Scripture: John 4:49 (ESV)
“The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’”
The official hears Jesus’ rebuke—but he doesn’t argue. He doesn’t defend himself. He doesn’t try to debate theology or explain his motives. He simply pleads again, more humbly than before: “Sir, come down before my child dies.” There is no entitlement in his voice, no posturing from his status. Just the raw cry of a father whose heart is breaking.
He addresses Jesus as kurios—“Lord.” While it may not yet be a full recognition of Jesus as the divine Son of God, it is a posture of deference and submission. This man of rank and influence lowers himself before Jesus. He pleads not as a superior issuing a command, but as a beggar imploring mercy.
What we see here is a faith still forming, but real. It’s imperfect, but honest. He believes Jesus can do something—he just doesn’t yet know how much Jesus can do. His assumption is still rooted in the common view of miracle-working: “You have to be physically present.” So he pleads: Come with me. Please. Before it’s too late.
This is a deeply human moment. Who among us hasn’t felt this? That urgent desire for Jesus to show up now, to come close, to fix it before the worst happens? And yet, even in this moment, the official shows perseverance in faith. He doesn’t walk away at the first rebuke. He presses on, humbled, needy, honest.
John Calvin observes that this is the first clear sign of the man’s faith growing deeper. “Though not yet perfect, his faith compels him to persist—and that persistence is a fruit of God’s grace beginning to work.”
So often, God tests our hearts not by withholding entirely, but by pausing—waiting to see if we will press on, draw closer, and keep trusting. The official doesn’t understand everything yet, but he’s heading in the right direction. He’s moving from faith in what Jesus can do to trust in who Jesus is.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you respond when God delays an answer to your plea? Do you press in, or pull back?
- In what ways are you learning to persist in prayer—not out of entitlement, but humility?
- Where in your life do you need to come before Jesus not with control, but with surrender?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for receiving us even when our faith is small and our hearts are desperate. Teach us to come to You not with demands, but with humble dependence. Help us to trust You even when we do not yet understand Your ways. Let our prayers be marked not by pride, but by perseverance. In our deepest need, be our closest help. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 