Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 4: 48-53

Jason Turner, Director of Congregational Engagement

Transcript

Jason Turner 0:06

 
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. It’s Wednesday, February 4th. Today’s reading is from John 4: 48-53 with the spotlight on Jesus, and with the Apostle John as our guide.

Jason Turner 0:24  

Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.

Jason Turner 1:10  

How many of us must see something physically with our own eyes to believe, to have faith? I know how many times I’ve been a signs and wonder seeker versus taking Jesus at his word. Can you relate? Are we signs and wonder seekers to believe or do we trust Jesus and his message? Jesus rebuked the crowds tendency to need physical signs to believe vs. trusting him in faith and at his word. Theologian Warren Wiersbe writes, "Jesus 4:48 was not a rebuke of the royal official. Rather, it was our Lord’s lament at the spiritual condition of the people in general, both in Judea and Galilee. “Seeing is believing” has always been the “pragmatic” philosophy of the lost world." Thankfully, the royal official in this passage believed Jesus could heal his son. We must admire his faith and willingness to obey Jesus. The dying son of the anonymous nobleman lived, as Jesus promised. The man and his entire household placed their trust in Jesus. Praise the Lord!

Jason Turner  2:29  

Let's pray. Loving and saving God, open the eyes of our hearts and give us enough faith to see with spiritual vision. Help us to take Jesus the healer at his word so we can experience physical healing and most importantly, the gift of salvation and power of spiritual healing. Add the number of believers to households across our nation and world. For your glory, amen. Have a great day!