Jesus went from Sychar to Cana, and while there, an official (probably a Gentile centurion or other Roman official) sought out Jesus. He was from Capernaum, about 16 miles away, so he made quite a trip to find Jesus, because his child was dying. Jesus’ reputation for healing must have spread with those who returned from Jerusalem, for it was there that Jesus had been doing miracles (2:23).
Jesus challenged the man, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” I think that he was testing this man’s motives – was he seeking Jesus or miracles? When the man pleaded for Jesus to go with him before his child died, Jesus told him to “Go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said and left and his child was healed right then. It doesn’t say that Jesus shared the gospel, rather it says that he met a need; but it was in the context of already knowing who Jesus was.
Notice that Jesus’ encounters began with a religious Jew (ch. 3), next with a Samaritan woman of ill repute (ch. 4), and in this passage with a Gentile oppressor. His ministry wasn’t confined to “the chosen people,” but was expanding from the Jews to the world. Although the majority of his ministry was to the Jews, his love and ministry extended beyond race and culture to encompass any who would come to him in faith.
Being led more by Jesus: Seek Jesus for who he is, not for what he can do for me.
Leading more to Jesus: Be alert to the divine appointments that God brings into my life, even if they’re not on my agenda or my “target audience.”
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