Jesus Heals the Royal Official’s “Son”

Text: John 4:43-54

Reflection and Question: Most of the time, the contention has been that Jesus had nothing to say or do about gays. This has changed in recent years, and this healing of the high official’s “son” is one of the texts cited to present a different view. There are versions of this same story in Mt 8:5-13 and Lk 7:1-10. At issue in all three is the translation of the Greek word, Pais or Paidos, which can mean “son,” “boy,” “slave” or “servant.” Often Roman officials had youths as servants and sexual companions while serving in places like Judea. How does this change your reading of this story, if at all?

Prayer: Beloved Jesus, we stand back in awe at the second sign of Your power and love where You heal the child in Capernum as You speak to the royal official in Cana. May the seed of faith grow and blossom in us as it does in this supplicant to You. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).