The Miracles of Jesus

Lesson 3: Healing the Nobleman’s Son

John 4:43-54

Healing the Nobleman’s SonBackground to the Miracle

Jesus spent time in Jerusalem and Judea where “many believed when they saw the signs that He did” (John 2:23, cf. 3:2) This is the “second sign” John gives as

evidence, but not the second sign Jesus did (4:54)

Healing the Nobleman’s SonBackground to the MiracleJesus and His disciples return

to Galilee through Samaria (John 4:1-42) After spending two days in

Samaria at Sychar where He is honored as the Prophet and the Christ (4:19, 42), Jesus then returns to Galilee (4:43).

Jesus returns to work His home country, where He is “without honor”(4:44; Luke 4:24; cf. Matthew 4:12-16)

Yet He was well received by the Galileans because they had seen His signs in Jerusalem. (4:43-45)

Healing the Nobleman’s Son

When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, a

certain nobleman traveled from

Capernaum to Cana to implore Jesus to come down and heal his son.

(John 4:47)

The distance from Capernaum to Cana is about Twenty Miles

Ancient Roman Road from Cana to Capernaum

Healing the Nobleman’s Son A nobleman from Capernaum implores Jesus to

come heal his son. (4:46-47, 49) One of several instances where fathers came to Christ

on behalf of their children (Mark 5:22-23; Matt. 17:15)

Jesus says, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (4:48) Jesus’ statement conveys with both disappointment and accuracy the state of affairs. Signs and wonders were necessary to prompt belief.

(John 2:23; 3:2; 6:30; 7:31)

Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” Belief must be coupled with obedience (James 2:18-20)

Healing the Nobleman’s Son How this miracle grew faith in the

Nobleman: The nobleman had to believe a little to travel

from Capernaum to Cana to make the request. The nobleman believed further when Jesus

told him, “Go your way your son lives” (4:50) The nobleman believed further still when he

discovered that his son got better at the very hour Jesus had said “your son lives” (4:53)

Important Truths from the Healing of the Nobleman’s Son Distance is not an obstacle to the power of

Christ. Healing was instantaneous; the fever left

the boy the moment Christ spoke. Faith was not required on the part of the

person who was healed.

Note the Similarities between Jesus’ First and Second Miracles in Cana In the first place, both were third day scenes:

… in John 2:1 we read, "And the third day there was a marriage in Carla of Galilee;" and in John 4:43 we are told, "Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.“

In both miracles we see the Word at work: in each miracle the Lord did nothing but speak.

In both narratives mention is made of the servant’s knowledge (John 2:9 and 4:51).

In each case those who witnessed the miracle believed: …in the one we read, "And his disciples believed on him"

(John 2:11); in the other we are told, "And himself believed, and his whole house" (John 4:53).

-- adapted from Arthur Pink

Healing the Nobleman’s SonJohn 4:43-54Not to Be Confused with the Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) The Nobleman

A royal noble Sick Son At the point of

death with fever Implored Jesus to

“come down and heal his son”

The Centurion A soldier Sick Servant Paralyzed and

tormented Said, “I am not worthy

that You should come under my roof”

Yet, both resided at Capernaum, both were men of status, & both came to Christ on behalf of a sick household member.