In this passage, we see Jesus’ first miraculous healing, although one can guess that he had done other healings before this. (John 2:23)
But the thing that strikes me here is this royal official’s response to Jesus.
This royal official was in great need. His son was dying. He had probably taken his son to all the doctors and there was nothing they could do for him. Jesus was his last hope.
Yet when this official asked for help, Jesus answered,
Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders…you will never believe. (John 4:48)
It seems an odd thing to say. But perhaps Jesus was asking, “Are you coming to me because you actually believe in me? Or will you only believe in me if I perform this miracle for you?”
It’s a very relevant question even to this day. When we come to Jesus in prayer with our needs, do we pray because we really believe in him? Or will we only believe if Jesus answers as we ask?
I wonder what the royal official was thinking. How much did he truly believe at this point?
Whatever he felt, he cried out in desperation,
Sir, come down before my child dies. (49)
At that point, Jesus gave him a test of faith. He said,
You may go. Your son will live. (50)
Think about this for a minute. This official was undoubtedly expecting for Jesus to come with him. But Jesus tells him, “Just go home. I don’t need to go. Your son will live. Trust me.”
Now the official had to make a choice. “Do I trust Jesus? If I do and he doesn’t come through, my son is dead.”
How long this official wavered, I don’t know. Maybe it was an instantaneous choice. Maybe it took a few seconds of looking into the eyes of Jesus.
But in the end, John tells us that,
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. (50)
And while he was still on his way back, his servants told him his son had been healed right at the moment that Jesus had told him that his son would live.
Do we take Jesus at his word? So often we pray for things, but then he speaks to us, and we don’t take him at his word. Instead, we doubt. We wonder if Jesus will really come through.
We pray for a job, and one is offered but requires us to miss church regularly, and we know God is telling us to let it go. But we wonder, “Can I trust God? If I let this opportunity go by, will he provide another?”
Or we pray for emotional healing in our lives, and we hear God tell us of a bitterness we need to release. Of a person we need to forgive. That if we just let go, we will find that healing.
But we question God, “Why should I let this go? I have a right to feel hurt.”
How do we respond? Are we willing to take Jesus at his word and obey him.
You will never find healing in your life, you will never find peace and joy until you settle this one question in your heart: “Do I trust Jesus? Will I take him at his word?”
How about you? Do you take Jesus at his word?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 