Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 4:48

"Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe." — John 4:48 (ASV)

Jesus’ reply seems like a heartless rejection. He seemed to insinuate that the official, like the rest of the Galileans, was merely attempting to elicit a miracle from him. On the other hand, Jesus’ words may express a genuine hope. He desired a belief characterized by dedication rather than amazement, and as the second half of the episode shows, his aim was to inculcate a commitment rather than merely to perform a cure (cf. 20:30–31).