Amazing grace Baptist Church, Hamburg

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg

Bible Study Material on John 4:43-54

Introduction
In our previous studies, we learned about Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well which later turned out to be a great and unexpected spiritual harvest. Today’s lesson focusses on the miraculous sign given to the nobleman (John 4:43-54). This Nobleman is reported to have trusted Jesus for a new life for his son who was sick to death. This miracle is the second of the seven signs in John.

Background and significance
Allegorically, the first two signs at Cana in Galilee about turning water into wine illustrated that salvation is through the Word. The healing of the son in this chapter shows that salvation is by faith. The son lay dying in Capernaum, about 20 kilometers away from Cana. The man wanted Jesus to come with him, for he did not believe that Jesus could cure the boy of a distance (see Martha’s similar reaction in John 11:21). Jesus did not go with the man, but instead spoke the words: “You may go. Your son will live.” He believed the Word! It would have taken the man only three or four hours to get back home, yet verse 52 (“yesterday”) indicates that he remained in Cana an entire day. The boy had been cured at 1:00 pm, and the next day the father arrived home. This proves he had real faith in Jesus’ word, for he did not rush home to see what happened. This is the way we are saved – by putting our faith in the Word of God.

A prophet has no honor in his own country (John 4:43-45)
This statement of Jesus suggests that it is hard to gain acceptance and recognition in one’s own hometown. However, after making an impact in a different context and returning home people will then see you in a different light. That reflects human nature. Jesus understood that and so that explains why he went to Jerusalem. According to verse 45, his plan worked: So when he came to Galilee, he was welcomed.

Are you part of those who see signs before believing? (John 4:48)
By that statement, Jesus was not just addressing the anguished father but to the class of people to whom the father belongs. These were the special, privileged people who were, for the most part, in opposition to the work of Jesus. It is most probable that some of us are like that because many of us will really want to see miracles, exciting signs, supernatural events before we are prepared to believe who Jesus is. Jesus, in verse 48, gives the basic reason why people will not believe for they want to see signs and experience wonders. Keep in mind that Satan is able to perform signs and wonders to deceive (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). In relation to salvation, it is worth noting that if one’s salvation is based on feelings, dreams, visions, voices, or any other fleshly evidence, then one is treading on a dangerous ground. It is faith in the Word alone that gives us the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:9-13).

Believing in God whose ways are higher than ours
The nobleman apparently stayed in Cana, took care of some business and then went home the next day. He had joy and peace because his trust was in the Jesus’ word alone (Romans 15:13). He was not surprised when his servants told him that “his boy was living.” He merely asked them when the cure took place and verified that it was the very hour that Jesus spoke the word. The result was that his whole family trusted Jesus. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Jesus is described as the originator and the completer of faith. The story of the nobleman also tells us that we are in the hands of the one who does not always answer our prayers the way we expect him to do. Instead, he answers us in his ways that lift us to a higher awareness of his authority and power in the world and in life. As a result, our faith becomes stronger, purer and truer. Jesus is indeed the author and perfecter of our faith.

Questions
1. With reference to Jesus’ statement that a “prophet is not without honour except in his own country (John 4:43-45), to what extent can familiarity serve as an obstacle to encountering God’s grace?
2. What does it mean to “take Jesus by his word?”
3. How can we trust God in new ways that are beyond our usual perspective?