1. The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 3: Healing the Nobleman’s Son John 4:43-54

2. Healing the Nobleman’s Son Background to the Miracle
Jesus spent time in Jerusalem and Judea where “many believed when they saw the signs that He did” (John 2:23, cf. 3:2)
This is the “second sign” John gives as evidence, but not the second sign Jesus did (4:54)

3. Healing the Nobleman’s Son Background to the Miracle
Jesus and His disciples return to Galilee through Samaria (John 4:1-42)
After spending two days in Samaria at Sychar where He is honored as the Prophet and the Christ (4:19, 42), Jesus then returns to Galilee (4:43).
Jesus returns to work His home country, where He is “without honor”(4:44; Luke 4:24; cf. Matthew 4:12-16)
Yet He was well received by the Galileans because they had seen His signs in Jerusalem. (4:43-45)

4. Healing the Nobleman’s Son
When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, a certain nobleman traveled from Capernaum to Cana to implore Jesus to come down and heal his son.
(John 4:47)

5. The distance from Capernaum to Cana is about Twenty Miles

6. Ancient Roman Road from Cana to Capernaum

7. Healing the Nobleman’s Son
A nobleman from Capernaum implores Jesus to come heal his son. (4:46-47, 49)
One of several instances where fathers came to Christ on behalf of their children (Mark 5:22-23; Matt. 17:15)
Jesus says, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (4:48) Jesus’ statement conveys with both disappointment and accuracy the state of affairs.
Signs and wonders were necessary to prompt belief. (John 2:23; 3:2; 6:30; 7:31)
Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.”
Belief must be coupled with obedience (James 2:18-20)

8. Healing the Nobleman’s Son
How this miracle grew faith in the Nobleman:
The nobleman had to believe a little to travel from Capernaum to Cana to make the request.
The nobleman believed further when Jesus told him, “Go your way your son lives” (4:50)
The nobleman believed further still when he discovered that his son got better at the very hour Jesus had said “your son lives” (4:53)

9. Important Truths from the Healing of the Nobleman’s Son
Distance is not an obstacle to the power of Christ.
Healing was instantaneous; the fever left the boy the moment Christ spoke.
Faith was not required on the part of the person who was healed.

10. Note the Similarities between Jesus’ First and Second Miracles in Cana
In the first place, both were third day scenes:
… in John 2:1 we read, "And the third day there was a marriage in Carla of Galilee;" and in John 4:43 we are told, "Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.“
In both miracles we see the Word at work: in each miracle the Lord did nothing but speak.
In both narratives mention is made of the servant’s knowledge (John 2:9 and 4:51).
In each case those who witnessed the miracle believed:
…in the one we read, "And his disciples believed on him" (John 2:11); in the other we are told, "And himself believed, and his whole house" (John 4:53) adapted from Arthur Pink

11. Healing the Nobleman’s Son John 4: Not to Be Confused with the Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
The Nobleman
A royal noble
Sick Son
At the point of death with fever
Implored Jesus to “come down and heal his son”
The Centurion
A soldier
Sick Servant
Paralyzed and tormented
Said, “I am not worthy that You should come under my roof”
Yet, both resided at Capernaum, both were men of status, & both came to Christ on behalf of a sick household member.