John 4:43-54
Title: The Miraculous
Healing of the Officials Son
Analysis:
Jesus,
after spending two days in Samaria continues on his journey and arrives in
Galilee. Unlike in Samaria, Jesus is not believed in by the people of His home
town as exhibited in vs. 44 and vs. 48. At this time John records for us the
second major sign that our Lord performed during His earthly ministry (vs. 54).
Jesus is now in Cana of Galilee, the same place where he performed his first
miracle of turning the water into wine.
As
he has arrived, news of his arrival and miracles had obviously spread throughout
the area. A Royal officer hears that Jesus is in Cana and comes to the Lord
asking Him to heal his son (vs. 47). He literally begs Jesus repeatedly in
desperation for the condition of His son. Jesus knew that he believed that He
could perform the miracle but did not completely believe in Him as Messiah.
This is the reason for the Saviours response in vs. 48 which says, “Unless you
people see signs and wonders you simply will not believe.” Jesus is referring
to the Galileans as a whole group of people but also specifically to this man.
The Samaritans believed Jesus not because of what the women said (vs. 42), but
rather because they heard for themselves. The Galileans searched instead for
signs from Christ and not His preached word. They saw Him as a great miracle
worker but did not believe in Him as the chosen Messiah.
After
Jesus responds to the official we once again see Him beg the Saviour to heal
his child. And without further need of prompting, our Lord is His infinite
mercy says, “Go, your son lives.” (vs. 50) In spite of the lack of faith Jesus
still meets the man’s needs. What mercy our Saviour shows!
As
the man continues back home, some servants meet with him and tell him that his
sons fever left him at the seventh hour. The Officer remembers that this was
the same time he spoke with Jesus. Upon realizing this, his partial
unfaithfulness turned to complete faith in the Lord and not only he but also
his entire household believed in Jesus Christ.
In
the end, the Lord was sovereignly testing the officer’s faith to see whether he
would truly believe in Him as Messiah and not just a man who could work
miracles. Amazingly the man and his entire household put their trust in the Saviour,
as not only a God who heals but a God who saves resulting in belief.
Response:
Do
you put your belief in the Son of God at all times? Was the question that came
to my mind after reading this passage of scripture from John. For myself I know
it is easy to trust in Jesus when times are free from trial or temptation. But
it is ever so hard to trust when my heart is pulled by the sinful calls of this
world. In this text, the Officer runs to Jesus but with the wrong motives. He
wants Jesus to be a temporary solvent to his problems rather than a life-long
Saviour who is always there. As a Christian it is imperative to realize that
Christ is there for us and we must run to Him in trials and in joys. I know He
will strengthen us and refresh us in trial, and he will be our guide and friend
in joys. The Christian life is about commitment to Christ, full-time
commitment as a slave serves his master so we serve our Lord. May God grant me
the faith to be completely trusting that Jesus is the promised Messiah and can
wash me new from all my filthy stains.
Blessings,
Lucas C.
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