Monday, March 31st
Margaret Roberson
John 4: 43-54
John tells us in Chapter 4, verses 43-54 of the dilemma Jesus was facing at this time in his ministry. The problem is spoken of when Jesus goes back to his hometown of Galilee. John states prophets are not usually welcome in their home countries, and yet the people of Galilee did welcome Jesus. Was the welcome genuine or superficial? Jesus felt the people wanted a Messiah who would perform miracles, such as turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The miracles they witnessed were intended to lead his followers to a greater understanding of the Word of God. Jesus felt they wanted miracles more or less “on demand”.
While in Galilee, Jesus was approached by a royal official. The man had come from Capernaum to ask Jesus to come with him to heal his dying son. Note the man did not send a messenger, he came himself.
“Off you go!” Jesus said to the man, “Your son will live!”
The man did not beg for Jesus to come with him, he simply turned and set off for home. The next day, as he walked down the road, he met his slaves. They told him his son was alive and well. The official asked at what time his son began to get well. The slave replied, “The fever left him yesterday, about one o’clock.”
The official knew this was the exact time that Jesus had said, “Your son will live!” The official did not have to see the miracle, because he truly heard the Word of Jesus and believed. This is the response Jesus wanted then and now.
Ask God to help you hear and believe the Word of our Messiah, and to follow his Word as the official did in Gallilee. Seeing is not always necessary for believing.
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