John 4:48

Christ will not at first grant this request and work the miracle, but first studies to cure a more dangerous soul-sicknesse in this man and others, that nothing but outward miracles did at them, or affected them; For this was all the mans errand to Christ, and it seemes to have been the common temper of these in Galilee who received him, verse 45. and of these in Cana, verse 46. and therefore he deales first about it; And this is another antecedent of the miracle. Whence learn, 1. It is a dangerous and general disease of men, not to affect Christ so much for spiritual benefits, as for his outward workings, and not to ground their estimation of, and confidence in him, upon his word, but on his works; for, such was the disease here, except ye see signes and wonders, ye will not beleeve. 2. Albeit it be our fault to be more affected with bodily then spiritual wants, and we do come to Christ more for the one then for the other; Yet spiritual and soul ills are greatest, though lesse felt, and require speediest help; for so much is imported in Christs method of curing the one before the other, whatever need of hast there seemed to be that he should cure his sonne first. 2. The more common an ill be, it needs the greater hast in curing of it; Therefore Christ falls on this with the Nobleman, as being the disease not onely proper to him, but common to those where he was, ye will not beleeve. 4. As it is good to come to Christ, even with outward straits and troubles; so Christ may see it fit to suspend intended help that he might do our souls good; and wherever Christ giveth an outward favour in mercie, he doth also some good to the soul with it; As here in this example is to be seen.