Trinity/After Pentecost
The Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Trinity 21 · October 25, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.” (John 4:50)
Once again the narrator provides an explanation for Jesus’ itinerary. After two days at Sychar (cf v. 4:40), Jesus leaves Samaria and continues his journey to Galilee (v. 43; cf. vv. 3–4). The reason given is Jesus’ own remark (probably made on a different occasion), A prophet has no honor in his own country . A great deal of speculation has centered on whether Jesus’ own country (Gr: patris ) refers to Galilee or Judea. If it refers to Galilee, the principle seems to be contradicted right away by the welcome Jesus receives there (v. 45), even though he is suspicious of the Galileans’ motives (v. 48). But if it refers to Judea or Jerusalem, why was the saying not quoted earlier, when Jesus “would not entrust himself” to people in Jerusalem (2:24) or when he decided to leave Judea (4:3)? Curiously, it is quoted in connection with his departure from Samaria after a two-day visit. Is Samaria then Jesus’ patris ? Obviously not.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
John 4 Commentary: A Samaritan Woman and a Nobleman Meet Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse on the healing of the official's son and faith resting on Jesus' word.
John 4:46-54 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on Jesus moving the official's faith from his eye to his ear, believing the bare word.
John 4 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse by verse notes with Greek word studies on the second Cana sign.
John 4:46 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators assembled on the healing of the nobleman's son at Cana.
Healing the Royal Official's Son (John 4:43-54) JesusWalk · Ralph Wilson
Ralph Wilson's discipleship study of the official's journey from anxious request to whole-household faith.
Background & Word Study
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Fourth Gospel's signs and structure.
Gospel of John Summary (Overview Video, Part 1) BibleProject
Animated overview of John 1-12, the book of signs where this healing appears.
John 4:46 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the second sign at Cana.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is this second sign?
At Cana a royal official begs Jesus to heal his dying son; Jesus says, “Go; your son will live,” and the boy is healed at that very hour, and the man’s whole household believes (John 4:46–54).
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 4:46-54
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.