PJEFC Home Fellowship
Signs or Miracles?
A Thematic Study
on the Seven Signs
and Their Theological Significance
in the Gospel of John
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Introduction
The Distinctiveness of the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John has been long prized by Christians throughout church history for
its distinctive portrayal of Jesus and uniqueness among all four Gospels. There are also
extensive narratives, sayings and materials recorded by John that are not found in the
Synoptic Gospels (comprising Matthew, Mark and Luke).
One of the most striking features in John is its distinctive Christology, the Person of
Christ. Jesus Himself is the Word (Logos) and the Logos is confessed as Lord and God.
Jesus’ majestic “I AM” sayings, where He proclaims Himself to be the light of the world;
way, truth and life; resurrection and the life; vine; good shepherd; and the bread of life,
are some of the most familiar New Testament sayings that reveal the Divinity of Jesus.
Some of the best-loves stories such as the meeting with Nicodemus, the encounter
with the Samaritan woman at the well, the forgiveness of the woman caught in adultery
and the raising of Lazarus are narratives found distinctively only in the Fourth Gospel.
The Book of Signs
The Gospel of John is also well known for its thematic structure. It can be neatly
divided into 2 sections as follow:
1. Chapters 1-12 – The Book of Signs, covering the period of Jesus’ public
ministry where He reveals His glory.
2. Chapters 13-21 – The Book of Glory, covering the period of Jesus’ private
ministry to the disciples and His crucifixion, death and resurrection where He
is glorified by God.
This study focuses on the seven signs performed by Jesus in “The Book of Signs.” In
this thematic approach, we will study these signs and their theological significance. At
the same time, we will also consider the response each of the signs generates. More
importantly, we will ask what does each of these signs reveal about Jesus, His character
and mission.
The Purpose of the Gospel of John
With all its uniqueness, the Fourth Gospel presents us with a statement of its own
purpose in 20:30-31: “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his
disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his
name.”
This evangelistic purpose of the Gospel intends to make clear who Jesus is and the
salvation that He offers. Thus the fundamental question that this Gospel addresses is not,
“What kind of Jesus is He?” but “Who is the Messiah? Who is the Christ? Who is the Son
of God?” The answer to all these questions is found in Jesus, whose portrait is drawn in
this Gospel.
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By merely having an academic knowledge of this truth is not an end in itself. Such
faith has a still greater objective and is directed toward the goal of personal salvation:
that by believing you may have life in his name. And this is the very purpose of the
miraculous signs – signs that point beyond themselves to the One who performed them,
and at the same time demand a response from us that either results in belief or unbelief in
the One who performed them.
What are “Signs”? How are they Different from “Miracles” in the Gospels?
The New Testament uses several words to denote what we call “miracles”. One of
the most common, dynameis (“mighty works; miracles”) is not found in John but used
extensively in the Synoptics. This word, usually translated “miracles”, denotes a
supernatural event which transcends ordinary happenings that it is viewed as a direct
result of supernatural power. In the Synoptics, these events are due to the exercise of
God’s power and emphasise the power revealed in the performance of the miracle.
Another word, terata (“wonders, miracles”) emphasises the character of the miracle
as a portent or prodigy, something outside the usual course of event. It is a wonder that
appeals to the understanding. This word is found only when linked with semeia (“signs”)
as in “signs and wonders.” However, this combination is found only once in the Gospel
of John (4:48).
Another word that describes miracle is semeia (“signs”). This is the word that John
uses to refer to the miracles of Jesus. When applied to a miracle, this word implies that
the event itself is secondary in importance. It is the meaning or power behind the event
that is emphasized.
Therefore, a sign is not merely a miracle. It is more than a miracle. A sign is
something that points beyond itself. It teaches a spiritual truth; it points to God and His
provision in Jesus.
This is true, for Jesus’ miracles are never simply naked displays of power performed
merely to impress the masses. They are signs which are significant displays of powers
that point beyond themselves to the deeper realities that could only be perceived with the
eyes of faith.
In each of Jesus’ signs recorded in the Gospel of John, He shows Himself to be
sufficient in some facet of human need in which people are inadequate. He shows
Himself to be the Son of God doing the works of God.
The signs are like parables acted out. Each one demonstrates an aspect of Jesus’
mission. They reveal what God is like. They illustrate and prove Jesus’ claims about
Himself (that He is the light of the world, the source of life, the resurrection and the life,
etc). They demand a response from us and we can either believe or reject the message.
They are meant to produce faith. But they don’t compel faith, for like the parables, they
can be ignored or misunderstood.
