John 4:43-54 Royal Official: Healing and Faith

According to John
Chapter 4

Verses 43-45
43 After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast.

Verses 46-54
46 Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum . 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” 49 The royal official said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. 51 As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. 54 This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.


COMMENTARY
Verses 43-45
After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. Remember, Jesus took a detour from the normal Jewish route, to go through Samaria. The accepted clean "non-associative" route led travelers to traverse the Jordan River when traveling from (to) Judea in the south to ( from) Galilee in the north instead of going straight through Samaria. These two days refer to the time spent with the Samaritan woman and those of her Samaritan city. That part of the story is told in the paragraphs immediately before in According to John. For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. John, the Disciple, Apostle and writer of this account, gives us an interesting statement here. John remembers hearing Jesus saying this about Himself. It was more than a Jewish idiom. At its core we have the subject of "honor" introduced like a fly darting across your field of vision. "Honor" as translated in the New American Standard is τιμὴν (timen) in the Greek language. Even though it is not a major issue in this story, I would like to take this time to begin a cultivation of its meaning so we will have a foundation as we continue through John's account. From the root word, , meaning I. worship, esteem, honor, and in pl. honors, such as are accorded to gods or to superiors, or bestowed (whether by gods or men) as a reward for services, 2. honor, dignity, lordship, as the attribute of gods or kings, 3. a dignity, office, magistracy, and in pl., civic honors, 4. present of honor, compliment, offering, e.g. to the gods, II. of things, worth, value, price, 2. valuation, estimate, for purposes of assessment, III. compensation, satisfaction, penalty. The opposite of honor is shame. Honor is to speak well of or to attribute worth to or to place a great price on. Shame is to speak badly against or to attribute uselessness to or to devalue something or someone. Let me ask you a question. Does your speech, the words that come out of your mouth, sound like honor? Do you honor and build people up? Or, do you shame and tear people down? Now! I know I don't have to look far past my family relationship to see how I have to fight to keep honor in my speech. But, do you honor and build YHWH up in your life? Or, do you shame HIM? I think that John remembered Jesus' comment for this reason. We can sometimes allow familiarity to breed dishonor. Familiarity in any realm of life can provide us with the opportunity to abandon our awe which leads to dishonor. Keep that in mind as you study the whole of God's Word and see how His people frequently fail when familiarity attacks the freshness of their fellowship with YHWH. You must never say (for it is never true), "been there, done that" with YHWH. HE IS........... So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast. The Galileans, these are the ones that Jesus said that they did not honor him, yet they searched Him out because of what He did in Jerusalem. More than likely these Galileans took the trans-Jordan trek from Judea instead of following Jesus through Samaria. They were probably asking each other about Jesus, his doings and sayings, as they reached Galilee from their time in Jerusalem. Jesus was the buzz of their conversations and they were looking to be with Him. Yet, a prophet has no honor in his own country. Their receiving Him might have a superficial flavor to it.

