Chapter 20—“Except Ye See Signs and Wonders”
This chapter is based on
John 4:43-54
.
The Galileans who returned from the Passover brought back the
report of the wonderful works of Jesus. The judgment passed upon
His acts by the dignitaries at Jerusalem opened His way in Galilee.
Many of the people lamented the abuse of the temple and the greed
and arrogance of the priests. They hoped that this Man, who had put
the rulers to flight, might be the looked-for Deliverer. Now tidings
had come that seemed to confirm their brightest anticipations. It was
reported that the prophet had declared Himself to be the Messiah.
But the people of Nazareth did not believe on Him. For this reason,
Jesus did not visit Nazareth on His way to Cana. The Saviour declared
to His disciples that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Men
estimate character by that which they themselves are capable of ap-
preciating. The narrow and worldly-minded judged of Christ by His
humble birth, His lowly garb, and daily toil. They could not appreciate
the purity of that spirit upon which was no stain of sin.
The news of Christ’s return to Cana soon spread throughout Galilee,
bringing hope to the suffering and distressed. In Capernaum the tidings
attracted the attention of a Jewish nobleman who was an officer in the
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king’s service. A son of the officer was suffering from what seemed to
be an incurable disease. Physicians had given him up to die; but when
the father heard of Jesus, he determined to seek help from Him. The
child was very low, and, it was feared, might not live till his return;
yet the nobleman felt that he must present the case in person. He
hoped that a father’s prayers might awaken the sympathy of the Great
Physician.
On reaching Cana he found a throng surrounding Jesus. With an
anxious heart he pressed through to the Saviour’s presence. His faith
faltered when he saw only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn with
travel. He doubted that this Person could do what he had come to ask
of Him; yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told his errand, and
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