The Official's Son
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This is probably a different event than the ones recorded in Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:2-10, and Mark 8:5-13.
If John is writing to Jews, maybe some Hellenistic (Greek) Jews, then what’s the point of
No honor in his hometown (vv. 43-45)
No honor in his hometown (vv. 43-45)
“Hometown” refers to Galilee, Jewish soil. It is probable that, especially considering the context, the author is pointing out the difference in reception by the Jewish people and the Samaritan people in the last section. Whereas the Samaritan people fully accepted Jesus and His message, we will soon see that the Jews are less inclined.
The Galileans do not welcome Jesus as Messiah, but because they had seen “all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast” (v. 45).
What has been the reaction of the last few people we’ve talked about to meeting Jesus?
His disciples had faith (2:11).
The Jews challenged him at the Temple (2:18)
His disciples misunderstood Him (2:22)
Many “converts” only believed in Him because of the miracles (2:23-25)
Nicodemus isn’t a very hopeful prospect (3:10)
This makes sense! Read John 1:11
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
This is a significant theme for the author, John. Jesus’ own people, the Jews, did not receive Him.
What “feast” is the author talking about in verse 45?
He’s probably talking about the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11).
What do you think Jesus thought of the Galileans welcoming Him because of his previous miracles?
Signs and wonders (vv. 46-49)
Signs and wonders (vv. 46-49)
Jesus is the Messiah who was promised
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
The official is desperate. He comes to Jesus because he knows that Jesus is able to perform miracles. His son is “at the point of death.”
Something that you miss in the English language is the plurality of the word “you.” When Jesus says “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe,” He’s not calling out the official. He’s speaking of “you all,” or “y’all.” The NIV says “you people.”
You won’t become a Christian because of miracles, you’ll become a Christian because of who Jesus is.
49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.
The official accepts Jesus’ word and departs, thus demonstrating that he, unlike most Galileans, is not simply interested in signs and wonders. (D.A. Carson)
Q&A
Q&A
LGBTQ+ Ideology
Eternality of Hell
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