Sermons by the Monday Club John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… A spiritual miracle is greater than a physical one. This was of both kinds — the healing of the boy's body, the conversion of the father's soul. The nobleman is a representative man. I. HE IS DRIVEN TO CHRIST BY AN OUTSIDE NEED. He takes his case to Christ as a last resort. In his selfish thought, the Saviour of souls is overshadowed by the Healer of bodies. But such is the love of Christ, that those seeking a lesser good are sent away with a spiritual gift. II. HIS FAITH RUNS PARALLEL WITH HIS MOTIVE. It began as a belief that Christ could work a physical miracle by contact; it was consummated in a faith which trusted Christ for both physical and spiritual blessing at a distance. The father's faith secured the health of his child; the personal faith of the man secured his own salvation. III. THE DIVINE METHODS FOR CULTIVATING FAITH IN MEN. 1. Directness and conscious superiority characterize Christ's meeting with the nobleman. Christ rebukes his carnal mindedness and his low thought that Christ's mission was merely to play the doctor — a rebuke which caused him to look up into the Master's face and feel the subtle power of His spiritual presence. 2. Having thus made a spiritual roadway into his heart, Christ grants his request. 3. The answer carries a test of humility and faith with it. Christ not going with him touched his pride; but it strengthened his faith by exercising it. IV. THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH AND ITS REWARD. This faith is shown by his leisurely procedure. The twenty miles' walk could not have been accomplished that night. The reward was bestowed not only on the sick child, but on the whole household. Learn — 1. A lesson of hope. 2. That all the roads of human experience lead to Christ — our needs, sorrows, joys. 3. Once in Christ's presence, all is well. (Sermons by the Monday Club.) Parallel Verses KJV: So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. |
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