Extreme Faith

As Jesus and his followers leave Samaria and head back into Galilee, the news about him has already spread. All across Israel, people are talking about this new prophet from Nazareth. As his hometown wrestles with their mixed emotions—wondering how they missed it—Jesus travels a little further north to Cana.

Remember Cana? Jesus had been there several months earlier and revealed his glory to his family and first followers at a wedding. Why return to this town? What would he do this time? Let’s find out.

Questions from your reading

• What do we know about this royal official?
• How many people were impacted through this miracle?
• What do you see as the primary lesson of this passage?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

As Jesus returns to the region of Galilee, word of his temple outburst during the Passover has already reached the people. They’re waiting with great anticipation to see what he will do now that he’s come home. The news even reaches the city of Capernaum, where one family is in deep distress—their son is dying.

Imagine the heartbreak this royal official’s family must have felt. Doctor after doctor had likely failed them, and all their resources couldn’t save their child. They were at the end of themselves. In that place of desperation, word arrives about a Jewish prophet performing signs and stirring hope. This man, possibly Roman and working for the government in Capernaum, is now willing to try anything.

Jesus, meanwhile, returns to Cana—perhaps to follow up with the newlyweds from the wedding months earlier. Some believe it may have been a family wedding, since his mother, brothers, and sisters were there. Mary even seemed to know the behind-the-scenes details. Regardless, Jesus returns because it’s the Father's will. Jesus often said that he spoke and acted only as directed by the Father (John 8:28–29). He was walking in faith, following the master plan.

At the same time, the royal official sets out from Capernaum to Cana. He has no evidence that Jesus has healed anyone before—because, at this point, Jesus hasn’t. Yet this man is desperate. Any parent with a sick child knows that kind of desperation. What stands out is his faith. He doesn’t know if Jesus will come with him or if healing is even possible. But when Jesus says, “‘You may go. Your son will live’” (John 4:50), the man believes him—and obeys.

That’s faith. Taking Jesus at his word. Believing what he says, and acting on it. The result? His son is healed—and his whole household comes to believe (John 4:53).

Are you willing to take Jesus at his word? Will you believe and obey—even before seeing the outcome? See also: 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Applying what you’ve read

Jesus lived in humble obedience to the will of the Father—walking by faith, not by sight. We know he lived by faith, because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and Jesus always pleased the Father (John 8:29).

What about you? Are you living by faith, or just reacting to what you see?

Find a friend today and talk about what it really means to live by faith. Share what you’ve been learning and encourage each other to take Jesus at his word.