John 4:43-54
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 4:43-54 keeping in mind that the government official in this story is an important person in the royal court of King Herod. As you read, try to imagine the desperation that causes him to travel around twenty miles to make an urgent request of Jesus.
Having just seen God work mightily through his encounter with a Samaritan woman, Jesus returns to the area of his youth. It seems he expects that his arrival will be met with a lack of interest, but news of his miraculous works has caused a stir even among those who think they know him best.
We aren’t told if the Galileans witnessed Jesus’ miracles first-hand during Passover in Jerusalem or if they heard about them from the unexpected royal visitor who came searching for Jesus. But it seems there is a general clamor among the hometown folks to see Jesus do something supernatural.
What do you desire most – to know Jesus or to have Jesus meet your needs in a spectacular way? Take a moment to consider this.
Read John 4:43-54 again focusing on Jesus’ question and the response of the government official.
Jesus’ questions always go deep below the surface. In this case Jesus questions the inner motives of both the official and those who have gathered around to watch, and the official responds with genuine faith. At Jesus’ word, the man heads home confident that Jesus has granted his request.
Often in the Gospels Jesus performs miracles as a sign that the Kingdom of God has broken into the world. These signs and wonders are more than a show, they are evidence of Jesus’ divine power and authority and when observed or experienced by people with pure motives, they lead to belief. Such is the case with the official and his entire household.
Have you ever experienced or observed something you consider to be miraculous? Take the last few minutes of this time of meditation to remember the significant ways Jesus has worked in your life over the years. Share these with Jesus taking time to thank him as you remember.
As you end your time, write a few words to remind yourself of the miracles in your life and place it where you will see it during the day. Every time you see it, take a moment to say, “thank you” and then pause see if Jesus is prompting you toward an action he wants you to take.
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