John 4:43—54
ENGAGE
- What is something you desperately wanted as a child?
READ
- Read or summarize the passage.
- Share any observations or questions from the passage or the sermon.
REFLECT
- Compare the faith of the nobleman (who asked for a specific miracle) with the faith of the Samaritans (who believed based on Jesus' word in 4:41-42). Why does Jesus initially seem to challenge the nobleman, and what did that teach him?
- Read John 4:49-52. What does it say about the official that he took Jesus at His Word? How does this challenge the idea that seeing is believing?
- Read John 4:53-54. The official believed. Is this different to his belief in verse 50? Is there a difference between believing about Jesus and believing in Jesus?
RESPOND
- Jesus says a prophet is not honored in his hometown. (4:44) In what ways do we sometimes show disrespect or lack of faith toward Jesus in our own daily lives, despite knowing who he is?
- Jesus tells the crowd, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." How can this same mindset be seen in our modern culture, or even in our own lives? Why do we often demand signs rather than trusting in Jesus' words?
PRAY
- Adoration
- Confession
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication
