Gospel of John
The purpose of the gospel of John is twofold: first, as to salvation, directing the ones seeking a relationship with God; and secondly, as to discipleship, instructing the true followers of Jesus in how to enjoy life in the truest sense. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31. Our study will look at seven signs in this book that direct our attention to Jesus. This is the message of a second birth – being born again – how to become children of God.
Now the seven signs of the Gospel of John include:
1. Water Turned to Wine (John 2:1-11)
2. Healing of the (Nobleman’s) Son Near Death (John 4:46-54)
3. Healing of the Lame Man at the Pool (John 5:1-17)
4. Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
5. Walking on the Water (John 6:16-21)
6. Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41)
7. Raising of Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-47)
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:8-12.
- Miraculous Sign as Proof of Divine Authority. The disciples are now chosen and Jesus has begun to reveal Himself in the normal discourse and life of his community. A wedding. Without Wine. This becomes a work of God in the physical realm to demonstrate a spiritual truth – creation of wine from water.
- Miraculous Sign as Divide Guidepost. This is a physical miracle that illustrations a spiritual reality. God in Jesus was among our world, and the work of this miracle points to Jesus, and is to redirect the message of those seeking God to the True One.
- Miraculous Sign As Singular Reality. It is interesting that the participants of the wedding – even the bride and groom – are not mentioned. Everything about this event is shadow – is in the background – except for Jesus and this miracle.
In the full light of day stands the Christ. All the rest is shadow.
Additional themes form the background of this miracle. Jesus is honoring the bond of marriage. Jesus is the giver of abundant gifts to those in need. And the message of Jesus, the love of God as will be realized in salvation, is from the divine power of only God himself. This early presentation of Jesus, then, indeed, is Jesus as the Son of God, full of grace and glory. No wonder the text ends with:
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. The work of God has its purpose in the faith and believe of those who seek God. Stay well this week.
