John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… Notice — I. THE PROMPTITUDE WITH WHICH HE APPLIED TO CHRIST AS SOON AS HE HEARD WHERE HE WAS. Would that we all were as anxious for the welfare of our own and other's souls as this man was for the health of his son's body. Your souls may be in like danger — at the point of death. Lose not another day. II. THE ADVANTAGE WE HAVE IN KNOWING THAT WHEN WE DESIRE TO SEEK THE GREAT PHYSICIAN HE IS EVER AT HAND. The nobleman had to travel from Capernaum. III. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE NOBLEMAN EVINCED HIS BELIEF IN CHRIST'S POWER, AND YET THE IMPERFECT IDEA HE HAD OF THAT POWER. He felt that Christ could heal, but only on the spot. So we are tempted to prescribe to God the place and manner of His blessing, but God is the only judge of what is wise and best. Christ's rebuke had its due effect and in sending him away He required him to manifest the faith for the feebleness of which he had been rebuked. IV. THE MANNER IN WHICH JESUS SHOWS MERCY TO SUCH AS CALL UPON HIM. 1. Pity in distress. 2. Firmness in demanding the proof of confidence which it becomes us to show. Christ would not decline because of weak faith, but He would not go to Capernaum. V. WHAT IS THE DISPOSITION HE REQUIRES US TO SHOW TOWARDS HIM? Simple and implicit reliance on His word and belief in His power. "Go thy way And the man believed and went," without a token. 1. This disposition is the grace of the Holy Spirit imparted to the heart. 2. This disposition honours Christ. VI. THE REWARD WHICH FAITH SHALL RECEIVE.. "Thy son liveth." A cure. 1. Instantaneous. 2. Complete. (J. Harding.) Parallel Verses KJV: So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. |
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