Making Ripples

Before we leave Galilee behind, I want to highlight one of the ripples Jesus’ visit made in that area.  “So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” John 4:46-53.

 As you recall, it would have been easier, and made less waves, if Jesus had skirted around his hometown, but God had the bigger picture in mind.  We are reminded that Jesus’ first miracle had taken place in this same area, and I’m sure that had set lots of tongues wagging.  It would come as no surprise if this city official, we are introduced to here, had been a guest at that amazing wedding. As a desperate father, whose son was not only ill, but at death’s door, he took the risk of looking silly and asked Jesus for help.  The almost rough sounding reproof , “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” was aimed not only at the official, but at the group of Galilean citizens around him. While it was true that the Jews did require proof, Jesus was in essence saying I’ve already proved myself, why can’t you just believe?  Still, the man persevered, pleading with Jesus to come and heal his child.  To prove that his power to heal was so great, that he did not need to be present, he assured the man that his son would live.  At that moment, this man believed the words that Jesus spoke, without seeing the proof.  In fact, he believed so much that, he took his time returning home, certain of the miracle.  Can we say the same about our faith in the words of Jesus?  Or are we always looking for signs, and wonders while oblivious to the miraculous? If Jesus had not returned to Galilee we wouldn’t be reading of this account.  Let’s all try to make some ripples today by going where God directs us, and not staying in our comfort zones.