TAKEAWAYS
1. Jesus is lord of space. Distance is no problem for Him. This nobleman was 20 miles from home and his dying son, but when Jesus spoke the word, immediately he was healed. Christ is in heaven, but He can hear and send the answer instantly when we pray. We can also pray for those who are nowhere near us as if we were laying hands on them.
2. Note the order: First the nobleman believed and then his son was healed. God does everything for us in answer to our faith. Eight times Jesus said, “According to your faith be it unto you.” And He said, “All things are possible for those who believe.” (Mk.9:23) Then we have “These signs will follow those who believe.”
We should believe what Jesus said before we see the answer to our prayer. This son was healed when Jesus gave the word. I love this guy. Jesus said, “Go your way, your son lives,” and he immediately headed back home, considering it done. And it was done. His faith was followed by action. It always is. Faith without works is dead. When you pray about a problem, live as though you believe Jesus will do what He said. During a drought the whole town gathered to pray for rain; but only one little girl brought an umbrella.
3. Note theprogression of faith: First, he believed enough to travel all that way to ask. Secondly, he believed enough to actually ask Jesus to heal his son. Thirdly, when Jesus gave the word of healing, he acted on it. Fourthly, he and his whole family believed in Jesus. The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed; it may start out small, then grow.
4. Sometimes we may need to put a pull on Jesus. Even though Jesus may have chided him by saying, “You people won’t believe unless you see signs;” he simply replied, “Sir, come down before my son dies.” Jesus seems to have not wanted to show a sign, but that didn’t matter to this man. After all, his son was dying. Jesus hadn’t said no! Mary did this with the water being turned into wine (Jn.2:1-7). The Syrophoenician woman did it when Jesus was seemingly refusing her request (Mk.7:25-30). Putting a pull on Christ is not begging, it is asking in faith.
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