John 4:49-53 -- The royal official pleaded with Him, “Sir, do come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives!” The man believed what Jesus said to him and started home. 51 As he was already going down [the road], his servants met him and reported that his son was living. 52 So he asked them at what time he began to get better. They said, “Yesterday during the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 Then the father realized that it was at that very hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives”; and he and his entire household believed and confidently trusted [in Him as Savior].
Our journey in John chapter four comes to its final stretch. What an unbelievable adventure it has been to see Jesus interact with the Samaritan woman and this royal official.
Something really jumped out at me as I read over these verses today. The royal official who approached Jesus is referred to three separate ways: "The royal official", "The man", and "The father".
The royal official. In Greek: basilikos, meaning, Of a man: the officer or a courtier.
Worldly/Selfish Focused: When he first comes to Jesus, he is seen as "The royal official". This was his title and worldly identity. This carried authority among people, and it obviously had been made clear who he was when he first arrived. We tend to selfishly use whatever leverage we have, to gain whatever is wanted or needed.
The man. In Greek anthrōpos, meaning, a man, one.
Stripped Down Focus: Once Jesus confronts him by saying, "Go; your son lives!", he must decide; continue to beg Jesus to come with him (I need to see you heal him) or accept Jesus' word as enough (I believe Your word has healed him). That is not a decision for 'The royal official'. That title won't help when face to face with Jesus. We see in verse fifty "The man" made a personal decision to believe Jesus' words. He also lines his actions up with his belief by heading home!
The father. In Greek patēr, meaning father.
Others First Focus: Now, as it's revealed his son is alive, his thoughts turn to Jesus. When he's told when the boy was healed, we see another change. "The father" realized it was that same hour when Jesus said "Go; your son lives!". Now, this father goes home, and his thoughts are on making sure his family KNOWS who Jesus Christ is! He brings his entire household to believe in Jesus Christ!
Christian, this isn't a story about Jesus healing a dying boy. This is a miraculous, joyful story about Jesus confronting a royal official (self focus), bringing him to eternal life (Jesus focus), then restoring his focus back to a father who then brings eternal life through Jesus Christ to his entire family (others focus)! So powerful, beautiful, and amazing!!!
Beloved, don't get so focused on praying for and seeking the answers to the temporary that you lose sight of eternity through Jesus Christ.
YES, take everything to Him, but be mindful of priorities and perspectives when you weigh the temporary and the eternal.
Matthew 6:31-33 -- Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
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