John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… I. ITS IMPERFECT CHARACTER. 1. Not settled on the best foundation. Excited by a report of Christ's miracles which Christ recognized as right (John 5:36; John 10:37-38; John 14:11), but not faith's highest form. 2. Not free from ignorance and superstition, Christ's presence was regarded as essential. II. ITS GRACIOUS EDUCATION. 1. Its radical defect was pointed out (ver. 48). The modern counterpart is the belief that is born of excitement and rests on feeling. 2. Its inward sincerity was tried (ver. 48). In a similar way Christ dealt with the Syro-Phoenician woman. 3. Its formal request was denied. Had Christ gone it might have confirmed the belief that His presence was indispensable, and that His power was of no avail beyond death. So He sometimes denies His peoples' entreaties, because they know not what they ask, or because the answer would be injurious. 4. Its essential petition was granted (ver. 50). Not in the way expected, but in one larger and better (Ephesians 3:29). III. ITS COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT. The nobleman believed — 1. Without a miracle. At first he only had Christ's word; then his servants' testimony; lastly, the assurance of sight. 2. Without delay — "Go thy way." Prompt obedience one of the most reliable marks of faith — Noah (Genesis 6:9, 22; Hebrews 11:7), Abraham (Genesis 12:1; Hebrews 11:8), Peter (Luke 5:5); Paul (Acts 26:19). 3. Without after regrets. None will have occasion to repent who enter on a life of faith. Nor did he act as many do after having been delivered from affliction. 4. Without being left to stand alone. Faith became contagious.Learn — 1. The ability and willingness of Christ to save diseased and dying souls. 2. The eagerness Christian parents should display in bringing the cases of their children to Christ. 3. The nature of faith which is taking Christ at His word. 4. The value and efficacy of prayer. 5. The increasing evidence faith obtains the longer it continues. 6. The beauty and advantage of household religion. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) 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. |
    |