A Dying Boy and a Living Faith

A Dying Boy and a Living Faith

John 4:45-54

We walk by faith, not by sight. 2Cor. 5:7

 

Jesus left the Samaritan community and returned to Cana of Galilee. The Galileans did not suspiciously question Jesus, like the Judeans; nor did they embrace Him as Savior like the Samaritans. They welcomed Him because they wanted to see more signs and wonders (vs 45). When the nobleman found Jesus, he begged Him to come to his house to heal his dying son. It seems as though this man was acting in faith, believing that Jesus could save the boy, but the Lord knows the man's heart and defines his motive for us when He says, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."

 

We need to compare the story of the Samaritans with this story in order to understand this reproof. What sign did the Samaritans see before they would believe that Jesus was their Savior? There was no sign – only His word about who He was. The woman was amazed that He knew everything about her, but this is not a sign. Some believed because of her story, but many more believed because of His own word (John 41). In contrast, the nobleman wants to see Jesus heal his son –  but Jesus will not accommodate him.

 

Even as the man repeats his request for Jesus to "come down" at once, the Lord tells him to go home –  "your son lives." Finally, the man believes because of the Lord's words, and goes his way. The word believe means that he put his confidence in the character, motives and ability of Jesus (W.E. Vine). However weak his faith might have been, the man put one foot in front of the other and started home. Before he arrived home his faith was further strengthened by the news that his son was healed. His whole household believed as well.

 

Wherever there is faith Jesus is ready to save the life of those who are ready to perish.  J.N. Darby

 

The boy was physically perishing because of sickness – and the household was spiritually perishing because of sin . . . until they put their confidence in Christ.