Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my child die." His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Gen. 32:26.

Som i et glimt afslørede Frelserens ord den fornemme mands eget hjerte for ham. Han så, at han kun havde egenkærlige bevæggrunde til at opsøge Jesus. Hans vaklende tro viste sig for ham i sin sande skikkelse. Med den dybeste fortvivlelse gjorde han sig klart, at hans tvivl måske ville komme til at koste hans søn livet. Han vidste, at han stod over for én, som kunne læse hans tanker, og for hvem alle ting var mulige. I den dybeste kval bønfaldt han: "Herre! kom, før min lille dreng dør." Han holdt ved troen fast i Kristus ligesom Jakob, der råbte, da han brødes med engelen: "Jeg slipper dig ikke, uden du velsigner mig " 1Mos. 32,26.