MIRACLES, SIGNS, AND WONDERS
John 2:1-11
I. THE NATURE OF THE SIGNS
A. Often Performed Reluctantly v4
1) Because the primary evidence that Jesus was the Messiah was the prophecies
- Son of David, shoot of Jesse, Daniels 70 weeks, attesting miracles, John's preaching
2) Sign seeking rebuked - John_4:48
- Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom 1 Corinthians_1:22-24
- Pharisees could discern the weather but not the time of their visitation Matthew_16:1-4
B. Always performed undeniably v7, 10
- Completely – Matthew 15:31 (mute talking, blind seeing, lame walking, dead living)
- Instantaneously - Matthew_8:3, (immediately leprosy was cleansed)
Matthew_8:13 (Roman centurion - servant healed that very moment)
- Infinite kinds of diseases including raising the dead
- Not necessarily requiring faith on the part of the healed - Luke_22:51 Malchus' ear,
John_5:6-8 Man waiting by pool didn't know it was Jesus, also resurrection from the dead
C. Never the Purpose v11
- Signs point to things other than themselves
- It was performed in a kitchen in Cana of Galilee (wasn’t for a huge audience)
- Satan wanted it at the temple in Jerusalem - Matthew_4:5-7
- Over half of the gospel narrative deals with the last week of Jesus' life
because the focus was on plan of redemption not miracles (John 20:30-31)
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE SIGNS
A. To Manifest His Glory v11
- DOXA - Who he is and what he is like (character, attributes, and power)
- Christ's existence - John_1:14, 18, Hebrews_1:3
- The transfiguration – 2 Peter_1:17-18 (honor and glory, “This is my beloved Son”)
- The Lord's Prayer - John_17:22-24 (The glory you have given me, I have given them)
- Resurrection of Lazarus - John_11:4, 40 - John_11:14-15, 45-48
B. And His Disciples Believed in Him v11
- Many - John_2:23
- All - John_20:30
III. THE CONTINUATION OF THE SIGNS (Acts_2:43)
A. Still Undeniable - Completely Acts_3:10 (lame man left leaping and walking)
- Instantaneously Acts_3:7
- Variety of diseases including raising from the dead Acts_20:7-12
- Not necessarily requiring faith on the part of the person healed
B. Still Never the Purpose
- Purpose was to Confirm - Hebrews_2:1-4, Mark_16:20, 2 Corinthians_12:12
IV. THE CEASING OF THE SIGNS
A. Righteous will live by his faithfulness (Habbakuk_2:4) - Romans_10:17, Hebrews 11
B. His glory is manifested in gazing intently on the scriptures – 2 Corinthians_3:15-18, 4:1-6
C. We believe b/c of the gospel/apostles doctrine – 1 Corinthians_13:9-13
D. Signs may be performed today – but in accordance with the work of Satan!
- Deluding influence – 1 Thessalonians_2:9-12
E. Blessed is he who believes without seeing John_20:24-31