“After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.” John 4.39-54
Jesus does some cool stuff. It’s not everyday that someone is brought from near death to life. Those in attendance had seen what Jesus did in Jerusalem and in Cana of Galilee. They had seen and believed.
So when Jesus approaches Capernaum and is met by a father whose boy was sick with a fever and close to death, those watching knew what was going to happen and what Jesus was able to do. Their past experience dictated their present belief.
And so as the story goes the father speaks to Jesus about his sick son and Jesus, rather than going to Capernaum to heal the boy simply does it from a distance saying, “Go, your son will live.”
Jesus does remarkable things. He has all the power, authority and might to heal both the body and the soul. This weekend I led a retreat with teenagers called Revive. It was at this time and place that the Lord came near to his people. He brought salvation to those lost in darkness and renewal for those needing a spiritual boost. He brought a call to ministry to those who were ready for the next step of commitment and refreshment for weary adults.
Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, came into our hearts and did a tremendous work of healing, restoration and grace. What Jesus did back on the way to Capernaum, I witnessed again on the way to camp.
Why not cling to this Jesus today? Why not spread his word and demonstrate by your actions a God who never gives up on his people no matter how sick they may be.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the power of your grace and the strength of your Spirit. Come now, Lord and King, invade my heart with your will. Help me be transformed daily into who you want me to be. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen