John 4:47 describes a desperate scene: “When this [royal official] heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” This was a world of honour and of strict social convention. The royal official humbled himself before Jesus—something … Continue reading Desperation at the feet of Jesus
john 4
Illness has an end-date
There are seven miraculous “signs” in John’s Gospel. One is the healing of a boy with a death-threatening fever. “The royal official said, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ ‘Go,’ Jesus replied, ‘your son will live’” (John 4:49-50). But what purpose do these signs serve? They certainly provide compassionate help! But they also confirm … Continue reading Illness has an end-date
Pray big at the throne
John 4:47 describes a desperate plea by a desperate father: “When [he] heard that Jesus had arrived… he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” They were in Cana, but the sick child was in Capernaum. Nevertheless, Jesus healed him—right then and there, and from … Continue reading Pray big at the throne