The Miraculous Messiah – The First Five Miracles
When [a certain nobleman] heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. John 4:47-50
Jesus’ second miracle is much more emblematic of His work during His ministry. He healed the nobleman’s son with nothing but His omnipotent word.
The nobleman saw a pressing need for Jesus to come to Capernaum, but Jesus saw an opportunity to test, strengthen, and confirm the nobleman’s faith. First, Jesus pressed back at the nobleman, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” Somewhat early in His public ministry, Jesus was already battling the idea that He had descended from on high to be a miracle performance artist. However “the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Jesus knew precisely how to test the nobleman’s faith without discouraging his request.
Christ further tested and strengthened the nobleman’s faith by refusing his request to accompany him. The nobleman, undisturbed, “believed the word that Jesus spoke to him,” having seen no sign or wonder with his own eyes. The account continues to tell of his son’s miraculous recovery the very hour that Jesus spoke. John concludes the account: “And he himself believed, and his whole household.” Christ’s simple word accomplished its purpose of bringing both (spiritual) life-saving faith and (physical) life-saving healing.
Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword;
Our prayer attend.
Come and Thy people bless,
And give Thy Word success,
And let Thy righteousness
On us descend.
Lutheran Service Book 905:2