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Signs in John
Signs in John
In the second chapter of John we see that Jesus works the first of His signs that John records (vs. 11). Out of the 35 miracles that are recorded in the gospels, John has picked 7 of them to write about. These include turning water to wine (2:1-11), the healing of a boy (4:46-54), the healing of a lame man (5:1-18), the feeding of a multitude (6:1-15), walking on water (6:16-21), the healing of a blind man (9:1-41), and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (11:1-57). In addition to these, John testifies that Jesus arose from the dead; which he identifies of as one of the signs (cp. 2:18-19; 20:1-2). While these seven (eight) are written about with some detail, John also mentions many other signs. He writes that people saw the 'signs He did in Jerusalem' (2:23); Nicodemus mentions the signs that Jesus worked (3:2); the people saw the signs He was doing on the sick (6:2); they acknowledged that 'this man performs may signs (11:47); yet 'though He had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe (12:37). There was also the miraculous catch of fish (21:1-14) and the episode of Jesus appearing in the room with the disciples even though they had locked the door with Him not there. Well did John write: "many other signs did Jesus which are not written in this book" (20:30).
While the other writers speak of 'miracles' and 'wonders', John uniformly calls them 'signs'. Peter combined all three words in Acts 2:22; but John wants to emphasize that these signs, although they are works of power (miracles) and they cause the people to be in awe (wonders), they actually signify that Jesus was the Son of God (20:30-31).
Through such 'works' (another word the John repeatedly uses for such signs), Jesus manifested His glory (2:11). John will write of this glory some 19 times in this gospel. (1:14; 2:11; 5:41; 5:44; 7:18; 8:50; 8:54; 9:24; 11:4; 11:40; 12:41; 12:43; 17:5; 17:22; 17:24). John began this story of Jesus: "“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). In Hebrews we learn that "He is the radiance of the glory of God" (Heb.1:4); James calls Him "the Lord of glory" (James 2:1). In heaven we see the angels perpetually praising Him saying: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:12).
The last written words of Peter: "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" (2 Pet. 3:18). While we are reading through John one chapter per day, it is truly rewarding to just sit and read the whole story in one setting. Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word. Let us read it over and over again until we live in awe of His glory; until the shining trinkets of this world grow pale in the glorious light of His presence.
How tragic then, that "though He had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe" (12:37). Blessed are those who have not seen (such signs) and yet believe (20:29). Are you aware of the glory of Jesus?
Hugh DeLong
