John 4
In v43-54 we see Jesus healing an official's son in Cana (see also John 2 where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding). Jesus' response (v48) to the royal official's request (v47) reveals perhaps an untoward motive on the part of the official. Many people view the basis of a relationship with Jesus Christ as transactional - Jesus exists to affirmatively respond to our prayers; that He exists for us. MacArthur writes that the official's motivation "apparently centered in Jesus' reputation as a miracle worker rather than as Messiah.
Check out this video and this post which echo my sentiment that God is NOT a vending machine!
Instead, we MUST recognize Jesus as Messiah and that we exist to glorify God not the other way around.
In a step of faith, the official did take Jesus at His word that his son will live (v49-50). The official's son did live and "he and his whole household believed" (v51-53).
Contrast the official in this story with that of the centurion in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 where the centurion referred to Jesus as Lord.
God wants a personal relationship with us where we spend time with Him, we get to know Him through study of His Word, we share our praise and prayers with Him, and we worship Him (including corporate worship at church).
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You are always there - I know this - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such a God. I sin - all of the time! Please forgive me for how I missed the mark yesterday - it happens every day! Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” v48
In v43-54 we see Jesus healing an official's son in Cana (see also John 2 where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding). Jesus' response (v48) to the royal official's request (v47) reveals perhaps an untoward motive on the part of the official. Many people view the basis of a relationship with Jesus Christ as transactional - Jesus exists to affirmatively respond to our prayers; that He exists for us. MacArthur writes that the official's motivation "apparently centered in Jesus' reputation as a miracle worker rather than as Messiah.
Check out this video and this post which echo my sentiment that God is NOT a vending machine!
Instead, we MUST recognize Jesus as Messiah and that we exist to glorify God not the other way around.
In a step of faith, the official did take Jesus at His word that his son will live (v49-50). The official's son did live and "he and his whole household believed" (v51-53).
Contrast the official in this story with that of the centurion in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 where the centurion referred to Jesus as Lord.
God wants a personal relationship with us where we spend time with Him, we get to know Him through study of His Word, we share our praise and prayers with Him, and we worship Him (including corporate worship at church).
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You are always there - I know this - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such a God. I sin - all of the time! Please forgive me for how I missed the mark yesterday - it happens every day! Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
