Word

When our sons were teenagers, they would say, ‘word’ when they agreed with a concept or something that had just been said. One would say, “That was a great play!” And the other would respond with, “Word!” Or, one would say, “He really shouldn’t have done that.” And the other would respond with, “Word!” In a way, they meant, “What you speak is truth,” or “I totally agree with you.”

When Jesus returned to Galilee, a royal official came to him and ‘begged’ him to come and heal his son who was sick. Jesus responded with, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe.” John 4:48. That was a strange answer – unless you look back at verse 44 “(Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.)”

I believe it was difficult for Jesus to come to Galilee. Maybe it was bitter-sweet. It was home with lots of good childhood memories. But it was the most difficult place to function as the Messiah because the people all knew him as a child and while they wanted his miracles and healings, they didn’t see him for who he was – God’s Only Begotten Son!

But the royal officer barely noticed Jesus’ response. He had an urgent need. His son was very sick and would die without a miracle. So instead of responding to Jesus’ challenge, he simply restated his need, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Or was he responding to Jesus. Possibly he was thinking, “Jesus, you are my only hope! I desperately need you to come now!”

At any rate, Jesus said, “You may go. Your son will live.” “The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:50.

There was no, “Are you sure? Don’t you have to come and actually touch him?” But rather, he took Jesus at his word and departed. What confidence he had in Jesus’ word. He believed what Jesus said was true. He quit begging and went to see his son.

This royal official seemed to understand that Jesus had authority and power to remove the sickness from his son. We don’t know who this official was except that he was from Capernaum. We don’t know what previous experience he had with Jesus. Had he sat in the crowds when Jesus was teaching? Had he heard from others that Jesus could heal?

Chances are that he was watching Jesus from a distance to see if he would become a political threat. And then his son became ill. He had a desperate need and he only knew one person that could meet that need. He didn’t hesitate but went straight to the source. Jesus once again was willing and because of the man’s belief, he simply spoke the words, “Your son will live.”

An expression that has become very prevalent in the youth culture today is, “Back it up!” It sounds more like a statement of disbelief rather than belief. It is a statement that calls people to look at what they said and examine it for truth. Do you really mean what you said?

As I examine myself, I wonder if people are saying, “Back it up!” or if they are saying, “Word!” after I have spoken.