§ 202. Reasons for the Journey through Samaria. (Luke, ix., 51, seq.)

AFTER a short abode at Capernaum Christ determined to take a L final leave of that place, so long the centre of his labours. He 304wished to visit Jerusalem again at the Feast of the Dedication, which occurred towards the end of December. Many had believed on him during his last stay in the city, and he had been compelled to leave them to the arts of the hierarchy; it was now necessary to strengthen and confirm their faith by his personal presence. He chose to make this journey by way of Samaria, rather than through Peraea, in order to scatter the seed of truth as widely as possible among the towns and villages on the road. A longer time than ordinary was, therefore, required for the journey; and he left Capernaum sooner than was absolutely necessary had he intended to go directly to Jerusalem.