Verses 46-54
Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. Jesus and his followers, our author included, return to the site of Jesus' first miracle. Remember, Jesus performed this miracle at a wedding and his miraculous deed was behind the scenes to save the face of the bridegroom. If anyone ever understands the role of the bridegroom in a wedding, it is Jesus Christ.
And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. It was approximately 25 miles from Cana to Capernaum. Remember that Cana is inland on a slope fit for vineyards. Capernaum was a coastal town on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. Regarding the royal official this is no ordinary government bureaucrat. The Greek word here, , tells us and the Greek reading audience that this man was royal, kingly, one who has proven himself truly kingly, and acted with kingly authority. He either belonged to a king, in this case Caesar, or he was the king's friend or officer. He was a little more that noble. John use this term to accentuate this man's tie to royalty so that we see that people from all walks of life came to Jesus for answers and healing. Remember, this falls on the chronological heals of Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well. The next chronological event, if I may presume, is Jesus speaking with a crippled man. Jesus was known for interacting with all walks of life. Jesus has not changed and He will not change. He can meet you at the point of your need no matter how abased or kingly.
When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. This royal man heard, went and implored. What an example of someone desperate to have an encounter with Jesus. The word translated heard is the Greek word ἀκούσας is a primary verb meaning to hear (in various senses) -- give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand (Strong's Concordance). Have you heard anything concerning Jesus? Then, the royal man went to Him. As a result of hearing about Jesus, the man went to Him. Have acted on your hearing of Jesus by going to Him? Then the royal man was imploring Him. The word translated implore is ἠρώτα from ἐρωτάω meaning to interrogate; by implication, to request -- ask, beseech, desire, entreat, pray. W.E. Vine (Expository Dictionary of N. T. Words, p. 79. Thank you Chris F. for the gift of this book years ago.) states that ἐρωτάω more frequently suggests that the petitioner is on a footing of equality or familiarity with the person whom he requests. It is used of a king in making request from another king.... In this respect it is significant that the Lord Jesus (always used ἐρωτάω) in the matter of making request to the (His) Father." The royal man, with the use of this petitioning word, states his appropriate high view of himself. The man respectfully asked and beseeched Jesus for his son was dying. Death was out of the control of this royal man who desperately dared to put himself on the same footing with Jesus. Are you desperate? If so, then respond to what you have heard, go to Jesus and petition him for life in the areas of death: light in the areas of darkness; peace in the areas of unrest; understanding in the areas of bewilderment; strength in the areas of weakness...
So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.” The word translated signs is the Greek word σημεῖα meaning a sign from the gods, omen, wonder, portent, as in LXX Exodus 4:8; Matthew 24:24; John 4:48, cf; especially of the constellations, regarded as signs. The Greek word for wonders is τέρατα sign, wonder, marvel, portent, a sign of coming battle; especially of signs in heaven; in concrete sense, monster; of a serpent, of the Sphinx; used by Cicero of Caesar, Att.8.9.4; monstrous birth, monstrosity. The word translated believe is πιστεύσητε in Greek. This word carries much to be investigated regarding its use and meaning, not only to Christian literature but to the whole of Greek literature as it reflects Greek culture. It carries the simply meanings of: trust, put faith in, rely on a person, thing, or statement. Also, certain nuances such as certainty and confidence highlight the central heart felt expression of this royal man. For he said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." A simple request in a time of great need. And Jesus said to him, "Go, your son lives." The word that all parents of dying children would love to hear. The Word in flesh, the great I AM, YHWH, the Lord Jesus Christ speaking to you saying, 'your child lives.' Note the reaction of the child's father. The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. There is our believe word again. This time can you feel the confidence that the royal man had in a simple word from Jesus? No questions. No requests to have Jesus repeat what He said. He was sitting on all confidence that expressed his faith. Jesus said it, the man believed it and that settled it. Your son lives. WOW! What faith. What confidence. I only desire to live a life that expresses such simple confidence in Jesus. A faith that does not ask questions nor does it need to understand everything before I accept His Word.
As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. Can you imagine the celebration of life? Do not confuse these slaves situation with their master, the royal man, and the slavery so cruelly forced upon Africans and children in our past and present. New Testament slavery is a subject for interesting study but not at this time. These slaves were trusted with the household while this royal man carried out his duties and visit to see Jesus. They were caring for the son while the father went to beg Jesus to heal his son. Be careful to note the spread of confidence in Jesus throughout this household which more than likely included the slaves. Does your household have a confidence in Jesus? No matter how high socially, politically, economically and scholastically you are, or think you are, there is much to be gained by confidently trusting in Jesus, even for the life of your child.

As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household. Can you imagine the celebration of life? Do not confuse these slaves situation with their master, the royal man, and the slavery so cruelly forced upon Africans and children in our past and present. New Testament slavery is a subject for interesting study but not at this time. These slaves were trusted with the household while this royal man carried out his duties and visit to see Jesus. They were caring for the son while the father went to beg Jesus to heal his son. Be careful to note the spread of confidence in Jesus throughout this household which more than likely included the slaves. Does your household have a confidence in Jesus? No matter how high socially, politically, economically and scholastically you are, or think you are, there is much to be gained by confidently trusting in Jesus, even for the life of your child.

