signs and wonders
“He and his whole household thereupon became believers. This was the second sign that Jesus performed.” —John 4:53-54
Jesus promised signs and wonders would accompany those professing their faith (Mk 16:17). Notice signs and wonders do not create faith as much as faith creates signs and wonders.
Jesus disapproves of faith as merely an effect and makes it primarily the cause. He rebukes the people: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you do not believe” (Jn 4:48). He called the royal official to believe before the healing of his son. Jesus simply told the royal official: “ ‘Return home. Your son will live.’ The man put his trust in the word Jesus spoke to him, and started for home” (Jn 4:50). Once the official believed, he saw a great healing. This resulted in greater faith for both him and his whole household (Jn 4:53).