It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: your child at death’s door.

There is a spark of faith; a tiny seed.  And see what happens as this tiny seed engages with a mighty Saviour.  Watch as it grows, flowers, and brings forth fruit.

(a) He comes, v47.  He has heard that Jesus has been doing amazing things.  He is in desperate need.  So he comes.  17 miles.  ‘Faith is the foot that runs to Christ, the hand that takes Christ, the eye that sees him.’

(b) He asks, v47, 49.  The royal official begs the humble carpenter!  ‘All the fitness he requireth…’  We have not, because we ask not.  ‘Thou art coming to a king.’

(c) He asks again – V48 – “Let me make this difficult for you.”  Canaanite woman.  Importunate widow.

(d) He hears, v50.  “Go.  Your son lives”.

(e) He believes, v50b – ‘The man took Jesus at his word and departed.’

(f) He receives, v51f.  But not confirmed until the following day.  Exact same time.

(g) He shares , v53 – ‘So he and all his household believed.’  Luke 8:3 – ‘Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household.’  Cf. Lk 24:10.

A double miracle: the first, granted to the distant body of a sick child, the second granted to the invisible souls of an entire family.  The first a ‘sign’, pointing to the second, the thing signified.  The first – healing of the body – experienced by some; the second – eternal life – available to all.

Jesus does not say to every anxious parent: “Your child lives.”  Up to 50% of children died before their 5^th birthday.  To expect all the sick to be healed and all the dead to be raised is to ask for heaven now.  Memorial window.

But he makes many promises that apply to us all:-

1. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry”, 6:35
2. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness”, 8:12
3. “I am the gate for the sheep. Whoever enters through me will be saved”, 10:7, 9
4. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”, 11:25