Power of The Word

Dr. Glen A. Thorp                                       January 27, 201
(All Rights Reserved)                                  Psalm 19, John 4:39-54

                             "POWER OF THE WORD"
                     (Second in a series: "Seven Signs in John")

A Mother, driving in rain, used the power of words to teach and her
son a lesson.  She said: "The rain is like sin and the windshield wipers,
are like God’s wiping away our sin."

Last week reflected on the first Sign in John revealing Jesus' dazling glory.
This week's scripture refers to that first sign. 
     Once more Jesus visited Cana in Galilee
      where he turned water into wine. (John 4:39)
                                                       
Jesus was returning from his visit to Jerusalem in Judea. Choosing to take
the direct route leading him through Samaria, a region most Jews avoided
because they despised Samaritans, he met a woman at the well.
The result of their conversation was that many believed in Jesus because of
the woman’s testimony and urged Jesus to stay with them.
He stayed for two days. Then resumed his trip to Galilee.

(Read John 4:7-26 for the full story.) Verses 41-42 say:

"And because of his words many more believed.
We no longer believe because of what the woman said
but because we have heard for ourselves and know
that this man is Savior of the World."   What an affirmation!
 
"Now he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus had pointed out that a prophet
has no honor in his own country.) John 4:43-44) Mark 6:4 and Luke 4:6:24
explain why Jesus used that statement and why he was despised in Nazareth.

The second sign of Jesus’ dazzling glory was the Power of His Word,
resulting in a growing belief in Jesus. Notice the Progression in John 4:39-54.

Believed enough to ask Jesus to help a man’s son.

A government official, in Herod’s government, heard that Jesus had healed
many people. Learning that Jesus was back in Capernaum, Galilee he traveled
20 miles to ask Jesus to come to his home and heal his dying son.
He believed enough make the effort of begging Jesus for help.

The official treated Jesus with respect, reverence and not contempt, as most
Jews were treated by those in the royal court. He calls Jesus "Sir"
putting himself under Jesus even though he legally he had authority
over Jesus and could have commanded him.
Instead he begs Jesus to come quickly.

Believed Jesus’ assurance that his son would live.

Jesus responded: "You may go. Your son will live.
The man took Jesus at his word and departed."  (John 4:50)

The man:
Believed Jesus and took him at his "bare" word.
Acted by returning the 20 miles to his home.

He believed and so did his whole house.

While he was still on his way, his servants met him with the news that
his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time his son got better,
they said to him, "the fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.
                                                                                  (John 4:5-52)   

Faith is a gift that grows as it is used. The father realized
The Timing and Completeness of Jesus healing (1:00 p.m)
Instantaneous healing resulted in faith in Jesus for himself and
his whole household. (John 4:53)

The Effect of Faith and Efficacy/Power of the Word
restored life to a child and gave life to a family.

The woman in Samaria told others of what Jesus had done in her life.
Her faith in Jesus spread and many believed in Jesus because of the
testimony of the women. (John 4:39)

The miracle of healing was more than just a favor to one official
in Herod’s service, it was a sign to all people. John’s Gospel was
written to all humankind to urge faith in Christ.
The official had faith that Jesus could do what he claimed.
The official believed, then saw the miraculous sign. Jesus said:
Unless you people see miraculous signs and
wonders you will never believe. (John 4:48)

In contrast to,signs, the Samaritans believed because of what Jesus said:
the transforming Power of his word.

Do you believe Jesus can take care of your problems?
If so act by asking him.
Act as if Jesus can make a difference.

After asking Jesus, in prayer, live as though you
believe Jesus will do what he says.

　
Jesus’ miracles were not mere illusions, the product of wishful thinking.
Although the official’s son was 20 miles away, he was healed the moment
Jesus spoke the word. Distance was no problem because Jesus Christ has
mastery over space. We can never put so much space between ourselves
and Christ that he can no longer help us.

Jesus took the official from believing simply because of "signs"
to believing Jesus’ word. True faith came when the sign demonstrated
that Jesus was a man of his word.

That word had and has the power to heal and change lives,
his and his families. He was taken from faith because of a sign
to faith in Jesus the life-giver.

Two Themes:

Faith and Power are life giving.
Lack of faith in Jerusalem, despite signs Jesus performed,
contrasted to faith of Samaritans based solely on his word.

Nicodemus, a religious leader secretly came to Jesus saying
Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who came from God.
For no one could perform the miraculous signs
you are doing if it were not for God with him.
Jesus responds: No one can see the Kingdom of God
                          unless he is born again.
Jesus lead Nicodemus from believing because of signs to
"Believing in Jesus which leads to eternal life." (Jn. 3:1-16)

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman:
The water I give will become a spring...welling up to eternal life.
"Water that gives life." (John 4:14)

Jesus spoke and the boy - Lived.

"God spoke" and there was creation. (Genesis 1:2-31)

John 4:54, after the healing of the official’s boy, says:

This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed.Demonstrating the Power of the Word.

Life Giving will be developed in the next section of John.
The Third Sign: John 5:1-15.

(Read the passage in Preparation for next week’s blog.)