John gives the purpose of his Gospel here: “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” (John 20:30–31). John’s objective is to engender faith in those who read his Gospel account so that they will have eternal life. Therefore, John sets forth a series of signs performed by Jesus as the basis for their faith in Him.

This Gospel has two large sections between the prologue, chapter 1, and the epilogue, chapter 21. Chapters 2–11 feature seven signs. In John 2:1–11, Jesus turns water into wine. Verse 11 says, “This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him.” Next, Jesus heals the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–54). Verse 54 declares, “This was now the second sign that Jesus did when He had come from Judea to Galilee.”

Jesus now goes to Jerusalem and heals a paralytic at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:2–9). The pool is north of the temple, and the miracle occurs on the Sabbath. As a result, the Jews are indignant. “The Jews were saying to the man who was cured, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.’ But he answered them, ‘He who made me well was the one who said to me, “Pick up your pallet and walk”’” (John 5:10–11).

In miracle four, Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish (John 6:1–14). As in the turning of water into wine, the purpose of this fourth sign is fulfilled. “When the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world’” (John 6:14).

Sign number five is Jesus walking on water (John 6:16–21). In sign six, Jesus heals the man born blind (9:1–7). Jesus sends this man to the pool of Siloam to receive his sight. This pool is on the south side of Jerusalem. The raising of Lazarus from the dead is sign seven (John 11:38–44).

All of these signs agitate the religious elite: “Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, ‘What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs’” (John 11:47).

Signs one and four involve drink and food. Signs three and six are done in connection with one of the pools in Jerusalem, and they are performed on the Sabbath. The seventh sign, the raising of Lazarus, crowns this series.

Chapters 12–20 lead to the sequel to the raising of Lazarus—the resurrection of Christ. Chapter 12 brings us to the triumphal entry, and chapter 13 brings us to the upper room. Chapters 14–16 are Christ’s farewell discourse in the upper room or on the way to Gethsemane. Chapter 17 is our Lord’s high priestly prayer. Chapters 18–19 present the arrest and trials of Christ, and chapter 20 presents Christ’s Resurrection, His great sign (Matt. 12:39, 16:4; Luke 11:29).

Why did John record these signs? “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” (John 20:31). You have this record so that you, dear reader, will believe in and trust Jesus Christ unto salvation. Read and believe! Encourage others to do likewise.

Dennis J. Prutow | reformedvoice.com/rptsprof