John 4:46-54

Ask About Words

Observations:

The official had to make a seven hour walk while his son was about to die to see Jesus.

Word had obviously spread that Jesus turned water into wine because the official had hope that Jesus could heal his son. Maybe Jesus had been doing other signs that weren’t recored. John 21:25 “25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

It was desperation that drove this man to Jesus. Don’t run from your desperation or your suffering it may be the very thing that leads you to Jesus.

The official wanted Jesus to come with Him but Jesus responded with a rebuke/question will you not believe unless you see? Then a command. Then a promise.

That pattern is really cool. Jesus tells him to believe. Believe that He is God. Then a command that must be obeyed. Then a promise.

Belief —> Command/Obedience —> Promise

What did the official have to believe before he obeyed?

Jesus is God

Jesus had power to heal

Jesus would keep his promise.

Life Lesson -

The official’s despair drove him to Jesus

The official obeyed before his prayer was answered.

Application:

Where do I need to obey God even before He has answered my prayer?

anxiety

evangelism

telling the truth

obedience to parents

serve my wife

trust that every command God gives is for my good

Do I believe that Jesus has the power to keep his promises?