Except Ye See

John 4:48 — Then said Yeshua (Jeshua), Yehoshua (Joshua) unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Trouble has brought this nobleman to Christ, otherwise, he probably would not have any reason to see Christ. If he had no trials, he might have been forgetful of Christ but sickness of his son came as a blessing in disguise.

One song writer says “it’s trials that bring us close to Christ.”

There are trials in life that seem more than I can bear. There are heartaches beyond compare. Without trials in life I might never bow in prayer. And I would never know Jesus really cares.

Chorus: For it’s the trials that bring us closer to Heaven. And it’s the trials that bring blessings untold. And it’s the trials that bring us close to Jesus. And it’s the trials that make pure gold.

In this case of the nobleman, the trial was the sickness of his child. As a nobleman he may have tried all possible means, but now as a last resort he turns to Christ in desperate hope. Even in nobility, dignity and prosperity we are all exposed to serious troubles.

The faith of the nobleman was dependent on what he heard of Christ, but he believed enough to give it a try. John 4:47 — When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

He believed that Christ could heal, but only on contact with his son. We are often tempted to suggest to God the place, time and manner of His blessing, but God is too wise to err. Christ’s rebuke did not put off the man — he pleaded because of his desperation. John 4:49 — The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

The man stood before Christ, determined not to go away until he was assured that everything is well with his son. He does not get the answer he required at first, but he waits. He desires signs and wonders, but Christ sends him away. John 4:50 — Christ saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

Some people want to receive their request in a certain way, like Naaman in 2 Kings 5:11. At first, the nobleman thought that Christ could only heal by personal contact, but now he believes that Christ can heal with a word. He then obeyed and his son was healed at the same time. If he did not believe, he would have remained hoping for Christ to come along with him. When you are told to believe in Christ, to pray, and to read the Bible, don’t wait for a sign nor a miracle. Believe Him and go your way rejoicing in His promise.

Will you believe Christ and take Him at His word?