Had to

John 4:3-4

(3) He left Judea and went away again into Galilee.
(4) And He had to pass through Samaria.

He HAD to pass through Samaria.

From eternity past it had been ordained that Jesus would pass through Samaria on this day – for some of the elect were there – the woman at the well, a chosen one of God – And Jesus, the Son of God goes to seek her out, that she might be restored.

As Jesus says later in John: Joh 10:16

"I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd."

Jesus came into the world to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10) – and here, in this narrative we see just that – The Son of God had to pass through Samaria to seek out this one sinner, that she might come into salvation - What kind of love is this? The creator of the universe, coming down, and seeking out sinners – If you are one of God’s elect you will be sought and found by Jesus – you will be saved – it is a fact, guaranteed. If you are still in your sins you will not always be. You might have been fleeing from Christ for years, but when the time comes that He has appointed, He will overtake you, and you will flee no more. Though you kick and scream and contend against Him now; however deeply you may fall into sin – it will not always be so – for He will most surly overtake and conquer you and then you will see, and then your heart will be opened and you will desire Him above all things and be satisfied in Him. Even now, He is coming!

Do not come to the false conclusion that you need not do anything – for the call to repent goes out to all men – God gave each of us a moral facility with which we discern right from wrong. We know that we are sinners, that we have committed wrongs. And if we know that we are sinners, then we need a savior – The Savior is presented to you this morning – do not harden your heart. He will receive you, if you repent and believe. He turns away no man who comes in response to His call. The door of mercy is wide open to all who believe. Do not harden your hearts, for there is no other who can save you from the wrath to come. Do not harden your hearts.