John 4:43-54, "Only Jesus"

1. Repeated theme: Jesus is the ultimate missionary (v. 43)
2. Jesus had no expectation that everyone would welcome and receive him (v. 44)
3. The Galileans welcomed Jesus... but why... for what he could do for them, for his fame, or for who he was? (vv. 44-46a)
4. The main point: Jesus, as the sovereign Son of God, does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, or for those whom we love (vv. 46b-47)
5. The official's faith, in contrast to the other Galileans, preceded the miracle of healing– this is implied in his belief that if Jesus would come, his child would live... so he begs... Notice, this is a ROYAL OFFICIAL begging to a poor, Jewish, itnerant rabbi! (vv. 48-49)
6. I think Jesus is commending the official and wants us to have this kind of "only Jesus" faith...
   
7. The official "takes Jesus at his word"—another reference to faith (v. 50)
   
8. The answered prayer (the dramatic healing) strengthened the official's faith, and birthed the faith of others (v. 51-53)
9. This "miraculous sign" is another shadow of the gospel... the cross (v. 54)
10. Jesus does not just bring sick boys back to life, but brings dead sinners back to life through his death in our place. God the Father says, "YOU will live... because MY SON will die."