The Correction and Confrontation of Jesus (Part 2) UNBELIEF by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

John 4:46-49... So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Unbelief is often camouflaged and hidden under many disguises. One of the disguises is the insistence on seeing the spectacular to provide proof to justify faith. Unbelief says it must have more miracles to give adequate proof before it will believe but adequate proof already exists. When you call for more signs, you only reveal that you will not believe the proof that is already given which is sufficient proof. Unbelief says see then believe. Faith says believe then see. Faith's priorities are the opposite of the priorities of unbelief. Christ often tests our faith in order to increase it and to encourage faith in God’s Word. It surely had that effect upon the nobleman. In spite of the rebuke, he still pleaded with Christ for help. The father was in no position emotionally to argue his case theologically. All he could plead for was mercy, for his child was at the point of death. This father urges Jesus to accompany him to his home, lest his son should die. He has a confident faith in Christ. The father, however, makes two mistakes in his thinking. He felt Jesus had to go to Capernaum to save his son. He felt that Jesus’ presence was necessary. If the boy was already dead, he felt it would be too late. We would have made the same assumptions, too. This father would learn that Christ's word was sufficient and that Jesus can do anything, anytime, and anywhere He wishes. He is God! This nobleman demonstrated more faith than many today. Many Christians show little confidence in the Lord they claim as their God. This nobleman was confident that the Lord could heal his son. Do you have a confident faith? Do you have the kind of faith which says, "Jesus can do it! He can take care of it” or do you struggle with unbelief in your own heart? Some may ask, “How do you know if you are wrestling with unbelief?” God answers that question in His Word with a number of biblical principles. This message was preached on Sunday morning, July 23, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Faith
• Jesus Christ