READ: John 4:43–54: … Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your son lives.’ So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him …
After the sign at the wedding in Cana, Jesus has not performed another sign in Galilee, a sign that shows His glory as the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth (1:14).
Now, leaving Samaria where He received much honour, Jesus returns to Galilee (including Nazareth, Cana, and Capernaum). But there, He is met with less respect—because a prophet receives no honour in his hometown (v. 44).
The people see Him merely as Joseph and Mary’s son—how can He be the Messiah? (cf. Matt. 13:55, Mark 6:3, Luke 4:22, John 6:42). They are curious and eager to see miracles (John 6:26). They had seen what He did in Jerusalem during the feast. What will He do for them?
Jesus now performs a new sign—not to satisfy their curiosity, but to draw them to believe that He is the One sent by God. Again, He visits Cana. There, an official from King Herod’s court asks Him to heal his son, who is dying. He wants Jesus to come with him.
But Jesus challenges the man’s view of Him: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” In other words: you see Me as a miracle worker, as if I perform magic. But that’s not who I am—and that’s not the purpose of My signs.
The official insists: please come before it’s too late. But Jesus does not go with him. His signs are meant to prove that He is the Son of God and that salvation is found in Him—not to satisfy people’s fascination with miracles. People must believe in Him based on His word.
The healing becomes a sign of Jesus’ divine power—and of the necessity of faith in Him. Jesus sends the man away with only a word: “Your son lives.” And the man believes that word!
Is it remarkable that this man believed?
Sing: Ps. 31:12