Discussion Questions
What do you think is the apostle John’s main point in telling the story of the royal official?
In v. 48, Jesus uses the plural “you”, stating that unless the people see signs and wonders, they won’t believe. How are these Galileans different than the Samaritans from just a few verses earlier?
How is authentic faith different than those who come to Jesus for the miracles He performs? Consider John 2:23-25 and the progression of John 6:15, 26, and 66? How do we come to Jesus today for what He does rather than for who He is?
What is the key to the man’s response in v. 50? How is this like the response of the Samaritans in v. 41? In what way is this a pattern for every true response to Christ?
Consider the titles used for Jesus in the following passages of John’s gospel: 1:1; 1:29, 36; 1:34; 1:38, 3:2; 1:41; 1:49; 1:51; 4:42. Why are these different titles helpful for us when considering John’s purpose in writing this gospel account according to John 20:31? How do they help us establish authentic faith in Jesus?
How was the official’s faith vindicated, and what effect did this have on him and the other members of his household (4:51-53)? What are some ways in which personal faith can have wider effects in the lives of other people?
Authentic faith results in continued belief. How would you prove that from what we have learned from this royal official’s life as well as the Samaritans’ lives? Why is continual evidence of belief in Jesus a clearer proof of conversion than being able to point to a past decision? (Consider John 6:66-69, 1 John 2:19, Colossians 1:22-23, and Hebrews 3:12-14 when giving your answer.) Why is continued belief so important to the apostle John? (Look at Jesus’ own words in John 8:12.)
What are some words from Scripture that you need to believe without hesitation or argument?
Prayer: Matt & Becky Allen (matt@thattheymayknow.com)