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Jan 24, 2021

Scripture Reading: John 4:43-54

The healing of the royal official's son is yet another declaration of both the grace and power of Jesus.  Having passed through Samaria Jesus came, again, to Galilee.  In fact, He came to Cana, where He had turned water into wine.

There is a stark contrast in this account … between the superficial reception of Christ by the Galileans, on one hand, and the genuine faith of the official from Capernaum, on the other hand.  John 4:45 says "the Galileans welcomed him," but this 'welcome' cloaked a deeper unbelief.  They had seen works that Jesus had done in Jerusalem and this explains Jesus' statement in verse 48 … "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."  This 'welcome' was not a reception issuing from faith.

On the other hand, we meet a royal official from Capernaum whose son is dying.  When Jesus commanded, "Go; your son will live," the text says, "The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way" (Jn 4:50).  John 4:53 reiterates "And he himself believed . . ."

This passage reminds us (and not for the last time in the gospel of John) that there is a kind of 'belief' that is not saving faith.  Saving faith results in obedience from the heart.

Jesus displays His grace in this healing because the boy's father was an official in the court of Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee.  This means, at least, that he was probably despised by Jewish people … and, perhaps, that he was a Gentile.  Further, this healing displays the power of Jesus.  He healed the son by the might of His will and at a distance of 15 miles.  Why should we not rejoice with utter calmness of heart in the face of such wonders, as we commune with our Lord?