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“Unless You 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 Jesus’ wonderful works. Many of the people were sad
to see the abuses of the temple and the greed and arrogance of the
priests. They hoped that this Man, who had evicted the rulers from
the temple, might be the expected Deliverer. They had heard reports
that the Prophet had declared Himself to be the Messiah.
The news of Christ’s return to Cana soon spread throughout
Galilee. In Capernaum, this drew the attention of a Jewish nobleman
who was an officer in the king’s service. The officer’s son was
suffering from a disease that seemed to be incurable. When the
father heard of Jesus, he determined to ask Him for help. He hoped
that a father’s prayers might awaken the sympathy of the Great
Physician.
When he reached Cana, he pressed his way through a crowd
to the Savior’s presence. His faith grew weak when he saw only a
plainly dressed man, dusty and worn with travel. Yet he talked with
Jesus anyway, told his errand, and urged the Savior to accompany
him to his home.
Jesus knew that the father had made conditions in his own mind
concerning his belief in Him. Unless his request was granted, he
would not receive Jesus as the Messiah. While the officer waited in
an agony of suspense, Jesus said, “Unless you people see signs and
wonders, you will by no means believe.”
The Savior contrasted the father’s questioning unbelief with the
simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His
word had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was
pained that His own people failed to hear the voice of God speaking
to them through His Son.
Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith, for he had come to ask
for what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus
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