A very strange comment

"Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."

                                                                        John 4:48.  NKJV

At first glance, this statement that Jesus made to the Nobelman appears quite abrupt, in fact, rude. However, Jesus wasn't really addressing him but the crowd of onlookers. These were the people who followed Jesus around hoping to see miracles. Most of them had no intention of knowing Jesus, they just wanted to be where it was  happening. We find people like this, even today.

No 1 Jesus' intention was to convince the onlookers that there was more to just looking for a miracle. He was, and should be the main attraction because of who He was - God's Son. He wanted them to believe in Him, not what He could do.

No 2  He wasn't actually addressing the Nobleman but, wanted him to hear what He was saying. He was testing his faith, challenging him, 'Do you truly believe that I can heal your son?' He then told him, 'Go your way, your son lives.' v49.

Let us not forget that he had begged Jesus to come down with him to heal his son. Now, the test began as he set off home - 20 miles or so. On the way, his servants met him letting him know his son lives. When he asked what time did this happen, he realised that it was exactly the time that Jesus had told him 'Go your way, your son lives.' v49. Thus, the father and his household believed.

Jesus often made comments that seemed blunt, dismissive, or even bizarre at first (Matthew 15:26; John 4:17–18; 6:51). His remarks always had a purpose, however. Mostly, this was meant to cause the other person to reveal their true intentions. Jesus is setting up a spiritual challenge for this man: are you willing to really trust me, without seeing proof, or not (John 4:49–50)? In other words, Jesus wanted him and others to 'Walk by faith, not by sight' 

2 Corinthians 5:7.

You and I need to take this on board. This is a foundation reinforcer - our faith and we obtain this by what the Nobleman did, walking by his faith. If he had allowed himself, he could have focused on his son lying gravely ill. Instead, he believed Jesus and received his son back and well, because of his faith.

As I've said, we need to act in such a way. When we don't, the devil has a hey day with us. However, when we act in faith, he has no control over our situation and we, receive what we are believing for.

And this we receive in our Daily Life with Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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