Jesus Leaves Galilee and Goes to Perea

Take Every Passage to Prayer - Volume 2, The Gospels
^{Tuesday August 13, 2024}

Matthew 19:1; Mark 10:1; Luke 9:51, 13:22; John 10:40-42

Father, I would love it to be said of me that I had so talked about Jesus, and demonstrated His character honorably that a family, a group, an organization, or an entire community is introduced to Him. Jesus would then do what only He can do and bring the people to faith in Him. Father, please let this be said of me. Amen.

Father, it appears that Jesus left Jerusalem after the Festival of Tabernacles and returned to Galilee. He was in the region of Galilee for an unspecified period of time. Your Word has not recorded what He may have said or did during this period. I hypothesize that Jesus wrapped up His business in Galilee, aware that He would not return to the region again. I’m not sure what that may have entailed. Your Word does tell us that Jesus had a place in Capernaum (Matthew 4:13). Perhaps Jesus gave away whatever belongings He may have had. He may have concluded business with a landlord. It is not inconceivable that Jesus had some carpentry work to do for customers. He may have said His goodbyes to family and friends.

Whatever the case may be, Jesus departed from Galilee for the last time on a journey intended to take Him to the cross of calvary in Jerusalem. He was resolved to fulfill His Father’s purpose for His life which was to die for the sin of all believers. He took the opportunity of His travel to teach the people in the villages He came to along the way. However, He decided to first spend time in the region of Perea across the Jordan to the east of Jerusalem. The text tells us that it was the area where John the Baptist had baptized many people. The text also tells us that John the Baptist had not performed any miracles while he was there, but he did talk to them about Jesus. The testimony of John the Baptist had captured the hearts of the people and they were eager to meet Jesus in person.

He did not disappoint. Although the text said that He did not perform any miracles, the power of His teaching and the glory of His character proved true everything John had said about Him. Jesus no doubt shared the gospel by quoting Old Testament prophecy about Himself, called the people to repentance, and taught them how to live as His disciples. The text tells us that many people came to faith in Him. Amen.