John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… I. WITH REGARD TO THIS FAITH, we must observe — 1. That it was real, or he would never have sought Christ. This realness was not inconsistent with ignorance of Christ's nature and spiritual power. 2. Though real, imperfect and weak. He knew nothing of Jesus as the Healer of the soul. There was shortcoming in both the quantity and quality of his faith. In this he presents a strong contrast to the centurian. 3. Apply the case to ourselves. What is our faith? Is it only a name, a theory, a confession, we have been taught to utter? If we have acknowledged Him as Saviour in one specific point, that is real faith as far as it goes; but it must go farther. "He will not break the bruised reed." II. HIS TREATMENT BY CHRIST. 1. His unbelief was rebuked, and that of others standing around. 2. No doubt many regarded this as ill-timed. But Christ saw that spiritual admonition was the thing that was most needed. 3. We need not be surprised if the first answer to our petitions is some revelation of secret sin. 4. But delay is not denial. In bestowing one blessing he does not refuse another. 5. There is often as much love in Christ's method of bestowal as in His gift. The petition is granted in the spirit, if not in the letter. Jesus did not go down, but sent His blessing down. III. THE ULTIMATE RESULT OF THE INTERVIEW. 1. The request was granted (1) sooner than was expected, and (2) more fully. Christ's way is the shortest and best, after all, although we think differently. 2. His faith was increased. He who could not brook a moment's delay, goes away satisfied with a simple word, leisurely proceeds home, and becomes a full believer. 3. He and his family were converted. (P. B. Power, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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