This royal official came to Jesus because nobody else could solve his problem.  Despite his money and influence, his sick son was close to death.  In desperation, the man travelled over twenty miles from Capernaum to Cana hoping that Jesus could save his boy.  It was not a private consultation because the arrival of this dignitary caused quite a stir in the little village, and they all turned out to see and hear what would happen.

Jesus recognised the sceptical curiosity in the mixture of Jews and Gentiles who lived in the town.  They were probably hoping for another miracle like that of turning the water into wine (Mark 8:11-12).  But Jesus rebuked their lack of faith.  On the other hand, the official had already moved in faith, like a Roman Centurion whose servant was very ill (Luke 7:1-10).  

The sick boy was not present: he was miles away, lying in bed.  So, there was no great miracle to be witnessed by onlookers.  They only heard the words of Jesus assuring the man that he could go home because his son would recover.  Going home with nothing more than Jesus’ promise was a further mark of his faith.  The official not only travelled to Cana, found Jesus, and begged Him to heal - but having heard and believed Jesus' words, he then returned home to find that what Jesus had said, had proved to be true (John 4:51-53).  

Although many may look for miracles and enjoy seeing amazing demonstrations of power (1 Corinthians 1:22), God's power is not designed as entertainment but to achieve His loving purposes.  True faith believes God’s Word. The cry of faith is answered by God's Word which assures us that He will do whatever He has promised.  We may not see the answer immediately.  Indeed, some answers to prayer may only come after we have died!  But faith is the confidence that our heart's cry will always be met by God's response. We cannot demand how God will answer but we can be assured that He always will.  The sign that we believe is that we are willing to accept His promise, until He lovingly meets our request.