For the last few weeks, I have been praying regarding the need of another person.
You know the sort of need I mean …
The one which runs through your mind day and night, often waking you in the middle of the night. You join with others to pray for the need, each sharing Scriptures and thoughts.
And still no response.
This morning I was reminded of another season of prolonged prayer, in which God posed this question to me … “If I never do another thing for you, will you still love me?”
Thirty plus years and I have never forgotten the question.
A man came to Jesus, whose son was very sick. He begged Jesus to heal his son, for he was about to die. And Jesus responds with this question:
“Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” (John 4:48, NLT)
Good question. Bet he never forgot it either. Will we still believe, love and follow hard after Him if He never does another thing for us?
“The reply of Jesus seems like a heartless rejection. He seemed to insinuate that the official, like the rest of the Galileans, was only giving an excuse for eliciting a miracle from him. On the other hand, Jesus’ words may express his hope more than his exasperation. He desired a belief characterized by dedication rather than amazement … his aim to inculcate a genuine commitment rather than merely to perform a cure.” (Expositor’s Commentary, Volume 9, page 60)
Jesus did not want to be viewed as a wonder working cure all. He desired for the father, and for us, to come and believe because of Who He is – the “I Am”.
This father, believed what Jesus said, obeyed and started back home. In going and believing, the boy was healed before the father was able to see with his own eyes.
Jesus is after our hearts – loving Him, believing Him, and following Him – even if He never does another thing for us.
And in simply loving Him, we come to discover …
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)
This is Day 24 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Weekend Whispers and Faith ‘n Friends .
I’m so glad when I get a chance to read one of these reflections on Jesus’ questions. I wish we could somehow slow down the month to make more time for all this wonderful truth!
Jesus used questions and parables to point to deep truth. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Wow! This is an incredibly powerful message you’ve shared here, Joanne! I found myself reflecting on how JESUS must’ve felt when HE asked that man that question. Thank you so much for sharing this, beautiful friend! GOD bless you! 🙂
I absolutely love the question God posed to you….so much I’m printing out and keeping it closeby! Thank you so much for sharing it!