John Series Sermon 24 The Stages Of Faith, John 4:46–54 Series

John Series Sermon 24 The Stages of Faith, 4:46–54

(4:46–54) Introduction: this nobleman was a government official, probably holding some high position in Herod’s court. His experience reveals the various stages of faith, the kind of growing faith that every man should experience.

1. A beginning faith (vv.46–47).

2. A persistent faith (vv.48–49).

3. A trusting, obedient, and working faith (v.50).

4. A confirmed faith (vv.51–53).

5. A witnessing faith (vv.53–54).

1 (4:46–47) Faith—Seeking Jesus—Contrition: the first stage is a beginning faith. When Jesus entered the city of Cana, a nobleman (basilixos), an official of the King’s royal court, approached Jesus. The actions of the man demonstrated exactly what is involved in a beginning faith.

a. There was a desperate need. The man’s son was at the point of death.

Thought 1. Needs confront every human being. Eventually the severe needs arising from accident, illness, disease, suffering, and death strike everyone. No one is exempt. One may be an official in government or even the king himself—it does not matter. The day eventually comes when every man needs help. The severe disasters of life are beyond any man’s control.

b. There was hearing about Jesus. The man heard about Jesus, and he listened attentively to what he heard. He did not …

• turn a deaf ear to the message

• think himself too important

• consider the message to be foolish

• mock the person sharing about Jesus

c. There was coming to Jesus. Facing one of the severe disasters of life, the man came to Jesus. Jesus was the only person he had ever heard about that might be able to help. Note what the man had to sacrifice in order to go to Jesus.

1) The man had to leave the side of his dying son knowing he would be gone for many hours. Imagine the anxiety and fear that his son might die while he was away. The man would literally have to tear himself away from his son. Such an act shows how strongly he believed that Jesus could help him.

2) The man had to travel almost a day’s journey to reach Jesus. Capernaum was about twenty miles from Cana. Imagine the concern and apprehension gripping the father’s heart every foot of the way, wondering if he should have left his son’s side. The fact that he persevered and kept his eyes on the hope of Jesus shows the faith of his heart.

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD” (Ps. 31:24).

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy” (Ps. 33:18).

“And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee” (Ps. 39:7).

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Ps. 42:11).

“For thou art my hope. O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth” (Ps. 71:5).

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Ps. 146:5; see vv.6–9).

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Je. 17:7).

3) The man did not let his high position keep him from Jesus. He did not wrap himself in pride nor did he allow what others might say keep him from Jesus. Swallowing his pride, he confessed his need in the face of all who ridiculed, and he went to Jesus.

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him” (Ps. 91:15).

“Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity” (Is. 58:9).

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Je. 33:3).

d. There was begging Jesus to help. The man literally begged (erota) and kept on begging for Jesus to meet his need.

2 (4:48–49) Faith—Belief—Signs: the second stage was a persistent faith. Note two crucial lessons.

a. A lesson in faith. The man said, “Come down, and heal my son.” Jesus was saying, “Unless I come down and you see signs and miracles you will not believe. Is that what you are saying?” Jesus had to teach the man that His Word alone was enough. Belief in His Word was what was going to assure the request. His power was at the nobleman’s disposal if he would just believe Him. Belief is to precede signs and wonders. Note that “you” is plural. Jesus was addressing both the man and the crowd. He wanted the crowd to get the message as well. (See DEEPER STUDY # 1—Jn. 2:23; DEEPER STUDY # 2—2:24.)