2. Healing of the Official's Son Flashcards
1
Q
- Identity of the Official
A
- Identity never clarified. As this is in Galilee, he probably works for Herod Antipas (Son of Herod the Great who according to Matthew tried to kill JC)
- Ironic that a man who works for such a tyrant comes to Jesus to save his son.
2
Q
- Parallels with Sign at Cana
A
- The third day, and Jesus seems reluctant to perform the Sign
- Similarly, Jesus does not need to physically perform miracle (word is enough)
3
Q
- “Sign-Seekers”
A
- Jesus’ comment about “signs and wonders” show that Jesus is impatient with “Sign-seekers) who come to him looking for stunts.
- All of JC’s signs are meaningful but some treat them as entertaining (wonders)
4
Q
- Rejection by Jewish People
A
• Jesus has been rejected by the people he has come to save – his Jewish neighbours and Jewish priests in Jerusalem.
- However, this enemy ‘takes Jesus at his word’
- The official has come looking for a Saviour and is granted one.
5
Q
- Transformative Believing
A
- Official’s “whole household believed”, including his family and servants.
- This is the sort of transformative believing that connects a sinner back to God
• The Official re-connected with God in a state of gratitude
6
Q
- Eternal Life
A
- Jesus’ ability to grant the Official’s son life (bios), is a symbol of Christ’s gift of Eternal Life to those who believe.
- Boy returning on the third day links to Jesus’ resurrection.
• John’s readers are invited to ‘tale Jesus at his word’ that he is the Son of God and Messiah so they can receive Eternal Life.
7
Q
- Implications
A
- Sign Seems to relation to petitionary prayer (praying for God to do something for you).
- This sign is consoling, suggests that Jesus listens and is compassionate.
• Christianity embeds petitionary prayer in the Lord’s Prayer “Give us this day…”
8
Q
Summary
A
- Identity of Official
- Parallels with Sign at Cana
- “Sign-Seekers”
- Rejection by Jewish People
- Transformative Believing
- Eternal Life
- Implications
