John - Week 11

The Official's Son 

READ 

John 4:46-47 

46 As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. 

Having done a miracle in Cana, there would be curiosity seekers wanting to see Jesus do more. And no matter where He went there were sick people wanting to be healed—or relatives asking for their loved ones to be healed. Even royalty wanted His help, especially this royal official whose son was at the point of death. 

REFLECT 

Do you remember being desperate when a loved one was at the point of death? If so describe some of your feelings at that time.  

RESPOND 

Even though Jesus wasn’t personally there for you to call on for healing, did you pray and ask Him to heal? As you read the Bible you will see that God has the ability to heal but does not always do so. See 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 as an example of when God did not choose to heal. 

 Your Son Will Live 

READ 

John 4:48-50 

48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” 49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. 

Notice the response of the royal official and the response of Jesus. The royal official did not respond to the comment about Jesus saying people wanted to see signs and wonders. Instead he continued to plead for his son before he died. Jesus then assured the official that his son would live. The man believed what Jesus said and started home. 

REFLECT 

Are you quick to believe the words of Jesus as you read the Bible? Which of His words have especially stuck in your mind lately? 

RESPOND 

Some today still seek after signs and miracles. Are you like the royal official who did not need those; he just needed the word from Jesus? See Deuteronomy 13:1-3 that informs any miracle must be tested by the message. 

Alive and Well 

READ 

John 4:51-52 

51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 

The royal official not only took Jesus at His word, but he also double checked when the answer to his request came. Surely God is pleased when people want to know when a request has been answered. This official remembered the time he was talking with Jesus so he would know how the answer compared to that time. 

REFLECT 

Do you keep track of the time of your prayer requests for others so you can check when you hear of one being answered? 

RESPOND 

Ask the individual you are discipling if he or she keeps track of requests and answers. Both of you should share how this can be helpful. Sometimes believers are quick to ask God for things, but slow or forget to thank Him when the answer comes. 

Day 4 

READ 

John 4:53-54 

53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea. 

These verses record the royal official’s response to the healing of his son. They also give the number of the miracles of Jesus. Although He healed the official’s son, Jesus does not heal everyone. Many spiritual giants of the past have died in old age and some at a younger age. It is to be admitted that Jesus can heal anyone He chooses to, but He does not always choose to do so. And sadly, it must be realized that all healing is temporary because someday everyone will be in eternity. The healing of the Royal official’s son is the second of eight miracles recorded in the gospel of John. 

REFLECT 

The miracle of the healing of the son was helpful in causing others to believe in Jesus. Tell of someone you know whose changed life was the miracle that led others to trust in Jesus.  

RESPOND 

Do you think a physical miracle always causes others to trust in Christ? If so read Luke 16:19-31 to see what the rich man was told about such miracles. Then see John 12:9-11 that reveals these statements are true. 

The Pool of Bethesda 

READ 

John 5:1-3 

1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 

The scene now shifts from Galilee to Jerusalem. Exodus 23:14-17 names the feasts that every male was required to attend. If you’re following along in your own Bible, you might notice something unusual here: verse 4 is missing. Some ancient manuscripts of John’s Gospel add the following, starting at the end of verse 3: “…waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.” This verse is often omitted (though left in as a footnote) because it does not seem to fit the rest of Scripture.  

REFLECT 

Although there is no obligation for Christ-followers to observe certain days in the Christian calendar, which ones do you especially want to observe with fellow believers? 

RESPOND 

What is your reaction when you are confronted with someone who is “blind, lame, and withered”? Are you drawn to help the person or to turn away? At least you can pray for caregivers. Pray for insight into the problems they face and wisdom of how to help those to whom they minister.