The Faith of the Father Matters

Looking at two fathers

My father had profound faith.

My father had even been a pastor for a time. I often went to him for spiritual counsel, and his prayers for me and over me were powerful.

A complex man, for most of my life, he rarely set foot in church. But I never had reason to doubt the extent of his faith in God.

The first father

Our first father today is recorded in John 4:46-54. Jesus is back in Cana. He had turned water into wine on His last trip, and this passage records His first HEALING miracle here.

A nobleman – a father – from Capernum had a sick son. He’d heard Jesus was in the area and begged Him to COME and heal his dying son.

BUT Jesus rebukes him, saying, “Unless you people SEE signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” (v48)

Again, the father begs Him to COME before his son dies. (v49)

Then Jesus replies, “Go your way; your son lives.” And the man left, believing what Jesus said.

The father is met on the road by his servants who confirm the healing at the moment Jesus spoke it. With this confirmation, “HE HIMSELF BELIEVED, AND HIS WHOLE HOUSEHOLD.” (v53)

The father’s first belief was in Jesus’ ability and promise to heal his son. But only with confirmation of the miracle did he actually believe in Jesus as the Christ. So Jesus was right in saying he needed to SEE signs and wonders to believe.

The father’s came, no doubt, because he’d heard the wedding story. But hearing wasn’t enough for him. HE HAD TO SEE IT FOR HIMSELF.

The Second Father

Some people believe this story from Matthew 8:5-13 is actually the same story. It does, of course, tell of a man asking for healing for someone he cared for.

But here is a centurion – a Gentile – who commanded 100 men. And he is asking healing for a servant. Is it possible he is the servant’s father? Yes, it was common practice among the Romans to father children with servants, but we are not told this. But either way, the centurion felt responsible for the servant and sought healing for him.

Here the servant isn’t dying, he is paralyzed – and in great pain. And here Jesus immediately offers to go.

Bjut it is the centurion’s response that clarifies this as a different story. “I am not worthy that You should come under my roof.” (v8a) This man – father or not – is actually begging Jesus to NOT COME to his house. He recognizes who Jesus is up front. And he sees his own failures and shortcomings make him unworthy.

Bold faith

The centurion also tells Jesus in verse 8, “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” He explains that, as a military man, he commands men to come and go. And they obey.

He is saying that he knows Jesus has authority over disease! If Jesus will just command this condition to leave his treasured servant, the boy will walk again.

And Jesus’ response is the direct opposite from His reply to the nobleman father in John 4. Here He marvels – Jesus is filled with wonder, admiration or astonishment because of the centurion’s extraordinary faith.

Why was his faith so amazing? First, he’s a Gentile. He has no claim to the Jewish Messiah’s mercy. Second, he has understanding of Jesus’ power BEFORE this conversation. Next, he depends totally on Christ and His will. He put no limits on His ability to heal. And last is his submission to Jesus’ authority. He is a military leader who humbles himself for the sake of a servant he loves.

Can you imagine? Just take a minute and think about what it must take to astonish Jesus, THE SON OF GOD! So, after bragging on the man, He tells the father to go home because his servant was healed at the same time.

What it means for me

I need to believe before I ask. My faith in God needs to start before my requests. I want the faith that amazed Jesus. I’ve had glimpses of it, but it isn’t my constant companion.
I must approach God with my requests. Both men CAME to Jesus with their needs. I can’t limit what I talk to God about. I can think of several things I omit from my prayers because I don’t want to bother God with them.
I can’t limit God. Sometimes I try to tell God how to fix the situation I find myself in. But I can’t do that AND amaze Hime with my faith. Let’s face it, God’s imagination is far better than mine. Let’s let Him make all the decisions.