John 4:49-50 49The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus said to him and left.
The official heard Jesus’ statement about signs and wonders but was not interested in display or proof. He did not need to see to believe. He already believed. His faith was at a deeper level than many people around him who wanted to watch the “show” as Jesus did miracles. His plea in verse 49 indicates that the man’s real concern was for his son. He was not interested in a theological argument or fancy display of power. His faith was simple and authentic.
Jesus’ next response in verse 50 was an additional test of the man’s faith because Jesus asked him to leave by himself. The man’s request was for Jesus to go with him, but Jesus wanted the man to go alone back home to his son. To respond to Jesus’ simple directions required faith that, indeed, his son would live. The man believed and became an example of the type of faith required for eternal life. The pattern in these verses is simple: 1) recognizing Jesus as the source of life, 2) hearing his word, and 3) going away believing in this word. The next several verses show the outcome of believing in Jesus. John chose to record this simple story as a “sign” for his readers of what believing in Jesus is like.
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