Jesus is the giver of new life. Three times it is noted that the boy was seriously ill and at the point of death (4:46, 47, 49). Furthermore, John mentions three times that the boy lives (4:50, 51, 53). In addition, the word ‘believe’ is used three times (4:48, 50, 53). It is likely that John wanted his readers to understand this miracle as more than an act of physical healing, though it was that, for he also wanted to demonstrate Jesus as the giver of life—physical and spiritual. This truth is evidenced