Harmony of the Gospels

33. Healing of noblemen’s son in Capernaum- John 4:46-54

 

-While Jesus was in Cana a royal official approached Him in desperation over his son who was at the point of death. He needed a miraculous healing and believed in the Jesus to accomplish this task. At Jesus’ word he returned in faith to his home in Capernaum, on the north shores of the Sea of Galilee and found that the boy had been healed and his fever left him at the same hour Jesus had spoken His words of life. This led to believing-relational faith in the nobleman and his whole household (John 4:53). *Application* When the LORD gives us a word we also must respond in faith. He is our only hope for miraculous intervention and deliverance from the ills of this world. Belief is always the essential ingredient to activating the power of God in particular instances like this one where supernatural things must happen to resolve problems and complications. Look to the Lord for your help and trust in His commands. You will hear the still small voice even today in your moments of crisis if you care enough to go to Him with your needs.

 

Verse to Memorize- John 4:50

 

34. Healing of demoniac in the synagogue- Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37

 

-Jesus is in the Sea side town of Capernaum on the Sabbath teaching in the synagogue when a man possessed by a demon cried out proclaiming who He was as the Holy One of God. Jesus rebuked the spirit with all power and authority, and the demon sent the man into convulsions with loud noise as it came out of him leaving him unharmed. Fear and astonishment gripped all who witnessed this event and the news of the Lord spread everywhere in the surrounding district of Galilee (Mark 1:28, Luke 4:37). *Application* We can see the power and the authority Christ had in this passage as the central theme. He is known by those enemies of God in the spiritual realm and has dominion over them in each instance we read about in Scripture. We may wonder why He rebuked the spirit when it seemed to be acknowledging Him as God’s Holy One. We must remember the mocking spirit here and the fact that Christ’s time had not yet come for full dominion and public recognition. His Kingdom was and is not of this world and He did not appreciate Satan’s attempt to thwart the ultimate plans of God (speaking of His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection). Jesus still has ultimate power over unclean spirits and you have His mind and authority over these enemies of God as you encounter them in everyday life (1 Corinthians 2:16). Satan is still at work as he was in Jesus’ time and he can still be overcome with the Word of God. Your rebuke in the Name of Christ Jesus carries all the weight of the Savior if you are His child. All Kingdom authority has been given to you O Christian; use it for His glory (Matthew 28:18-20). Make His Name famous and revered!

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 4:32

 

35. Simon’s wife’s mother healed along with others- Matt. 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-39, Luke 4:38-41

 

-This account is virtually the same in each of the Synoptic gospels as Simon Peter’s mother was healed by Jesus from a fever and rose to serve them. We again see Christ’s compassion to heal all those who came to Him as the day continued on. We also see the supernatural realm and His authority evident as those with demons were healed and set free. Christ was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would take from us our infirmities (griefs, violent illness, sufferings, torments) and carry away our diseases (Isaiah 53:4). *Application* Surely the Lord cares for us in the same exact way He cared for the people He ministered to in Galilee. Come to Jesus with every need and cast it on Him today (1 Peter 5:7). We have a God who responds to our desperate cries for help. Jesus Christ is our release!

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 8:17