warm-up

What was one movie, TV show, or song that you couldn’t stop talking about? Why?

Do you solve problems on your own, or do you ask others for help? Why?

Name a family member or friend whom you really trust. Why do you trust him/her?

word

This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. John 4:54

(Read also John 4:46-53.)

Jesus’ second sign proving that He is the Son of God involved healing a Roman official’s son. By just His word, the man’s son was healed from his disease, and the official’s entire family believed in Jesus. Here are three lessons we can learn from the official’s faith.

1
Go to Jesus

⁴⁶So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. ⁴⁷When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. John 4:46,47

The official traveled about 200 kilometers from Judea to Galilee in order to see Jesus. Though he did not know whether Jesus would heal his son or not, the official had the faith to go the distance. Much like the official, we must have the boldness to go to Jesus—not because we are out of options, but because He is our only option. According to Hebrews 11:6, is it possible to please God without faith? How do we see that in this story?

2
Take Jesus at His word

Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. John 4:50

The official trusted Jesus’ word that his son would be healed, being confident that Jesus would do what He said. God always answers prayers according to His will, and He is in full control of every situation. Because Jesus is Lord, what He says goes. Our role is to believe and respond in faith. Why can we trust God’s Word? What is our assurance of His faithfulness in our lives? (2 Corinthians 1:20)

3
Grow in faith

The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. John 4:53

The official’s son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke. This caused him—and his entire family—to believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus enables us to grow in faith and causes others to do the same. We must place our confidence in God, not the promise. Whether God answers our prayers or not, He still endures, and He is still God. Share a story of an unanswered prayer. What did God teach you through the process?

application

Is Jesus the first person you turn to when you are faced with challenges? This week, how can you commit to seek Him first in all things?

Choose one Scripture that you will claim over a specific situation. Take time to memorize it and meditate on it this week.

What has made you put your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Share this with a family member or friend this week.

prayer

Thank God for the way He healed the official’s son, and how He still does miracles today. Commit to take Jesus at His word and to believe Him no matter what.

Pray God’s will over your life, your family, your church, your nation, and the nations of the world. Ask Him for greater faith and trust in Him.

Intercede for family members and friends who need to know and believe the gospel. Pray for divine opportunities to preach the gospel, and ask God for boldness and grace.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Permission to photocopy this material is granted for local church use. This is not for sale.
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