John 4:46-54

The Healing of the Son of the King's Officer. The narrative is plain and needs little comment. The similarity of the story to Matthew 8:5 ff. (Luke 7:2 ff.) has often been noticed since the time of Irenæ us. The main points, healing at a distance, the father's faith, the healing at that hour (cf. Matthew 8:13) are the same. And many of the peculiarities may be designed to bring out the lesson it is meant to teach, the superiority of faith which believes because of the word to that which rests on miracle. The mention of Cana, not necessary from this point of view, suggests real knowledge. The seventh hour is not incompatible with yesterday. Jews reckoned the evening after sunset as belonging to the next day. We should say at one o-' clock this afternoon.