The Nobleman's Son

The Nobleman's Son

There was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum.  

When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea,

he went to Him and begged Him to come and heal his son,

who was close to death.

John 4:46-47

I love this story in the early chapters of the Gospel of John.  Jesus had left Judea and arrived in Galilee, where “the Galileans welcomed Him for they had witnessed the clearing of the Temple courts, and His subsequent healing of the infirm and paralyzed.  It was in the town of Cana that Jesus was approached by an officer from Capernaum.

The Scripture does not name this man, so we will call him Thaddeus.  He was evidently a royal official in Herod’s service. He pleaded with Jesus to come to Capernaum and heal his son, who had a terrible fever and was close to death. Jesus simply looks at the man and says, “Go home.  Your son will live.”  John says that, “The man took Jesus at His word and departed.”  Amazing.  What faith!  What courage!  On his way home, Thaddeus was met by his servants, who brought the joyous news that the boy was alive and well.  He asked exactly when the child recovered; the servants replied, “The seventh hour.”  It was the time that Jesus spoke His words of healing.

Jesus is the One of whom the Psalmist wrote: “He sends his command to the earth; His words run swiftly.”  There was no need for Him to go to Capernaum.  All He had to do was speak the Word.

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There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,

And clouds arise and tempests blow by order from Thy throne.

While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care,

And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 152, vs. 3