What Jesus Did! 'Avoiding Conflict and Confusion' — John 4:1-3

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn't baptize them — his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.
— John 4:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' ministry with his disciples involved baptizing. However, because of John the Baptizer's association with baptism, Jesus carefully avoided conflict and confusion. While he highly regarded John's ministry and John personally, [1] he did not want to be confused with John. John was not the Messiah. Jesus was. John was not the Son of God. Jesus was. John was not the Savior of the world. Jesus was. John was not the King of Israel. Jesus was. In fact, Jesus still is Messiah, Son, Savior, and King. But to avoid confusion and conflict, to follow God's timetable and not the world's expectations, Jesus went back to Galilee, where he had grown up. [2]

[1] Matthew 11:11.
[2] Luke 2:39-40.

Today's Prayer

Father, I know there are all sorts of conflicts that go on today between religious leaders and their followers. Please help me to value those who share the truth of Jesus. At the same time Father, please protect me from infatuation with these messengers and keep my heart focused on your message, Jesus, the living Word, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 4:1-3 NLT — Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn't baptize them — his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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