The original word for “sign” was the Greek sémeion: a sign from heaven. In the Gospel of John, “sign” is also used to mean “miracle.” These signs are given to us so we will know who Jesus is. There are only seven listed in John, but each tells us VERY SPECIAL THINGS we need to know about Jesus.
THE SEVEN SIGNS ARE:
- Changing water into wine at the wedding at Cana: (Jn 2:1-11); The wedding wine at Cana — is meant to remind us of Jesus’ mission: “the hour” when he is glorified upon the cross. In this first sign, we hear Jesus tell Mary that “my hour has not yet come.” However, with this first miracle, Jesus sets out firmly on the path to that hour.
- Healing the royal official’s son” (Jn 4:46-54); The healing of the official’s son takes place at a distance. All Jesus has to do is tell the man: “Go your way. Your son will live.” This emphasizes that Jesus’ word alone has power and reminds us that he is God, as the John’s prologue says: “the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1).
- Healing the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem: (Jn 5:1-15); The healing of the paralyzed man happen on a Sabbath, which leads Jesus into controversy with the religious leaders of his time.
- Feeding the 5,000: (Jn 6:5-14); Feeding of the 5,000 and walking on water — are meant to remind us of how Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. God fed the Israelites in the desert and parted the waters of the Red Sea before them.
- Walking on water: (Jn 6:16-21); See above.
- Healing the man born blind (Jn 9:1-7); the healing of the man born blind — also happen on a Sabbath, which leads Jesus into controversy with the religious leaders of his time.
- Raising Lazarus from the dead: (Jn 11:1-45). Is the miracle that brought “his hour” upon Jesus. It is because of this act that the Sanhedrin decided Jesus had to die. This is also a sign that again points us on the path of discipleship followed by Martha of Bethany.
Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures POINT TO ME! Yet YOU REFUSE TO COME TO ME to receive this life.” (John 5:39-40) Then later Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME. “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on YOU KNOW HIM and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7)
-Bill Stockham…