Devotional - John 4:46-54

Passage To Study:

John 4:46-54

[46] So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. [47] When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. [48] Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. [49] The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. [50] Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. [51] And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. [52] Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. [53] So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. [54] This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

What are the facts of the passage?:

Jesus returns to Cana of Galilee
A Nobleman, whose son was sick, seeks Jesus to come and heal his son.
Jesus takes the occasion to point out that people often will not believe unless they see miracles.
The Nobleman entreats Him once again and Jesus heals his son. Special mention is made that the Nobleman believed without actually seeing the healing.
On his way back to the house, he meets his servants and they tell him that his son was healed at the very hour Jesus had said he was healed.
He believes, as well as his entire house.
Special note is made that this was the second miracle Jesus performed in Gallilee.

What do those facts mean?:

This is another in the series of accounts illustrating the need and effectiveness of personal interaction with Christ if faith is to be genuine. Here we see a variation on the theme. The Nobleman had heard of Christ and believed. He goes to Christ and hears Him once, believes, and goes his way. Yet, when he hears that what Christ said actually happened, that is, when he understands the reality of Who Christ actually is, his faith comes to fullness.

Interesting as well is the idea that Jesus continues to rebuke shallow reasons for seeking Him out. He knows the hearts of men and acts in concert with that knowledge. He does not commit Himself to those who are not genuine in their search for the Truth.

How do those facts apply to my life?:

This gives me context on understanding why it is that some men profess Christ and yet seemingly get nothing from the relationship. Christ refuses to commit Himself to them because their desire for Him is shallow and fleshly. This helps me understand (in my heart and mind) so I can treat them and pray for them rightly.

Also, I need to be sure that my own seeking after God us genuine and properly motivated. This principle is active in the Christian life as well. James says that we have not because we ask not, and because we ask amiss, to consume it on our lusts. This is this same principle active in the Believer's heart and mind. Christ does not ''commit" Himself to those who are insincere or fleshly in their pursuit of spiritual ends.

What should I do in response?:

Obviously, I need to be very careful in my seeking for God to be sure that my motives are godly and that I am honestly and sincerely pursuing Him for His sake and not for fleshly reasons.

Day

The Nobleman's Son Healed...