Don’t you wish there was an appendix in the Bible that told the rest of the story, like what happened to some of these people after the Bible story ended? What happened to Zaccheaus? What happened to Nicodemus? What about the Woman at the Wall, or the Woman caught in adultery? What about this guy?
This man came to Jesus in desperation? He must have tried everything he knew to try to save his son. Nothing had worked, and now the boy lay on the point of death. Could their be a more helpless feeling in the world then that of a parent watching a sick child slide closer and closer to the pit of death. There is no doubt this father was desperate when he came to Jesus.
But what happened later? After all, the man obviously understood faith. When Jesus accused him of seeking “signs and wonders,” the man was perfectly comfortable with something quiet. He just wanted Jesus to come quickly! Or just speak a word quickly. And when Jesus said, “Go home, he’ll live,” the man took Jesus at his word.
My question: what happened then? As odd as it sounds, faith is easier when things are upside down, and you are desperately looking for something to hold onto. In that moment, you don’t ask many questions – you just reach out. The true test of faith is what happens when things are going well: you are healthy and happy; you have money in your pocket; opportunities in your path; you’re on top of the world. Your faith flourished in the valley; can it survive wealth and comfort? Walking with Christ means daily recognizing your great need and reaching out to Him, knowing that every word He speaks is true.