Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 4:46-54
Sermon Title: “The Second Sign"
John 4:46-54 (NIV)
46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.”
53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.”
53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
First Thoughts
Genesis 32 tells the story of a man who held onto God until he gave him a blessing.
What role does persistence play in our prayers and encounters with God?
Hurt
This “long-distance healing” is the second of seven signs or miracles in John.
The royal official in John 4 reminds us that none of us can avoid pain or hardship in life.
Long life is a blessing, but into each life some pain will come.
Futile Faith vs. Real Faith
In verse 48, Jesus chastises people who want his presence only for miracles or favors.
Do we treat Jesus and/or the church like a good luck charm or talisman?
Verse 50 is a key verse that shows the moment of true belief.
This man asked something of Jesus, took Jesus at his word…and truly believed.
How would you describe your belief in God?
An Advocate
This story is also a beautiful example of how we can advocate for one another.
The boy would have probably not been healed if not for his father’s faith.
How far would you go to help a friend or family member receive a blessing from God?
How persistent would you be in pursuing the blessings of God?
Final Thoughts
In Capernaum, the boy was healed.
Christ came to be with mankind to seek and save the lost.
Are there people you are pointing to Jesus?
We are the hands and feet of Jesus when we are faithful in our witness.
Genesis 32 tells the story of a man who held onto God until he gave him a blessing.
What role does persistence play in our prayers and encounters with God?
Hurt
This “long-distance healing” is the second of seven signs or miracles in John.
The royal official in John 4 reminds us that none of us can avoid pain or hardship in life.
Long life is a blessing, but into each life some pain will come.
Futile Faith vs. Real Faith
In verse 48, Jesus chastises people who want his presence only for miracles or favors.
Do we treat Jesus and/or the church like a good luck charm or talisman?
Verse 50 is a key verse that shows the moment of true belief.
This man asked something of Jesus, took Jesus at his word…and truly believed.
How would you describe your belief in God?
An Advocate
This story is also a beautiful example of how we can advocate for one another.
The boy would have probably not been healed if not for his father’s faith.
How far would you go to help a friend or family member receive a blessing from God?
How persistent would you be in pursuing the blessings of God?
Final Thoughts
In Capernaum, the boy was healed.
Christ came to be with mankind to seek and save the lost.
Are there people you are pointing to Jesus?
We are the hands and feet of Jesus when we are faithful in our witness.