A Study of John 4:43-54
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing, desperate people turn to God, and belief in Jesus changes you and those around you.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing.
So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. (ESV, John 4:45)
After leaving Samaria, Jesus traveled to Galilee and stopped at Cana where he had turned the water into wine at a wedding reception. But verses 44 and 45 seem to contradict each other. In verse 44, Jesus says, “a prophet is without honor in his home town.” And verse 45 says “The Galileans welcomed him having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem.” What should we make of this?
To understand, let’s consider two of the Greek words used. In V.44, the Greek word for “honor” is timē, which means esteem, dignity, honor, and precious. And the Greek word in V.45 for “having seen” is heōrakotes, which means to see or perceive. In other words, the people witnessed the things Jesus did in Jerusalem. They were present to observe his cleansing of the temple and miracles. But there is no indication it meant anything to them. No respect or honor for him as the Messiah or even a prophet. Entertaining perhaps. Amazing for sure. But it didn’t move them to put their faith in him. Or cause them to believe he was the Son of God. They welcome him for another show. But not as the God they should worship.
We see this same attitude expressed today. No one denies Jesus’ miracles. The wisdom of his teaching. Or his exemplary moral life as a religious leader. But seeing is not believing. You can see him, but keep him at arms length. Stop short of confessing him as Lord. It is an intellectual acknowledgement, but not a commitment of genuine faith. That is the requirement of true discipleship.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals that desperate people turn to God.
When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. (ESV, John 4:47)
However, people will turn to God as a last resort. When they’ve tried everything else without success. And from the neighboring city of Capernum, an official comes and appeals to Jesus. The Greek word for “official” is basilikos and indicates someone who serves a king in an official capacity. He begs Jesus to go with him to his house and heal his son who is ill and on the brink of death.
There is no indication the man has any faith in Jesus. No declaration of Jesus as Lord. Or even an acknowledgement Jesus is a prophet from God. But he knew of Jesus’ miracles. And he was down to his last option and desperate for one. In response, Jesus expressed frustration. Why did the people demand miracles to believe in him? And treat him like he was a performer for their entertainment? When in fact, his miracles demonstrated his divinity as the Son of God. So that people would believe and put their faith in him.
And the same is true for today. We ask Jesus to solve our problems when he wants to save us from sin. And often express hopelessness for our circumstances with words like, “All we can do now is pray.” When prayer should be our first response. Because it’s not throwing your hands up in surrender. But reaching up to an almighty God. Although God does not quarantee a miracle, he does promise to never leave or forsake us. And despite the hard hearts of those gathered around him, Jesus tells the official. “Go. Your son will live.”
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals belief in Jesus changes your life and those around you.
The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. (ESV, John 4:53)
Give the official some credit. He did, at least, take Jesus at his word and leave. He met one of his servants on the way who shared good news. His son had returned to full health. And what did the official do? He asked at what time his son was healed.
There is a popular saying today: Trust but verify. It’s often used when an agreement is made with someone considered untrustworthy. And don’t keep their word. Go ahead and make the agreement. But verify they hold up their end of the deal.
That is unecessary with God because he always keeps his word. But when the servant verified his son was healed the exact moment Jesus said he would live, the official knew it was by the power of Jesus. And then he believed.
The Greek word for “believed” is pistĕuō, which means to have faith in, to trust, and entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ. It represents genuine belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Most Christ-followers today believe in Jesus without the benefit of witnessing a miracle. But trust Jesus’ claim that he is the Son of God. And place their faith in him as the Savior of the world.
And like the Samaritan woman, the official did not keep his new faith to himself. But shared it with his family and led them to believe in Jesus too. He asked Jesus to heal his son and ended up with something much better. Spiritual healing and eternal life for his entire family. In other words, he made disciples of the ones with whom he carried the most influence. And so should we.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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