“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.’ The nobleman said to Him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your son lives.’ So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.”- John 4:48-50 (NKJV)
If turning water into wine at Cana appears to be the first recorded miracle Jesus performed in John’s Gospel, then healing the nobleman’s son would be the second. By the time this had happened, Jesus was already at “rock star” status. As He journeyed back to Cana, after explaining a few things the woman at the well and her entire community in Samaria needed to hear, Jesus is met by a certain royal official along the way to Capernaum whose son was sick. We have little to go on as far as this nobleman’s faith is concerned, but if the statement, “It has been found in some hour of mortal peril that persons of no religion will invoke the mercy of that Being who, up to that moment, they have denied” has needed Scripture to back it up, its right here in John 4:46-54.
It’ll be the compassion of Christ that will end up taking center stage. If this man truly had no faith at all, my guess is he’s not walking to Jesus to beg for his son’s life. The contrary appears to be true here, he had a least of glimmer of faith that Jesus would heal his son or else he wouldn’t be begging Jesus him, that simple. Jesus takes a moment and address the situation. “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” What? “Dude, not sure what you’re talking about, but we better get a move-on before my child dies!”
Now, it’s not only gonna be the compassion of Christ that’ll heals the nobleman’s son, but it’ll also do a little something to this nobleman’s faith. John 4:49-50 shows us a moment where Jesus says something along the lines of, “You ain’t pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down, are ya?” woulda fit in nicely after this father says, “Sir come down before my son dies” but He doesn’t. Instead, it’s “Go your way; your son lives” and whatever inflection was in the tone of Jesus’ voice, it was enough to comfort this man and send him along his way.
“So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, ‘Your son lives.’ And he himself believed, and his whole household.” – John 4:53
It has been said that, “there are no atheists in a foxhole” and that’s a solid truth. If you come out of one on your own, you could be greeted with all kinds of nastiness that’ll knock you down. But if Jesus were to look down that hole and say, “You can come out now” would you exercise a mustard seed-sized faith and climb out? I know I did when it was beyond rough, and I was in the nobleman’s position (as far as the believing what Jesus says) and the starting my Christian walk. But do you notice that Jesus doesn’t grant the entire request? Jesus did the “heal my son” part, and there was never a doubt He wouldn’t. It was the “come down” part that He does not do. Why?
Even though we can all see that the faith of this certain royal official wasn’t up to snuff. By showing Jesus he had faith enough to journey almost 20 miles to request that his son be healed, Jesus helped him develop a mustard seed of faith and that will turn into something that we find, at the end of Chapter 4 in John’s Gospel, is very cool, “…and he himself believed, and his whole household.” I wonder if this certain royal official ever heard, “He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20) Hmm…
So, at the end of the day, what we have here is a father who was willing to do whatever it took to have his son healed. And I’ll say this, he must have been past the point of humiliation because in some translations, the word “beg” is used, and that is not a dignified position for any royal official. Hmmm… Jesus saw right through all of it and went right after the heart of the matter, unbelief.
So, in closing, in order to have faith, we must believe that Jesus’ Word is true. The conviction that the father experienced, and the end result of Jesus healing the son, took that mustard seed outta the foxhole and it grew to save an entire household. If it was done then, it can be done now. Believe that! Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine; so it is affliction that draws forth submission, weanedness from the world, and complete rest in God. Use afflictions while you have them.” — Robert Murray McCheyne
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “… who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” – Hebrews 1:3-4
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more