John 4:46-54
Then he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my little boy dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way. As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, “Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.” The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he himself believed, along with his whole household. Now this was the second sign that Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee. John 4:46-54 (NRSVUE)
Signs point the way.
When a son becomes ill, his father, of course, seeks healing wherever he can find it. He has heard about Jesus and some signs and wonders that he has done and so he seeks him out in the hope that Jesus can heal his son.
His son is healed, which, verse 54 says, is the “second sign” that Jesus does. The first one is mentioned in John 2:11, when Jesus turns water into wine. His first sign.
The sign, though, is not to be mistaken for the destination. Jesus heals the sick child, but what he gives is so much more than a healing. He gives faith. It is a faith that delivers not only healing but life, and abundantly so. It is so abundant that it spills over so that not just the man and not just his son but the whole household believe!
Some of us are desperate for healing for ourselves or loved ones. The impact of healing is great and, when it happens, we give thanks and praise to God. Yet, it is but a sign, pointing us to life that is abundant, full, and good through faith, no matter our circumstances. God gives us more. Always. And even! God gives us faith.
Questions for Reflection:
- What signs have pointed you to God?
- How has the gift of faith surprised you?
- Who in your life needs a prayer for healing today?
Prayer:
God of healing and life, we sometimes get mixed up and think we need only the sign when what you have to give us is so much more. Point us to you. Give us faith. Guide us in life and living, not according to what we want but in what we have: abundant life in Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
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