Sermon Introduction
From Cana . . . to Cana. This is how the Gospel of John begins and ends chapters 2–4.

In John 2, we are brought to a wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine and performed his first sign. Now, as John 4 returns to Cana, John concludes his three chapters that all show us how Jesus is replacing the old order with the new. That is, after passing through Galilee to Jerusalem to Samaria, and back through Galilee, we arrive in Cana to see Jesus raise the (nearly) dead to life, and to fulfill all we have seen in John 2–4.

In this healing of the royal official's son (John 4:43–54), we find the second sign of Jesus, one that points to his final sign—his resurrection from the dead. Indeed, in John’s Gospel there are seven signs, and the eighth, the one that begins a new week (i.e., a new creation) is his resurrection. Putting the whole thing together, John 2–4 explains to us how Jesus can raise the dead to life, how he is making a new bride, and how he is giving faith to those who were once dead in their trespasses and sins.

If you want to see how faith comes to life, join us on Sunday, as we look at the work of Jesus raising the dead and granting faith to the living. As we have seen throughout John 2–4, John is doing more than just introducing us to Jesus, he is showing how the Son of God has come to earth to fulfill all the promises of the Old Testament and to bring us eternal life. If that sounds like something you need to hear—and it is something we all need to hear—join us Sunday as we set our gaze on Jesus.

To prepare for Sunday, take time to read John 2–4 and pray that God would give us life. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

For His Glory and for your joy in Jesus,
Pastor David
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion & Response Questions
John 4:43 - 54
Why is the location of Cana significant to this narrative?
What did Jesus do at the feast? (See John 2:23)
What is the relationship in this passage between signs and wonders and faith?
How is the official’s faith in verse 50 different from his faith in verse 53?
How do you see God use this son’s illness for his glory?
How does the prosperity gospel and faith healing movement distort texts like this? How do we guard against such interpretations?
How does Scripture speak about God’s purposes in illness?
Is healing guaranteed if one has faith?
What is the purpose these signs in the Gospel of John?
How ought we to respond to these truths?