549. JOH 4:46-54. THE HEALING OF THE NOBLEMAN’S SON

Joh_4:46-54. The Healing of the Nobleman’s Son

"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. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death," &c.’97Joh_4:46-54.

Neither rank nor age is exempt from the common calamities of life. Man is an heir of trouble, affliction, and death,’97and in these the distinctions of society make no difference. The poor often suppose that theirs is the only condition of sorrow, but it only requires a little examination to discover that men of every grade are born to trouble even as the sparks fly upward. We see these sentiments borne out in the narrative selected for our present meditation. Among the various applicants to Jesus for relief, is the distinguished person before us. In general his followers were the poor and unfortunate,’97but here we have a person of rank and affluence among the train of his attendants. Observe,

I. The person of the applicant.

II. The nature of his suit.

III. The triumphs of his faith.

I. The person of the applicant.

1. His rank. A certain nobleman. Supposed to be connected by birth with Herod

Antipas. His residence seems to have been Capernaum.

2. His affliction. Was of a relative kind. His son was sick. Nigh unto death. Most probably an only son. How valuable are all the relationships of life. Hence amid the blessings of domestic life, we should rejoice as those who rejoice not. How slender is the tie which binds us to the objects of our warmest affections.

3. His extreme solicitude. Doubtless all that wealth could obtain, or human aid impart, had been done. But the disease yields not, but rather gains strength. The child’s life is in imminent peril. He knows not what to do, but at length he hastens to Christ. The distance was about twenty miles. Observe,

II. The nature of his suit.

1. The object of his request. This is the recovery of his child. He sought of Jesus that he would "heal his son, for he was at the point of death," Joh_4:47. How beautiful is natural affection! Is it not a beam reflected from the goodness of the Parent of all living?

2. He seeks that Christ would come down and heal him. He is anxious that the far-famed physician should visit the dying patient. While the scribes and Pharisees scorned the Redeemer, and treated him with rude disdain, this nobleman would count himself happy in being favored with his gracious presence.

3. He urges his plea most fervently. "And besought him," &c. A sense of misery and peril always makes us in earnest. His deepest and tenderest emotions were concerned, and therefore his desires were presented with intensity and ardor. Such should be all our petitions to the Lord. Not that he requires them to induce him to hear and bless us. But because his richest blessings would not be prized, unless eagerly sought for. The fervor of prayer is necessary for us, and not for God. Hence it is the fervent inwrought prayer of the righteous which availeth much. Observe,

III. The triumphs of his faith. His faith evidently actuated him,

1. In undertaking the journey. He had heard of Christ, perhaps seen those on whom his miraculous power had been exerted. He despairs of human help, but yet believes that the Messiah could restore his child. Without some degree of faith, the journey would not have been undertaken. We see his faith,

2. In the prayer he addressed to Christ. He besought him that he would come down and heal his son. Here is no doubt expressed. He neither stumbles at his want of power or willingness. He does honor to both. He disputes neither. He seems to take it for granted that he could do it, and he addresses him as if he believed,

"His love was as great as his power,

And neither knew measure nor end."

3. In the entreaty he further urged. Jesus said, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe," probably intimating that the Jews were more anxious to behold his wondrous doings, than to hear his doctrine, and receive the truth of his kingdom. Perhaps also intimating that the nobleman was vastly more concerned to have the miracle of healing wrought, than to attend to the great themes and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But thus indirectly repulsed, his faith reiterates his plea,’97"Sir, come down, ere my child die." There is little hope if thy power is not at once exerted.

"Do not turn away thy face.

Mine’s an urgent pressing case."

We see the power of his faith,

4. In the gracious answer returned. "Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way: thy son liveth." And it is further added, that the nobleman "believed the word that Jesus had spoken, and he went his way," Joh_4:50. He is satisfied with the reply. He now perceives the great physician can heal at a distance as well as near. He feels assured that his child is spared, therefore with triumphing faith and joy he repairs back to his home. Before he arrives at his dwelling, his servants meet him with the joyful tidings, "Thy son liveth." And it is discovered that the fever left him, at the very hour that Jesus had spoken the gracious healing word.

Learn,

1. The divine power of the Son of God. Well may we exclaim, "A wonderful method of healing he hath." He has power over all sicknesses, and distance affects not his ability to heal. He can do it by the going forth of his will, by the pronouncing of his word. He can do this in reference to all the moral maladies of the soul.

2. The necessity, and the importance, of living, vigorous faith. Faith brings us to Christ. Faith gives tone and power to our pleadings. Faith lays hold of Christ’s strength. Extracts his saving virtue. Faith overcomes all obstacles, levels mountains, exalts valleys,

"Laughs at impossibilities,

And cries, It shall be done."

3. The interest we should talc, in the well-being of our children. How we should feel for them. Desire their moral restoration to the image of God. Plead with the Lord for them. Persevere in the midst of discouragement, and cease not till Christ saith, "Thy son liveth."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS