John 4:46-5:16
John – Taking Jesus at his word
John 4:46-5:16
John 4:50
“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
After a few weeks out of sequence we’re now back in John 4. So far John has shown us how The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We’ve seen John the Baptist point to Jesus and the calling of the first disciples. Jesus turned water in to wine and cleared the Temple. He’s taught Nicodemus and John the Baptist testified about Jesus, again. Then Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria and a whole town encountered Jesus. Our stories today pick up where we left off in John 4.
Today we’re looking at the second and third signs recorded for us in John’s Gospel. There are seven signs John draws our attention to. They are signs because they point us to Jesus, and reveal something of his glory.
Both the second and third signs are stories of healing. One of a royal official’s son, the other a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years.
For our devotion today I’d like to draw your attention to the first of these two miracles. Specifically to John 4:50. But let’s get the context of this verse first.
We’re told that a royal official had a son who was dying. Hearing that Jesus was nearby he arrives to beg Jesus to heal his son. This official walked 20 miles (a journey of two days) to see Jesus. We can sense the desperation of this man. If you’ve ever had a loved one suffer, you’ll know this man’s pain.
After pleading with Jesus in v49 “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus replies, “Go, your son will live.”
These are the words the man was longing to hear. And we’re told… The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
This is the essence of faith. Trusting Jesus. This official took Jesus at his word.
This got me thinking…
Think of what we’ve heard from Jesus so far in John’s Gospel. If you have a Bible with you thumb through the first four chapters… Are there verses there you need to trust Jesus in? How about John 4:14: “… 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Or John 3:17: “… 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
This royal official is a role model for us.
His obedience reminded of the story in Luke 5 when Jesus asks the disciples to put down their fishing nets once more having not caught anything all night. They’re reluctant, but Peter says in v5: “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
“…because you say so, I will…”
Where do you need to respond like this to Jesus today?
Today we’re looking at the second and third signs recorded for us in John’s Gospel. There are seven signs John draws our attention to. They are signs because they point us to Jesus, and reveal something of his glory.
Both the second and third signs are stories of healing. One of a royal official’s son, the other a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years.
For our devotion today I’d like to draw your attention to the first of these two miracles. Specifically to John 4:50. But let’s get the context of this verse first.
We’re told that a royal official had a son who was dying. Hearing that Jesus was nearby he arrives to beg Jesus to heal his son. This official walked 20 miles (a journey of two days) to see Jesus. We can sense the desperation of this man. If you’ve ever had a loved one suffer, you’ll know this man’s pain.
After pleading with Jesus in v49 “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus replies, “Go, your son will live.”
These are the words the man was longing to hear. And we’re told… The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
This is the essence of faith. Trusting Jesus. This official took Jesus at his word.
This got me thinking…
- Where do I need to take Jesus at his word?
- What situations do I need to bring to Jesus?
- What promises or teachings of Jesus do I need to trust?
Think of what we’ve heard from Jesus so far in John’s Gospel. If you have a Bible with you thumb through the first four chapters… Are there verses there you need to trust Jesus in? How about John 4:14: “… 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Or John 3:17: “… 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
This royal official is a role model for us.
His obedience reminded of the story in Luke 5 when Jesus asks the disciples to put down their fishing nets once more having not caught anything all night. They’re reluctant, but Peter says in v5: “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
“…because you say so, I will…”
Where do you need to respond like this to Jesus today?
Apply
- Do you have a loved one who is currently suffering? Bring them to Jesus in prayer.
- Are there situations in your life that you need to bring to Jesus?
- What promises or teachings of Jesus do you need to trust today?
Prayer
Father,
Scripture is full of your promises to us. Help us to take you at your word today.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Scripture is full of your promises to us. Help us to take you at your word today.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
This Everyday Devotions was written by Andy Tuck, who is the Assistant Venue Leader in our Wimbledon Venue.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on John 4:46-5:16 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions has also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s sermon on John 4:46-5:16 why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions has also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.