This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. John's remark here brings us to reflect on Jesus' first miracle in Cana when he turned water into wine at the wedding feast. Both of these miracles were in the private realm with those immediately affected and the disciples. John primarily focuses on the private moments in the life of Jesus. He and his life account are different from the other three gospel writers, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

SUMMARY
This portion of chapter 4 is often overlooked. It stands in the middle of some of the great quoted passage from well known stories from the Bible. Yet, what an example of the authority of Jesus and the confident faith of the high ranking royal man. There is much to be applied from their brief encounter. Act on what you have heard about Jesus. Let those words draw you to him with the aches of your heart. Plead with Him for intervention into your life circumstance(s). Then, accept His word to you, which is a promise of His care for you. If you truly come to Him confidently and then go confidently, then your household will be full of confidence as they trust in Jesus. He is faithful to pull you out of the kingdom of darkness, lies, and death by transferring you into His Kingdom which is the kingdom of light, truth and life.

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John 4: 27-42 Some Question / Some Tell It

According to John 4:27-42
Disciples Question While The Samaritan Woman Shares What She Knows
Verses 27-30
Disciples Question Jesus' Scruples
Verses 31-38
Jesus Teaches the Disciples
Verses 39-42
The woman affects her town

27. At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, "What do You seek?: or "Why do You speak with her?" 28. So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and said to the men, 29. "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” 30. They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.

31. Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32. But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33. So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” 34. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. 35. "Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36. "Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37. "For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38. "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”

39. From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40. So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41. Many more believed because of His word; 42. and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”

COMMENTARY

Verses 27-30

27. At this point His disciples came: Remember the disciples were in town getting food. They missed the whole conversation Jesus had with the woman. They return to where they left Jesus which was by the well for Him to rest and refresh Himself. Then, they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman. The disciples reaffirm the gender issue that Jesus overcame which led to His ἐγὼ εἰμι proclamation in verse 26. This phrase also states the fact that the disciples were 'amazed. The Greek word is ἐθαύμαζον 3rd Person Plural Imperfect Active Indicative verb from θαυμάζω meaning: to marvel, amaze, to admire or be astonied (astonished). The same from of this same verb appears in John 17:5 when the Jews are reported to have marvel at Jesus uneducated wisdom. Yet no one said, "What do You seek?: or "Why do You speak with her?" As they were approaching them at the well, they asked these questions. The same Greek word τί (an interrogative pronoun from τίς ) is translated here as either 'what?,' 'why?,' or 'which?' They were inquiring after what He 'desired,' 'endeavored,' or 'sought.' Since they were just arrived it was obvious that they missed a major event which culminated in Jesus speaking with this woman alone. "They were astonished to see Him talking to a woman; for remember according to Jewish law, no Rabbi must ever hold conversation with a woman alone (Morgan, G. Campbell, The Gospel According to John, Revell Company, USA , p. 77)." It would appear as they disciples came closer to them at the well, the woman left, forgetting the reason she originally came to the well. For the woman left her water pot, and went into the city and said to the men, 29. "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” The impact of Jesus revealing His identity, ἐγὼ εἰμι , had a profound effect on the woman. She, who, was alone largely because of her life choices, was now motivated to lay all the stigma aside and be a spokesperson to her city. This is the consistent behavior of one having received a revelation of Jesus. 30. They went out of the city, and were coming to Him. Wow, if only I had that gift of evangelism or leadership. If only I could speak of Him in such a way that a whole city would trust me to come to Him. What did she say to the MEN of the city? She bid them to come. She spoke of Him perceiving all the the things she had done. She spoke of Him being the Christ, Messiah. The English translates the bidding regarding Jesus' as the Messiah as a question. In our evangelistic attempts, so we call them, do we ask questions and leave them unanswered?

