John 4:43-54 – John describes Jesus’ miracles not merely as displays of power, but as signs pointing to his identity and mission. In the episode of the healing of the Royal Official’s son, Jesus does not do what the man asks him to do – come back with him to heal his son. Rather, he simply speaks and it is done, from a distance. His Word produces the sign, and the sign confirms his Word. The Official believes that he has done this, before seeing any evidence with his own eyes. He exemplifies what Christ is seeking – not those who seek signs for the sake of seeing signs. But rather those who implicitly believe his Word, and that it tells us about his identity and mission.
