Albert Barnes Commentary John 4:47

"When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought [him] that he would come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death." — John 4:47 (ASV)

He went to him. Though high in office, yet he did not refuse to go personally to Jesus to ask for his aid. He felt as a father; and believing, after all that Jesus had done, that he could cure his son, he traveled to meet him.

If people are to receive benefits from Christ, they must come in the same way. The rich and the poor, the high and the low, must come personally as humble suppliants and must be willing to bear all the reproach that may be cast on them for coming to him in this way. This man showed strong faith in being willing to go to Jesus in this manner, but he erred in supposing that Jesus could heal only by being present with his son.

Would come down. It is probable that the miracles of Jesus had previously been performed only on those who were present with him, and this nobleman seems to have thought that this was necessary. One purpose of Jesus in working this miracle was to show him that this was not necessary. Therefore, he did not go down to Capernaum but healed him where he was.