I Saw the Sign



The Apostle John recorded several of Jesus’ signs in order to develop the faith of his readers (John 20:30-31; Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.).

There are a total 7 signs that John recorded in his gospel. They are:

1. The changing the water into wine 2:1-11
2. The temple cleansing 2:13-22
3. The healing of the nobleman’s son 4:46-54
4. The healing of the lame man 5:1-15
5. The feeding of the multitude 6:1-15
6. The healing of the blind man 9:1-41
7. The raising of Lazarus from the dead 11:1-44

John does not use the word miracle to describe what Jesus does as the other gospels do. John’s purpose is different than the other gospels. John consistently refers to Jesus’ mighty works as “signs;” the Greek word semeion (say-mi'-on). A miracle underscores power and is generally received with awe. A sign reveals something from God; something that was once hidden.

The signs are not merely acts of power and might, they reveal that God is at work in Jesus and is present in Him. All of Jesus’ signs were done in the first half of the Gospel of John which we refer to as “Jesus’ public ministry.” While Jesus’ disciples see in Jesus’ signs a reflection of the glory of God, the very same signs reveal the hardening of the Jewish leadership in its rejection of Israel’s Messiah.

The two events showed in John chapter 2 shows Jesus as the restorer of Israel. Jesus is shown to fill up the depleted resources of Judaism when He turned the water into wine. And in cleansing the temple, Jesus is shown as being the restorer of the true worship of Israel and the replacement of the temple in the life of God's people.

Jesus just didn't come to the festivals; He came to fulfill their true meaning. He came to end them and replace them with Himself. In each episode, similar themes challenge us, and we are invited to contrast them. Cana offered stone jars (for purification) and now Jesus has challenged a stone temple (for sacrifice). Cana was out of wine and the temple was filled with the wrong thing. Jesus' solution in each case is to provide an alternative: He will be the giver of new wine and will become the new temple. Galilee and Jerusalem offer different responses to Jesus' work: In Galilee Jesus finds willing hearts and faith; but in Judea, while some believe, Jesus is suspicious. Throughout John's gospel, Galilee and Jerusalem play out as virtual metaphors of responses. Through them we are challenged to reflect on how we will respond too, should Jesus visit a wedding or a temple today.