The second Sign... part 2...

So we're back in Cana, and we're now looking into the repetition of things.  This is a good practice, by the way, since we need to see what things matter to the Father through His Word, so that we can then prioritize the things that matter to us by His example.  But let's look at a second, and more powerful, aspect of this today.  

"There was a certain royal official whose son was ill at Capernaum."

John 4:46b

The first time we were in Cana, Jesus turned water to wine with only a thought.  The jars were in close proximity, though, which for some reason makes it seem more feasible than in a distance of over twenty miles, but we'll get to more of that in a moment.

A royal official has an issue.  A member of the established elite, one of the very people that is probably quite oppressive toward the people under the misinterpretation of the laws of God as handed down by Moses, has an ill son, and wishes for him to be made well.  There is no mention of attempts to see other physicians or faith healers, but I'm fairly certain that this father had sought everyone possible.  And then, almost "miraculously," he hears that Jesus in near enough to travel and meet face to face.  The journey of over twenty miles is made, and the request is brought forward.

He doesn't just ask Jesus to heal the son, though... he "pleaded" with Christ to save the boy's life.  There is a similar miracle in another Gospel with a named Roman official, in which a servant is sent to ask for healing for a child.  The Centurion, as I see it, could not bear to face Christ directly.  That Roman saw himself for the first time, humbling himself enough to seek help from this Jesus person, and saw what Jesus would see if He were present... that Roman man, Jairus, saw his own sin.  Therefore, he sent a servant to ask on his behalf, because he was not worthy to have Christ in his home.  This father, though, is probably not a Roman... he is probably serving under Herod Antipas, and is of the Jewish faith.  He goes directly, personally, to Jesus to plead for his son's life.  In those days, without the convenience (or trappings, perhaps) of our modern era, a twenty mile trip was probably quite the undertaking... but he did it for his son.  Also, imagine the fear of leaving the child behind to go and ask a question, one to which you do not know the answer.  He left his sick child to go and seek out the Christ, because all other options had failed. 

He comes face to face with Christ, and begs for his son to be saved.  Now, please notice this picture as I paint with my imagination brush: a royal official travelled to meet a Peasant (backwards), and the official is pleading for a favor from said Peasant (backwards), and the Peasant has mercy upon the official (backwards).  I picture this (completely my own imagery here, folks) as a king leaving his palatial comfort to bow to a commoner and beg for forgiveness... the establishment bowing and seeking favor from the Lord.  Interesting thought, right?

This man, whoever he was, is not named, and has no other references to himself in this Gospel... but the Sign performed for God's glory that involves him is amazing!  Next we'll get deeper into what happened and how, and close out this powerful moment.

God bless you all!!!