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II.
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SCRIPTURAL STUDY.
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A.
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A MIRACLE IN ABSENTIA. 4:43-54
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1.
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In most cases in life, people come to Jesus initially out of their own present pressing personal needs.
a.
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In Ch. 1, it was a man's need to satisfy his own curiosity (as illustrated by Nathanael
-- to see for himself this "man of Nazareth").
1:46
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b.
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In Ch. 2, it is a group's need to escape social embarrassment (as illustrated by the wedding family).
2:3
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c.
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In Ch. 3, it is a man's need for greater understanding (illustrated by Nicodemus' search).
3:2
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d.
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In Ch. 4, it is a woman's search for life's fulfillment (seen in the woman at the well).
4:29
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e.
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Finally, in this instance, it is a man's concern for the well-being of his own children -- a father's love!
4:47
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TRUTH:
NO MATTER THE REASON FOR COMING TO JESUS, HE WILL RECEIVE SINFUL MEN.
( Mt.11:28-29)
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vs.48
11:23,40
vs.49
vs.50
vs.53
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2.
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Jesus always speaks to the point of one's faith to inspire a deeper abiding belief in Him! Our text teaches
us that there was a 3-fold phase of the progression of this man's faith:
a.
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First, he believed in Jesus' ability to perform miracles (Having heard of Him is what caused him
to come to Jesus for his son's benefit.)
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b.
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Secondly, he believed in Jesus' word when he heard Him for himself. (Indicated in his
turning upon His command and going away.)
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c.
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Lastly, he believed in Jesus when he saw for himself the TRUTH (fulfillment) of His word.
(This Truth caused Him to respond in personal faith. Before, he had believed for his son; now, he believed
for himself. His Truth always sets men free.)
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TRUTH:
PEOPLE MAY COME TO JESUS FROM PERSONAL REASONS, BUT WILL ALWAYS ENCOUNTER A CALL TO A DEEPER ABIDING FAITH IN HIM.
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vs.50
20:29
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3.
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In performing this miracle absentia, Jesus demonstrates to His disciples (and all witnesses) that His
Power is not limited to His physical presence. This will be a lesson and encouragement for them after
His Ascension, and for all who follow, even to us today. He will teach them how to operate in that
power without His presence before He is crucified (they will be sent out in two's on personal
missions), and He will wean them from His daily accompaniment after His resurrection (appearing
to them only on occasions). As such, they will be sufficiently trained and experienced to resume
His suspended ministry immediately upon their empowerment of the Spirit when He is sent to them by
Him as promised. Jesus will leave no lesson unlearned.
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4.
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Therefore, this noble man may have received his miracle, but Jesus' disciples received an all-important message.
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Continued on next page
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