Christian Art | Jesus Heals An Official’s Son | Miracles Of Jesus
John 4: 43-54 – Lent Week 4, Monday (King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
43 ¶ Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
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 Judæa 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 Judæa into Galilee.
The official who approaches Jesus would have been a man of high rank, living in Capernaum, which was a town with a customs post. He comes to Jesus with faith, and yet his faith is, to begin with, imperfect. The official thinks that Jesus must come to his house, a journey of twenty miles, to heal his son. Jesus tells him that, through the faith he has shown, his son is already healed.
When Jesus says, ‘Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,’ he seems to be speaking to the people of Galilee generally rather than the official. The people are quite ready to flock to Jesus to see the miracles he performs, but are less willing to listen to what he has to say. They desire to be a part of the thrill and the spectacle, rather than to open their hearts to the Word. We are drawn through this saying to listen more closely to Jesus’ teaching and to apply it to our own lives.
The official has, though, travelled a long way and his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal his son is clearly evident, as is his need, which he freely acknowledges. Indeed, he begs Jesus to help him.
Jesus is moved with compassion. He tells the official his son is now healed. It is notable that the official believes what Jesus has said to him before, as he is returning home, his servants meet him to confirm the truth of what Jesus has told him about his son.
It is now that the faith of the official is confirmed. He believes in Jesus, and with him his whole household believes. The official’s journey of faith has become complete.
‘For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.’
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
Miracles Of Healing And Conversion In The Gospel Of Saint John
John 4:43-54 presents a powerful example of the role of miracles in the Gospel of John, and it also challenges us to reflect on our own faith and our relationship with miracles. This passage highlights the importance of faith as a journey of ongoing conversion, and it invites us to deepen our trust in God even when we do not see signs and wonders.
One of the key themes of the Gospel of John is the role of miracles as signs that point to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. As John 20:30-31 notes: ‘And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.’ Miracles, in the Gospel of John, are not just displays of power, but rather demonstrations of the divine nature of Jesus and his mission on earth.
The miracle in John 4:43-54 is a powerful example of this theme. The official seeks out Jesus in desperation, hoping that he will heal his dying son. This miracle reveals Jesus’ power to heal and his willingness to respond to the plea of a desperate father. But the response of the official is also significant. He had traveled a great distance to seek out Jesus, and his faith was likely fueled by the stories he had heard of Jesus’ previous miracles. Yet, even after witnessing the miracle of his son’s healing, the official’s faith is still in the process of development. As Jesus says: ‘Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.’
This statement reflects a common human tendency to rely on physical evidence before believing in something. Even though the official came to Jesus in search of a miracle, his faith was not yet fully formed. It is only after witnessing the miracle that he is fully converted to faith in Jesus. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own faith and our relationship with miracles. Do we seek out miracles as a way of reinforcing our faith, or do we already have a deep and abiding trust in God that does not require physical evidence?
The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of understanding miracles as signs of God’s presence and power. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that ‘miracles are signs that accompany the preaching of the Gospel’ (CCC 548) and that they ‘manifest the presence of the kingdom’ (CCC 547). Miracles are not an end in themselves, but rather point to the deeper reality of God’s presence and power in the world.
Protestant theologians have offered insights into the role of miracles in the Christian faith. The Protestant reformer John Calvin, for example, saw miracles as a sign of God’s sovereign power and as a way of validating the message of the Gospel. He wrote that ‘miracles were performed for the purpose of confirming the doctrine which God had delivered’ (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2.14.2).
The Protestant pastor and theologian John Piper has written extensively on the role of miracles in the Christian faith. He writes that ‘miracles are not meant to create faith, but to confirm it’ and that ‘faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ’ (Romans 10:17). Miracles, in Piper’s view, are a sign of God’s power and grace, but they are not the foundation of faith.
In the context of Lent, the story of the official in John 4:43-54 offers a powerful reminder that even those who seek out miracles may still be in need of further conversion. Lent is a time for reflection and repentance, as we seek to deepen our faith and grow closer to God. As we reflect on the role of miracles in our faith, we must also remember that our relationship with God is an ongoing journey of conversion. Just as the official in John 4:43-54 had to see the miracle of his son’s healing to fully believe in Jesus, we too may need ongoing signs and wonders to deepen our faith.
However, as we deepen our trust in God, we must also be mindful of the danger of relying too much on physical evidence. The passage in John 4 reminds us that faith cannot be reduced to a simple equation of evidence and belief. Rather, faith is a complex journey that requires us to continually deepen our relationship with God.
As we journey through Lent, we must be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must allow God to transform us, even if that transformation is uncomfortable or difficult. Lent is a time to recommit ourselves to our faith and to deepen our trust in God, even if we do not always see signs and wonders.
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
Jesus teaches this invitation to deeper prayer. Jesus calls us to pray from the heart, in humility and intimacy with the Father. Take a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart. I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. How can my prayer life be more in tune with God’s will?
John the Baptist is born into a small and close-knit community, in which all Elizabeth’s neighbours and family relations rejoice with her at the gift of new life the Lord has bestowed on her. This is clearly a good and healthy community environment, and this will be important to John’s formation, howbeit the people are, as small communities can often be, quite conservative in their ways, such that when Elizabeth tells them the child will be called John, she causes something of a fuss, because this is an unusual thing to do: ‘There is none of thy kindred called by this name,’ her friends complain to her [ … ]
