Walking Home in Faith

READ John 3-4

My curiosity often comes into play as I read the Bible because of things we are not told. Obviously, these are things that are not necessary for us to know in order to understand, but they are still things that spark our curiosity. Such is the case as I read the story of the official’s son being healed in 4:46-54. At this point in the gospel of John Jesus has only done one miracle. He turned the water to wine at the wedding in Cana (2:11). Now in Chapter 4 he returns again to Cana and does his second miracle (4:54).

Here are the events recorded. He arrives in Cana. An official with a sick son lives in Capernaum about 7-8 hours walking distance away at the least. The official comes to Cana to ask Jesus to heal his son. So here’s where my curiosity peaks. First, in a town that far away how did he even know that Jesus had returned to Galilee? Second, had Jesus’ reputation spread that much already simply from the one miracle at the wedding? Did the man know Jesus only as a possible miracle worker? (This is highly likely based on 4:48) It’s not hard to imagine the father of a dying son being willing to go wherever was needed for his child’s welfare, but what were the circumstances that prompted him to walk all the way to Cana?

But there is another greater truth hinted at in the man’s behavior. Jesus told him his son was healed at 1:00 in the afternoon. The Bible says that he “believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.” (4:50) Notice, when his servants came to tell him his son was healed he was still traveling and it was the next day (see 52). If he was uncertain, he would probably have rushed back and made the 7-8 trip in a few hours the same day. But, evidently, he was in no hurry? Why? Here’s where we see his faith manifested. He was walking the unhurried walk of a man who believed Jesus.

I’m reminded of later in John when Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God; believe also in me.” (14:1) Troubles will surely come, but we don’t have to be troubled when we believe Jesus.

Prayer: Father, help me to be like that official. Help me always to come to you with every need of life. Help me always to turn to you first for your divine help. And help me to trust in you and live reflecting that calm trust in you.