John 4:43-54
Verse 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
Yesterday our story of faith was focused on a Roman soldier and today’s story may seem similar as it is a government official, but instead of the leader wanting a servant healed this official wanted his son healed. Yesterday’s Roman officer was not asking Jesus to come to see the servant, this official was wanting Jesus to come heal his son. This man seemed to have known all Jesus had done in Jerusalem during the Passover celebration and knew He could do what his son needed.
Jesus was in an area where there was less faith about who He was because they knew Him as a child and they knew His family. The people of the area found it hard to believe there could be anything special about this man who used to be so much like their own children. Sure He had done some amazing things in Jerusalem but they didn’t believe it was something He could or would do there.
Jesus’ response to this man’s begging for Him to come and heal his son was a blanket statement about all the people of the region, “Unless you see miracles you won’t believe.” Jesus knew the heart of these people, He knew they weren’t wanting to believe He was the Promised One. He didn’t want them believing in Him because of what He could do for them anymore than He wants us to believe in Him because of what He can do for us. No, He knows true faith comes before seeing, remember faith is the confident hope we have in what we can’t see.
The man’s final plea to Jesus was a desperate cry from a father who didn’t want to lose his beloved son and Jesus proved by His next words He understood the man’s request came from this deep love. Though Jesus wasn’t willing to go see the boy in the other town, He assured the government official his boy would recover. This is where the man had to show his faith. Our key verse says, the man took Jesus at His word and headed home.
The following verses tell us he was still on his way home the following day when his servants met up with him to tell him the boy was living. When they said he was still living, they meant he had been healed. This is where the father’s faith seeks proof it was worth the faith, “What time did he get better?” His had been a wavering faith. He had enough faith to believe Jesus could do it but needed to see his faith proven. Sounds like us, doesn’t it?
Making It Personal
Do you struggle to believe God will do something for you until you have seen the proof? Why do you think you struggle with what you can’t see? What do you need to trust Him about today?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you have to see something to believe it? Why is it easier to believe once you have seen it? Do you believe in Jesus even though you can’t see Him?
Closing Prayer
Father, this story reminds us how important it is to have faith in what You say even when we can’t see the outcome immediately. You are always true to Your word and we need to stop needing proof. Help us understand what it means to have true faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.