Walking Through Ephesians
“The Nobleman's Son”
Categories: Miracles of JesusThe Nobleman's Son
He heard, and he came. We don’t know his name, but we know his credentials. He was a nobleman, a man of wealth, of prominence and power. But none of those things mattered today, because on this day all he knew was that his son was ill. He knew his son’s condition was serious. He knew he had to do something. This isn’t an official coming to make an order to Jesus. This is a father pleading on behalf of his son. As far as we know, he had never seen Jesus heal. He hadn’t witnessed the power of the Son of God. He heard Jesus was near, and he came.
Jesus’ responses must have been surprising. In one sentence He is addressing this man’s lack of faith, and in the next He tells the man to go home, his son will be healed. Can you imagine what this man wrestled with in his mind? “What did He just say? He is better? But He didn’t come. He didn’t see my boy. This is serious. What if He’s wrong? What if it didn’t work? What if I return and it’s not enough? We don’t read those things. He heard, and he came home. Jesus’ first statement about signs and wonders almost seems to be a test. Would this man believe without any sign? Without any evidence? Would he believe Jesus at His word?
The challenge of Jesus here is one that we wrestle with. Can I take Jesus at His word, even if I can’t see it? If I can’t understand it? The power to heal a marriage, to heal a broken home, to heal a church, to heal the sin-sick soul - do I believe? Do I believe enough to stay in the midst of the mess, trusting God is still at work? Do I believe enough to be patient with the imperfections around me, trusting those around me (and especially me) can grow and mature? Do I believe enough to continue to pray for the prodigals who have left the Lord, trusting He can reach, heal, and restore?
Maybe I’ve never seen it before - I’ve never seen a prodigal restored, I’ve never seen a struggling marriage mended, a broken home healed, a sin-filled soul forgiven. But Jesus has spoken - do I believe? He heard, and he came. Have you heard about Jesus? Have you heard He has come? Have you heard there’s healing in His wings? Don’t doubt. Just come.
Gracious Lord today we thank you for the humble faith of this desperate father. We are impressed that what you chose to reveal about this man was the boldness of his faith. Help me to trust in Your word, in Your promises - even if I cannot see, or understand, or have ever seen it before - help me to chase away my doubts and fears with confidence in You, in who You are, in what You say, in what You can do. Help me, when questions fill my heart, to seek Your words, and to come - bringing my questions and concerns to Your throne. Thank you for bringing healing into this world - especially healing our hearts and minds with greater trust in You. Blessed be Your name!
