At the opening of this passage Jesus compares his reception
in Samaria with the reception he receives from his own people. The Samaritans
welcomed him for who he was whilst the Jews were more impressed by his deeds in
Jerusalem (see John 2:23). Jesus refers to this contrast when he comments in
verse 48 on their lack of real faith.
Perhaps the government official was also only relying on Jesus as a
result of reports from Jerusalem. However, when Jesus speaks directly to him
his faith (trust) is instant and is later confirmed when he meets his servants
and they report the healing of his son.
Our faith should be based on who Jesus is rather than what
we expect him to do for us. Many of us will never directly experience a miracle
but that should not affect the trust we place in him. Whenever we travel in someone else’s car we
place our trust in their driving skills.
Thankfully, most journeys are uneventful and routine but, in the event
of any emergency, we must continue to trust the driver. He is in control from
start to finish. So it is with our faith in Jesus. Once we have started out
with him we need only remind ourselves of who he is rather than allowing our
immediate circumstances to rule our hearts. It is said that, if six different
people view an accident, you will have six different accounts of what happened.
Our faith should not depend on what we see but on the person who inspires our
trust. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one
can come to the Father except through me.”
Response
Dear Father, refresh
my faith. You are my Lord and I trust you for whatever lies ahead. Be my
shelter and my guide in the days to come.
Peter
Tackling a necessary task that I was dreading but not doing it in my strength alone. I put my faith and trust in him.
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