Monday, May 5, 2014

Believed Jesus' Word (5/5-7)

John 4:50, NLT, Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed Jesus’ word and started home.

Reading from John 4:46-54 about Jesus heals a Government Official’s son: “In the course of his journey through Galilee, He arrived at the town of Cana, where He had turned water into wine. There was a government official in the city of Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea and was traveling in Galilee, he went over to Cana. He found Jesus and begged Him to come to Capernaum with him to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus asked, “Must I do miraculous and wonders before you people will believe in Me!”
           
The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed Jesus’ word and started home. While he was on his way home, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well.

He asked them when the boy had begun to feel better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” Then the father realized it was the same time that Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And the officer and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was Jesus’ second miracle sign in Galilee after coming from Judea.”

This government official was probably an officer in Herod’s service. He had walked 20 miles to see Jesus and addressed Him as “Lord,” putting himself under Jesus even though he had legal authority over Jesus. This miracle was more than a favor to one official; it was a sign to all the people. John’s Gospel was written to all human kind to urge faith in Christ. Here a government had faith that Jesus could do what He claimed.

The official believed; then he saw a miracle sign. This government official not only believed Jesus could heal; he also obeyed Jesus by returning home, so he demonstrating his faith. It isn’t enough for us to say we believe that Jesus can take care of our problems. We need to act as if He can.

When you pray about a need or problem, live as though you believe Jesus can do what He says. Although the official’s son was 20 miles away, he was healed when Jesus spoke the word. Notice how the official’s faith grew.

First, he believed enough to ask Jesus to help his son. Second, he believed Jesus’ assurance that his son would live, and he acted like it. Third, he and his whole house believed in Jesus. Faith is a gift that grows as we use it.

Song: Trust and Obey
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.
(John H. Sammis, Sing His Praise)

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