Topic: The Miracles of Jesus
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 4:50
The purpose of the lesson is to teach that Jesus is the Word of God and that we are to hear, believe, and trust His Word.
Note: Teachers should read John 4:46 to 54.
Introduction
Who has never gone through a difficult problem and thought: “What am I going to do now?” Sometimes we seek help from friends, family, search the Internet or try to solve everything ourselves. But are these always the best solutions?
Today we are going to learn the story of a man who faced a problem that was impossible to solve. When all seemed lost, he made the best choice: he went to meet Jesus. Let’s see what happened and what the Lord wants to teach us.
Development
After performing the first miracle at Cana in Galilee, when Jesus turned water into wine, He returned to that city. There was an officer of the king there. He was an important man, who worked for King Herod Antipas. Despite his position and the resources he had, he faced a problem that no money could solve: his son was very sick, on the verge of death (John 4:47).
When he heard that Jesus was in Cana of Galilee, the officer left Capernaum and traveled about 15 miles (24 km) to meet Him. When he arrived, he begged Jesus to come to his house to heal his son. Then Jesus said to him: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” John 4:48. Still, the officer insisted: “Sir, come down before my child dies!” John 4:49.
Then Jesus answered, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. John 4:50. The officer did not see the miracle happen. Even so, he believed the Word of Jesus and returned home. While he was on the way, his servants came to meet him with wonderful news: “Your son lives!”
The officer asked at what time the boy had gotten better. They replied that the fever had passed just as Jesus had said: “Your son lives.” The Bible says: So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. John 4:53.
What a wonderful experience! That man heard the Word of Jesus, believed it, and the miracle happened. That father’s faith led his entire family to believe in the Lord.
The story of this king’s officer teaches us an important lesson. Faced with this great difficulty, instead of relying on his own strength, he came to Jesus. Even though he was an important man, he recognized that he needed the Lord’s help.
Today we also face situations that we cannot solve alone. Sometimes it is a problem in the family, a concern about school, a friendship that is not good for us, an injustice, a fear or a difficult decision. At these times we can talk to our friends, parents, teachers and brothers and sisters in the church, but we can never forget to seek the Lord in prayer.
The king’s officer heard only one sentence from Jesus: “Go your way; your son lives.” John 4:50b. He did not see the miracle happen at that moment. Still, he chose to trust. He went away in peace, because he believed the Word of Jesus. That is true faith. First we hear the Word of God. Then we believe. Then we wait for the Lord to work.
Many times we want the opposite. We want to see first and only then believe. But God teaches us that faith comes before the miracle. Jesus continues to speak to us today. We hear His voice when we read the Bible, pay attention in the service, in Bible School, and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts.
Jesus is the Word of God. The Bible says, “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.” Rev 19:13.
When we read the Bible we’re not just reading a book. We’re hearing what the Lord wants to speak to our hearts. So try it out this week. Instead of leaving the Bible unopened in a drawer or on a bookshelf, place it near the place where you usually study or spend the most time.
Before you begin reading, say a simple prayer: “Father God, I plead for the power of the blood of Jesus. Speak to me through Your Word, in the name of Jesus.”
You will notice that the Lord continues to speak to those who sincerely seek Him. The Bible also teaches us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17. The more we hear God’s Word, the more our faith grows.
Maybe today you are praying for someone in your family. Maybe there is a problem that seems impossible to solve. The king’s officer also lived a moment like this. He decided to trust the Word of Jesus, and the miracle happened. That man was not the only one blessed.
The Bible says that he and his entire household believed. This shows us that God wants to reach the whole family. Maybe you’re the first in your household to believe God’s Word. Keep praying and trusting. The Lord continues to work miracles and fulfill His promises.
The Lord wants to give adolescents the same experience He gave that man: an experience of faith. The Word says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1. Faith is trusting God even when we don’t yet see the answer. It’s resting in the assurance that the Lord always keeps His Word.
Conclusion
As Jesus spoke to the king’s officer, today He also speaks to us through His Word. Keep praying, reading the Bible, listening to Jesus’ voice, and trusting His Word. Jesus continues to perform miracles and fulfill His Word. Let’s always trust the Word of the Lord and remain prepared for Jesus’ return. The Bible says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Is 26:3.
Suggested Praises: It’s your precious Blood; I have a Lamp for My Feet; A New Day.
Question for Adolescents
Read John chapter 4, verse 50, and answer: What did the king’s officer do when he heard the Word of Jesus?
Answer: He believed the Word of Jesus and returned home trusting in the Lord. 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 4:50.
