when we are raised to walk in newness of life.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Rom 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Note the words “like figure” pointing to the baptism being a picture of salvation.
John 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
It says that they departed into Galilee because Jesus must needs go through Samaria. Samaria was between Judea and Galilee. When the Jews traveled from Judea to Galilee, they would go around Samaria on the east side and not enter into this country. But Jesus was a Jew, and he did enter the country. We might ask why was it needful for him to go through Samaria. It was due to God having a reason.
What happens in our life may not always make sense, but God orders the steps of a good man. Trials may beset us, and we may not understand why things happen the way they do, but trust God. He does have a reason. We see that Jesus first came to the city of Sychar in Samaria.
Jesus went directly through Samaria with a specific purpose. The shortest route from Judaea to Galilee was directly through Samaria. Jews often, however, would cross the Jordan and take a more indirect route through Perea to Galilee, avoiding contact with Samaria. As they journeyed on foot, they came to a village in the region of Samaria called Sychar.
Some have thought that Sychar was another name for the ancient town of Shechem (modern day Nablous, also called Neapolis). Others believe the west-bank Palestinian village of Askar is the place. In as much as this village is near Mount Gerizim, evidently alluded to shortly, this probably is the better designation.
