The Character of Jesus 9
Healing a Nobleman’s Son
John 4:46 – 54
- Characteristic:
Challenging
- Jesus’ reputation for healing was well established. The challenge was deciding what it meant.
- (48) Jesus’ comment likely was intended for
others who were present. The nobleman
came a goodly distance (~22 miles), so he had some level of confidence.
- How many miracles are enough?
- Does anyone draw conclusions?
- (50) Later, Jesus went to the home of Jairus to heal his daughter (Mark 5:21 – 43), but this time challenged the man to raise his expectations.
- Applications
- Do we challenge people to draw conclusions?
- How much evidence is enough?
- If God is real, what should I do as a result?
- If the Scriptures are true, what difference will that make to me?
- What is a reasonable reaction to seeing the works of God?
- Do we challenge people to raise their
expectations?
- First, we need to be sure that their initial expectations are reasonable.
- Do we turn to God only in emergencies, when all else has failed?
- Do people in general know what to expect from God?
- Do they also have unfounded expectations?
- Encourage people to confirm the details so as not to attribute to God something He did not do.
- Encourage people to think through their
expectations.
- We cannot manipulate God.
- God cannot violate free will.
- God has a bigger perspective and is a lot smarter, so don’t insist on the only way you can see it working out.
- What is best for you may not be what you think you want.
- Do we challenge people to draw conclusions?