John 4:43-54
Key Verse: 4:50
“Jesus replied, ‘You may go. Your son will live.’ The man took Jesus at his word and departed.”
* A PROPHET HAS NO HONOR IN HIS OWN COUNTRY (43-45)
1. Read verse 43. Where had Jesus been and where was he going? To what does “after the two days” refer? Review Jesus’ experience in Samaria.
2. Read verse 45. How was Jesus received by the Galileans? Why? (2:23-24) Why did Jesus point out that a prophet has no honor in his own country? Why does miracle-seeking faith not please Jesus?
3. What had Jesus taught his hometown people when he came there first? (Lk 4:18,19) What did Jesus and his disciples remember when they visited Cana? What does Jesus want people to believe?
4. Read verse 48. How did Jesus summarize the faith of most Galileans?
* THE ROYAL OFFICIAL’S FAITH (46-54)
5. Read verses 46-47. What is a royal official? Why did he come from Capernaum looking for Jesus? How does he reveal his desperation?
6. How did Jesus first test him? (48) What shows his refusal to be discouraged? What one thing did he beg Jesus to do? (49)
7. What did Jesus tell him to do? How was this a challenge to the man’s faith? What did the official do? (50b) What does this show about his faith? Can you think of others who believed the word of God?
8. What happened on the way home? Why did he ask about the time when he heard that his son was recovering? How would you describe this man’s faith? What can we learn here about faith that pleases God?