John 4:43-54

John 4:43-54

Six words is all the man got for his trouble. But that was enough. While Jesus was in Cana of Galilee a man came to Him from Capernium this was a 20 mile trip one way. Having heard of, or perhaps seen some of Jesus's power he goes to plead for his boy’s life. Desperation is a powerful motivation and often the precursor of faith. Having pleaded with Jesus to come and heal his son this official gets a less than hoped for response. Jesus rebukes him, and in him all those who are wanting a miracle show. People like Herod; who wanted to sign from Jesus on the occasion of Jesus's trial. Faced with this rebuke what would the man do? The skeptic, the doubter, the show seeker could easily walk away. But this man presses on, his determination shows that  this is not about a show, this is about the word of the Lord.

Sometimes the Lord closes doors and is apparently unresponsive, not because He can't do what is asked or is unconcerned about our situation, but so that we can discover our own motives.  So we can see into our own hearts. We might paraphrase and expand this conversation this way.

Royal official: “Jesus come to my house and do a miracle for my sick son!”

Jesus: “Are you just wanting a show like so many other people and your son just happens to be the convenient occasion?”

Royal official: “Jesus please come down and help You are the only hope for my son!”

Seeing Jesus do a miracle would have been good. Having Jesus heal your son would have been better. Taking Jesus at His word is the best.

One of the challenges we have in our own hearts is to answer this question honestly, “What do I really want?” Are we wanting Jesus for Himself or what He can do for us? What is the deepest desire of our heart? Do we want a faith that exists because we've seen a miracle or do we want a faith that is based on the words and the person of Jesus? The rebuke, resistance, or rebuttal of God has more to do with our own searching of our hearts than God's giving or withholding good from us. “What do I really want?” We must answer that question honestly without religious jargon or artificial rhetoric.

“Lord, help me want You because of who You are.  AMEN”