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THE KING’S BUSINESS
fpm Him a sign. Its meaning (v. 21) ; its use afterwards by enemies (Matthew 26:61; Mark 14 ;58), by the disciples ( 2 : 2 2 ) . Here is another illustration showing us that care must be exercised in the spiritualizing of Scripture, and that ■caution is needed lest we twist it.‘ Other -illustrations of misunderstanding Christ’s teaching are found in 3:4, 9; 4:11, 15, 33; 6:34, 52 ; 7:35; 8:22, 33, 52; 11:12-14:5. Note thé results of this manifestation (23-25) : Faith without devotion, miracle- faith but not necessarily a heart-faith. None of the miracles referred to in verse 23 are recorded (cf. 4:45; 20:30; 21:25). The visit of Nicodemus (2:23-3:21). Nicodemus is doubtless one of the class described in 2 :23-25. He believed in Christ because of His wondrous works (cf. 3:2). This great ruler of the Jews is taught that membership in the kingdom comes, not through learning, but through life; not by scholarship, but through the new birth ( 3 : 1 - 1 2 ) ; and that this new birth is brought about by faith in Christ as Saviour (3:14-21). Our attitude towards Christ settles the issues of eternity (17-19, 36). The effect of Christ’s talk to Nico demus, while not mentioned here, may be inferred from John 7:50 and 19:39. 2 . In Judea, 3 : 22 - 36 . In this section we have another testi mony or witness of John with reference to the Lord Jesus Christ. The testimony of John the Baptist to Christ has been dealt with before (p. 523). 3 . In Samaria ; 4 : 1 - 42 . Here we have recorded the story of
Christ and the Samaritan woman. Three lines '"of thought are presented in this chapter: Christ’s conversation with the Samaritan woman- (1-26) ; with the per plexed disciples (27-38) ; the conversion of the Samaritans (39-42). Christ claims to be the Saviour and Satisfier of the human soul. Omniscience (17, 18) ; Messiahship, the Christ (26); gives eternal life (14). It is interesting to note that, as the dis ciples could not understand what Jesus meant by “bread” (4:31-34, cf. Matthew 4:4), so the Samaritan woman misunder stood what Christ meant by “water.” This narrative affords us a good illustration of how Christ made use of opportunities to speak a saving word. To this great Soul- winner it was always harvest time. The result of this conversation was the conversion - of the Samaritan woman and her neighbors (29, 35-42). 4 . In Galilee, 4 : 43 - 54 . In the healing of the nobleman’s child, we have an illustration of a faith that does not rest on “signs and wonders,” although Christ does not altogether ignore even that kind of faith (10:38; 14:11; 20:29). This is probably the first instance of a “family” conversion. The results of the public manifestation of Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Galilee (2:12-4:54) shows us that, while there is noticeable progress in action and teaching, there are also contrasted effects of faith and unbelief. This manifes tation, as did the first, ends with a “sign;” and both produce faith (2:11; 4:54; cf. 20:31).
(Continued next month)
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