He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, “The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o’clock.” The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, “Your son lives.”
That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed. This was now the second sign Jesus gave after having come from Judea into Galilee. (John 4:52-54 MSG)
The Scriptures tell us this great story of Jesus entering into ministry in Galilee. He’s back in the area where He made a wedding reception the most talked-about event. In Capernaum a dignitary has a child who is ill, and this man thinks that just maybe this Jesus might heal his son. He shows up in Jesus’ face and begs Him to cure his son of an unknown disease. The boy was on death’s doorstep.
I’m not sure if Jesus was kind of fed up with the folks around Him, but I can identify with His frustration. Essentially people wouldn’t believe unless they saw amazing feats happen before their eyes. Signs and wonders. Miracles. Absolutely amazing stuff. And so this official desperately seeks out the miracle worker and Jesus simply says, “Go.” He didn’t go with the official. He didn’t offer him any proof. But with His command to the fretful father, the son was indeed healed.
The father believes what Jesus says and heads home. Can you imagine the trust involved? He had left his bedridden son to get in front of the Christ, pleading his case, and after a simple word or two he’s told to go home. And while Jesus is mouthing the words, “Your son will live,” the deathly fever actually leaves the boy’s body. Wow.
Do I take God at His word? Do I read Scripture and in faith believe? I really am challenged. And maybe, just maybe it is this: How often do any of us take Him at His word? Christ-followers in the twenty-first century, we need to believe that when He says what He says, He has sealed the deal.
by Publisher Don Pape
