There are many key lessons we can learn from this 2nd recorded miracle from John’s Gospel. Remember, these miracles also serve as signs that contain insights and messages for our day. Let’s take note of the opening verse to this miracle.
2nd Miracle and Sign
Healing of the Nobleman’s Son
John 4:46-54
When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! (Matthew 8:10)
There are many key lessons we can learn from this 2nd recorded miracle from John’s Gospel. Remember, these miracles also serve as signs that contain insights and messages for our day. Let’s take note of the opening verse to this miracle.
So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. (John 4:46)
Significance of Galilee
We quickly discover that the 2nd miracle also takes place in Cana of Galilee. Did you know that 11 of the 12 disciples of Jesus were Galileans? Why is this important? Historians cite the Galileans as having an ability to adapt and adjust to their environment. Perhaps this is why Peter, Andrew, James and John were able to immediately respond to the beckoning of the Lord when He said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19-22).
Jesus needed to be surrounded by those who could be “new wineskins” in being able to flow with His ambitious three-and-a-half year ministry. Many Christians excitingly talk about God doing a “New Thing” on earth. The following verse from Isaiah is known to many.
Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)
In order for this to be a reality, we must have the ability to let go of the old way of doing things (Isaiah 43:18). This does not mean compromising God’s Word but rather not allow traditions and worn mindsets to stand in the way, of the new thing God is about to do. The Galileans were known in being able to adjust and align anew. Jesus said that “new wine” needs to be put into new wineskins (Matthew 9:17). Remember, the 1st miracle? Jesus saves the best wine for the last. Are you a new wineskin?
The Honourable Nobleman
This nobleman heard of the reputation of Jesus. He left Capernaum and undertook a journey of approximately 25 kilometres for the purpose of seeing Jesus. He demonstrated great faith in believing that Jesus could heal his son. He even expressed boldness in asking Jesus to travel the distance to his house. Was Jesus put off or offended by his request?
Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. (John 4:50)
The nobleman had faith to believe that God had healed his son, but he has yet to see it. This example helps to illustrate the definition of faith as described in the Book of Hebrews.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
The nobleman came to God, believing He was who He said He was.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Like the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22), the nobleman fixed his eyes upon Jesus when he heard that Jesus was passing through Galilee. His faith enabled Jesus to send forth His word of healing to his son (John 4:50).
A Sign for Unbelievers
This miracle has inspired me concerning our own Miracle Service at Lighthouse. God has moved powerfully through this ministry over the years. The first two miracles of John’s Gospel have raised my faith level for even greater days to come. The nobleman was not yet a believer, yet he possessed a level of faith that we can learn from. What lengths are we willing to go for a fresh encounter with God?
It is also important to note the impact upon his household and those who were able to observe this miracle. May this inspire us to press deeper into God. Jesus was honoured that a man would travel such a distance, believing he could meet his need.
There is a sense that Jesus is about to do a “new thing” in the earth. Are we hearing, are we discerning, and are we willing to respond as modern-day Galileans to those famous two words of “Follow Me”? Do we have the boldness of Faith as seen in the Honourable Nobleman? Let us not miss this season of God’s visitation (Luke 19:44).
Daily Meditations
Monday: Luke 18:8
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Tuesday: Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.
Wednesday: Matthew 4:19
Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Thursday: Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.
Friday: Acts 16:31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Saturday: Ezekiel 47:9
And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.
Sunday: Acts 2:7
Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
