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Humble Hero
desired not only to heal the child but to lead the officer and his
household to share in the blessings of salvation and to kindle a light
in Capernaum. But the nobleman must realize his need before he
would want the grace of Christ. Many Jews were interested in Jesus
from selfish motives. They staked their faith on whether He would
grant them some temporal favor, but they did not see their need of
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divine grace.
Like a flash of light, the Savior’s words to the nobleman revealed
to him his own heart. He saw that his motives were selfish. His
wavering faith appeared in its true character. In deep distress he
realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. In an agony
of pleading he begged, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”
His faith took hold on Christ as did Jacob, when he cried out as he
wrestled with the Angel, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Genesis 32:26
.
Like Jacob, he succeeded. “Go your way; your son lives,” Jesus
said. The nobleman left the Savior’s presence with a peace and joy
he had never known before.
At the same hour, those who were watching beside the dying
child at Capernaum saw a sudden, mysterious change. The feverish
complexion gave way to the soft glow of returning health. Strength
returned to the feeble, wasting form. No signs of his sickness lin-
gered on the child. His burning flesh had become soft and moist,
and he sank into a quiet sleep. The family were amazed and greatly
cheered.
The officer could have reached Capernaum on the evening af-
ter his encounter with Jesus, but he did not hurry toward home.
It was the next morning when he arrived in Capernaum. What a
homecoming that was!
When he had gone to find Jesus, his heart was heavy with sorrow.
How different his feelings were now! As he traveled in the quiet
of the early morning, all nature seemed to be praising God with
him. While he was still some distance from home, servants came
out to relieve the suspense they were sure he must feel. He showed
no surprise at the news they brought, but asked what time it was
when the child began to get better. They answered, “Yesterday at
the seventh hour the fever left him.” At the very moment when the