Verses 31-38

31. Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” Now that the woman was gone and all the gender issues resolved, lets replenish ourselves. 32. But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” Here we have our favorite Greek conjunction that draws contradiction. The disciples were urging, BUT Jesus said. 33. So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” Amazing how we think, like the disciples, that we can be in the presence of Jesus and carry on a secretive conversation. Do we not know that He knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts. He, as in this case of the disciples knows how well we receive His teaching. Yet, we cannot call Him rude, prying, snoopy or nosy. He cares for us and His primary objective for His caring is that we know Him. Therefore 34. Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. When the disciples are pondering where Jesus got His food. Jesus leaps into a deep issue of the importance of life. Accomplishing the work of God is as important as food. Here is His basis presentation of obeying God being juxtaposed to providing for this life even in the basic sustenance items as food and water. He will describe this juxtaposition many times as we walk with John through his gospel. For now it is important for the disciples to understand that they are "...not (to) say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36. "Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37. "For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38. "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.” In their understanding of accomplishing the will of God, they are not to be concerned with the seasons. We are to be busy now. They, as He is, are to be about the task of accomplishing the work of God. In that they are not to compare their work or their rewards with others. Each one has his task and will get his reward. The Apostle Paul also expands on this subject in his letter to the Corinthians by encouraging his followers not to deify one teacher or apostle over another. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 "So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God."

Verses 39-42

39. From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” Isn't it amazing what a simple testimony, a life story, can do to influence people. What is your story? And, how is it influencing people around you? The half-breed social outcast of a woman told her story and many of the people in her city believed in Jesus. Think with me for a moment. Can you imagine what the people of the city thought when she said, "He told me all the things that I have done"? Remember, this woman was a ......... and a .......... and she did ............. and ............. and she said ............. and ............ about .............. The people of the city were probably embarrassed with her sharing some of her intimate events. Her so-called husband probably could not believe that was airing out their dirty laundry. What's your story? Is colored with dirt? with shameful acts? with embarrassing moments producing jaw dropping responses? If told, it might be embarrassing to you, your family or your friends, but it would not be embarrassing to Jesus for He did NOT condemn or scold her. Therefore, He will not scold you. It pleases Him for us to respond in the same manner that this half-breed outcast woman responded. Tell your story then invite your audience to meet Him for themselves. 40. So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.Be it known that there is power in one who is willing to be known by Jesus and is vulnerable to Him revealing all things. This woman's words change the life of her city that was lost and without hope from its history. Jesus, through the woman, was now a welcomed guest and they asked Him to stay and He did. 41. Many more believed because of His word; 42. and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” In this statement which covers two verses, we have a climatic theological statement that supports the ἐγώ εἰμι of verse 26 in the preceding blog post. Jesus is the I AM, the One, the Savior of the world and this declaration is spoken by non Jewish Samaritans who were definitely outside the fold of kosher religiosity. Be sure not to miss that the source of the people's belief transcended the words of the woman as if from a third party. Their belief, which is paramount for us, is a result of hearing and knowing for themselves. What have you heard? And, who have you heard it from? If it is from men or women, then you need to question its validity. If it is from Jesus, the Bible, then you have found the TRUTH. I hope that those men and women who speak to you, speak in such a way as to line up with the Truth. THIS ONE IS INDEED THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.

SUMMARY
Compare and contrast the woman and the disciples. The disciples have questions of stature and social protocol but are afraid or embarrassed to asked them. The Woman just experienced a time of candid Q&A with Jesus but resultantly forgot why she came to the well and ran off into the city. She leads a city out to Jesus and they believe. The Disciples remain a questioning bunch of followers, at least for now.

In large part of God's revelation to us, He reveals His name. His name is precious to Him and should be revered by us. As Jesus speaks the name of God and embraces it regarding His identity, all of Scripture is being unraveled. In the Old Testament we find the original pattern of God's name in the Hebrew. It was given to Moses on Mount Sinai and protected through the centuries. When Solomon built the Temple for the Lord, it was a Temple for the NAME of the Lord. “Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he will build the house for My name.’"- 1 Kings 5:1. "The LORD said to him, 'I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.'" - 1 Kings 9:3. The NAME not only refers to the person of the Lord, it refers to the presence of the Lord. Therefore, when you revere His NAME and speak His NAME, you are not only addressing Him, He is in your presence. He is with you. He is with .... He is....


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