John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… 1. Trouble led this courtly personage to Jesus. Had he lived without trial, he might have been forgetful of his God and Saviour; but sorrow came as an angel in disguise. 2. The particular trial was the sickness of his child. No doubt ha had tried all remedies, and now he turns to Jesus in desperate hope. How often does it happen that children are employed to do what angels cannot! I. THE SPARK OF FAITH. 1. The faith of the nobleman rested at first entirely on the report of others. Evangelical faith often begins with the testimony of others that Christ receiveth sinners. 2. This faith only concerned the healing of the sick child. The father did not know that he wanted healing for his own heart, nor of Christ's spiritual power. Can you believe that Christ can help you in your present trial? Then use the faith you have; if not of heavenly things, then earthly. 3. He limited the power of Jesus to His local presence. Limitation of the Holy One of Israel in children of God is sinful; but weakness of faith in seekers will be excused. Better to have a weak faith than none at all. 4. This faith, although it was but a spark, influenced the nobleman. It led him to take a considerable journey to Christ. This is the more remarkable that he was a man of position, and did not send his servants. If you have faith enough to drive you personally to Christ, it is of an acceptable order. 5. This man's faith taught him to pray in the right style. Notice his argument — the misery of his case. Not that the boy was of noble birth, or lovely. When you pray aright, you will urge those facts which reveal your danger and distress. This is the key which opens the door of mercy. II. THE FIRE OF FAITH struggling to maintain itself. 1. It was true, as far as it went. He stood before the Saviour, resolved not to go away. He does not get the answer at first, but he stays. So it was a real persuasion of the power of Jesus to heal. 2. It was hindered by a desire for signs and wonders, and was therefore gently chided. So some of you want to be converted in the extraordinary way recorded in some religious biographies, and expect, like Naaman, Christ to do some great thing. Do net lay down a programme and demand that the free Spirit should pay attention to it. Let Him save you as He wills. 3. It could endure a rebuff. He answered our Lord with still greater importunity. 4. How passionately this man pleaded, "Lord, do not question me just now about faith; heal my child, or he will be dead." If his faith failed in breadth, it excelled in force. III. THE FLAME OF FAITH. 1. He believed the word of Jesus over the head of his former prejudices. He had thought that Christ could only heal by personal contact; now he believes that Jesus can heal with a word. Will you believe Jesus on His bare word? 2. He at once obeyed Christ. If he had not believed, he would have remained looking for favourable signs. When told to believe in Christ, do not say, "We will continue in prayer, read the Bible, attend the means of grace." Believe and go your way. 3. Still, it fell somewhat short of what it might have been. He expected a gradual restoration. How little we know of Christ or believe in Him. 4. He travelled with the leisure of confidence. Anxious minds, even when they believe, are in a hurry to see; but the nobleman's servants met him the next day. "He that believeth shall not make haste." IV. THE CONFLAGRATION OF FAITH. 1. His faith was confirmed by the answer to his prayers. 2. After inquiry, his faith was confirmed by each detail. 3. Strengthened by faith and experience, he believes in Jesus in the fullest sense. 4. What follows is natural; his family also believe. (C. H. Spurgeon.) 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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