SCRIPTURE READING

John 1:43-51 – John 2:23-25 – John 4:25-26 – John 4:43-54 –

INTRODUCTION

Give some background from the verses read. Jesus knows all things and is not deceived or fooled by anybody.

Some saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

But then while talking to a Samaritan woman, He reveals who he really is. The saviour. Messiah, the Christ.

So, while back in the town of Galilee, the place he turned water into wine. The people welcomed Him, some also knew what he did during the Passover festival, they saw signs and probably brought a report back into the town (v 45).

The Bible says there was a certain royal official – scholars say he was a government official in the service of Herod’s family or under his district.

Why is this important? It’s probably not that important. But it does tell me more about our Saviour. That he loves us all, he has compassion on all. Gal 3:28 – There is no longer Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, male, and Female. You are all one in Christ Jesus.

We hear a lot of preaching regarding the poor and destitute, but here we see a well to do, government official. They too need a saviour. Don’t we all need a Saviour, Church?

Now his son lay sick, (v 47 & 49) tells us that he was about to die.

1.   OUR SAVIOUR HEARS

First point, our Saviour hears us. I cannot express the beauty of having God almighty hear us out. Although he already knows your situation, although he already knows your heart (like I highlighted from the previous passages of scripture).

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

We must be in prayer Church, prayer can never be overstated or taken for granted, it works because of the one who hears us.

Now, the key is God’s will for you in your situation. I know you will say I don’t know God’s will. The royal official didn’t know if it was God’s will, he probably didn’t care, which is not an attitude we should have. But he was desperate, he was genuinely willing to do anything for the Lord, so that his son maybe healed.

So, church here’s what you need to know. God first of all, knows beforehand, if he grants you your request, if you will bring him glory and further the purpose of His will?

If you will testify and be a witness of his goodness, he knows how long your zeal and appreciation will last. Often times, if we honest with ourselves, we know for sure after we get what we want from God, poof, gone, never seen in church, never involved in ministry, never even say thank you, like those 9 lepers who never returned.

God is God, and his will is supreme, but scripture says he will hear us, so there’s no doubt in him hearing us.

The problem comes in when unfortunately for us, God wants us to shine his glory through the pain and through the suffering. Because based on your circle of influence that will bring God the most glory.

This is not to depress you this morning, but I need to give you a good, broad understanding of how God works, its about his will been done on earth as is it in heaven. His sovereign will.

Let’s get back to the text v 48 – Jesus says, “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

How many of you got it, did you see the will of God revealed? Did you get the reason, why some are healed, and some aren’t?

We all know the purpose of Christmas and Easter. Jesus was given to us a son was given a child was born, He came to die and save us from sin and on the third day rose again.

Now the in between part is where we find ourselves. Jesus’ ministry on earth. Jesus did many signs and wonders so that people will believe that He truly is the Saviour of the world and not just a healer, not just a provider. He wanted to point them to the cross and show them “I am your saviour.

In the words of John, the Baptist “The one who takes away the sin of the world”

2.   OUR SAVIOUR SPEAKS

Now with all that said, Jesus is so gracious and compassionate he heard the man, He stated the purpose and will. But went on to tell the man, “Go, your son will live” Hallelujah! I get goosebumps every time I read that.

Remember I always say that God always answers your prayers, but sometimes we don’t like the answer he gives us? Anyone remembers that.

Well this time round its different – I’m sticking to the text here.

Here we see the man receiving an answer from God and by faith believing it, took and left.

You need to get to this level of faith Church, when God speaks a word into your life, you best take it and go. You take it and you go!

Simple straight forward, no need for illustrations, no need for hermeneutics, homiletics, exegesis and explanations. When God speaks you do. The problem with so many of us, myself included we want double check, triple check go back, are you sure you meant that.

This man took Jesus at his word and left. Look he could have had some doubts. We’ll he told me to go, so I’m just gonna go and see. When we get to v 53 the father realized that the time Jesus spoke, was the exact time healing took place.

Church, we need to take God at His word, His word brings life. Out of nothing the world came to being, for the earth was formless and empty, it was void.

God said “let there be light!” and there was Light.

Jesus said “your son will live” and he lived.

The man took Jesus at His word and left. We as a church need to take Jesus at his word and leave – get on our journey.

Know that everything is under control, God has spoken, he heard, and he answered.

3.   OUR SAVIOUR HEALS

For Our Saviour heals, third and final point. Jesus said unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe. And then went on to give them a sign.

God has given us a sign, the ultimate sign it is called an empty tomb. We have resurrection power at work within us church. God asks us that we believe in Him.

Jesus told Thomas after His resurrection you believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Let’s change our prayer this morning, not one of healing but one of belief. In it there is both healing and an all-sufficient grace that will carry you through your pain.

The royal official found not just a sign of a healer, he found a saviour who happens to heal. For his whole family, scripture says in v 53 his whole household believed.

I tell you now church, your problem isn’t a physical ailment, it isn’t an emotional stress, it isn’t panic attacks or anxiety issues. Its your belief in Christ Jesus.

I have seen the signs and wonders. 2 comes to mind, one a lady on a ventilator who spent more than the maximum time before doctors will declare them to be dead. It’s just the machine keeping them alive. She sits here today as a testament of her belief in God.

Another gentleman, if they had more stages to cancer, he would probably have it, because he keeps defying the doctors report. Never been completely healed of it. But by his belief in Jesus continues to live with a peace and a joy that overflows.