John 4:43-54—No Honor for Jesus at Home + Teacher's Notes

Why did John record this healing of the official's son? What point did he want to make to the unbelieving Jews who originally read this? The Galileans, on the whole, rejected Jesus. This is the testimony of how one important Jewish official swam against the tide and came to believe in Jesus. The narrative offers encouragement for John's readers to do the same.

What secondary applications does the narrative of the healing of the official's son hold for those who already believe in Jesus?

1. Realize that there is a process that most people go through in coming to Christ. The official first had a desperate, fox-hole faith. He next believed in Jesus enough to trust him for a healing and act on his word (leaving Jesus for home). Finally, upon verifying the miracle, he came to believe in a saving way.
2. Based on this passage and other examples, pray for God to save your entire household!