True Faith doesn't depend on seeing signs; it rests on trusting Jesus at His word.

Who was the official?
• John describes him as a "basilikos" in Greek—translated as a royal official.
• A Gentile (not Jewish), possibly Roman or at least working closely with the Roman authorities.
• Connected to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. He was part of the oppressive political system occupying Israel.
• Herod Antipas was one of the sons of Herod the Great, the king who tried to kill baby Jesus (Matthew 2). When Herod the Great died, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Antipas became tetrarch (ruler of a quarter) over Galilee and Perea, from about 4 B.C. to A.D. 39.
• This official had resources, but still needed Jesus. He worked for Herod. He had money, servants, and access to the best doctors. But none of that could save his son.

Four Encounters… Four Interesting Responses
Wedding at Cana - John 2:1–11
Mary: "They have no more wine."
Jesus: "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come."

Nicodemus - John 3:1–21
Nicodemus: "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him."
Jesus: "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

Samaritan woman - John 4:1–26
Jesus: "Give me a drink."
Woman: "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman… How can you ask me for a drink?"
Jesus: "If you knew Who was speaking to you, you would ask Him for living water."

Official's son - John 4:46–54
Official: He went to Him and pleaded with Him to come down and heal his son.
Jesus: "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe."

Takeaway: True faith isn't built on what we see—it's built on trusting what Jesus says.
His word is enough, even when the outcome is still unseen.

What is faith?
Faith is confident trust in Who God is and what He says...believing His word is true, even when we can't yet see the outcome.

What is trust?
Trust is placing your confidence in the reliability, character, and promises of someone…believing they will do what they said, even when you can't control the outcome.