But He knew also that the father had, in his own mind, made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the officer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

Men Jesus vidste også, at denne fader i sine egne tanker havde stillet betingelser for at tro på ham. Hvis han ikke fik sin bøn opfyldt, ville han ikke tage imod ham som Messias. Medens manden ventede i kvalfuld uvished, sagde Jesus: "Hvis I ikke får tegn og undere at se, vil I ikke tro."