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What are These “Signs”?
The purpose statement of John declares that Jesus performed many miraculous signs
that are not recorded in the gospel. Only seven are recorded in John. Furthermore, those
that are recorded are selective and written for a definitive purpose.
The seven signs are depicted in the following table.
Passage
2:1-11
4:43-54
5:1-48
6:1-15
6:16-24
9:1-41
11:1-46
Sign
Turning the water into wine
The healing of the official’s son
The healing of the man at the pool
The feeding of the five thousand
The walking on water
The healing of the man born blind
The raising of Lazarus
A comparison of the Fourth Gospel with the Synoptic Gospels shows that John
records far fewer signs than the Synoptic Gospels. In all four Gospels, there are no less
than 34 specific miracles (exclusive of parallels) performed by Jesus during His earthly
ministry. With the exception of the Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15; Matt
14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17) and the episode of Walking on Water (John 11:146; Matt 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-56), there are no similar parallels of the remaining five
signs in the Synoptic Gospels. In other words, the signs recorded in John are uniquely
Johannine.
The Approach of this Study
The approach of this study is somewhat different from the usual format that we are
more accustomed to in our earlier home fellowship materials. Instead of doing a book
series or a topical study, the thematic approach to the Gospel of John in this study serves
to highlight one of the key themes in the Gospel of John. It also allows us to study the
Gospel of John from a different perspective.
We believe that in order for us to correctly interpret the text, we must first of all read
and understand the text in its historical context. This is the basis why there is an
introductory section to each of the lessons in this study. The Historical Background
aims to provide a brief commentary and explanation of the historical context and
background of the narratives so that we could understand the text in its proper context.
The section on Discussion provides several thought provoking questions to
challenge all of us to reflect and to ponder over the Word of God. Admittedly, there are
no easy answers to some of these questions. This provides an excellent opportunity for all
of us to take God’s word seriously at a deeper level. Some of these questions require
some reflection, serious discussion, further research and to a certain extent, some debate
(friendly, hopefully)! Let us take this opportunity to study God’s Word seriously and
build our solid foundation in the Word of God
The comments in Theological Insight aims to highlight the true meaning of the
signs. Signs are not merely a physical manifestation of the power of God. More
importantly, they point beyond themselves to God.
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By merely having head knowledge of the truth is not sufficient. Therefore, the
section on Application provides an opportunity for us to reflect on one or two key
lessons that we learn from the narratives. May we allow the Word of God to transform
and shape us into His likeness as we seek to apply the truth from His Word into our lives.
For those who wish to explore and dig deeper in the Word of God, the section on
For Further Study provides an excellent opportunity to do so. The reward of finding the
treasures in the Word of God awaits those who are prepared to put in diligent effort to dig
deeper.
Towards the end of this study, a Bibliography is attached. This serves as a resource
of references for those of you who want to undertake further research. These books are
easily available in either PJEFC library, Malaysia Bible Seminary library or Kairos
Research Centre Sdn Bhd.
Finally, let us discover the riches in the Word of God as we study The Book of Signs.
Let us also be reminded that the Gospel is intended to affect and transform us with
reference to our destiny. Let us remember that real life begins with Jesus. That is still the
purpose of this Gospel today, and at the very heart of the Christian mission.
Soli Deo Gloria.
4
The First Sign: Turning the Water into Wine
Text: John 2:1-11
Historical Background
This first miraculous sign signifies the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, which
extends to 12:50, in John’s Gospel. At the same time, this sign also introduces us to a
new section of the Gospel, beginning from 2:1 to 4:54 that is bounded by a thematic
wholeness. These three Chapters are organised to convey the theme “the old has gone, the
new has come” and this can be seen in the following table.
Passage
2:1-11: Jesus changes the water into wine
2:12-25: Jesus clears the temple
3:1-21: Jesus teaches Nicodemus
3:22-36: John testifies about Jesus
4:1-26: Jesus talks with a Samaritan
woman
Theme
The replacement of the old purifications by
the wine of the kingdom of God
The replacement of the old temple by the
new in the risen Lord
An exposition of new birth for new
creation
A contrast between John the Baptist and
Jesus where Jesus surpasses any baptism or
rite of purification John may represent
1. A contrast between the water of Jacob’s
well and the living water from Christ
2. The worship in Jerusalem and Gerizim
with worship “in Spirit and in truth”
Wedding (2:1)
The bridegroom and his friends brought the bride to the groom’s house in a torch lit
procession. A wedding feast that could last as long as a week, where the financial
responsibility lay with the groom, followed this.
In the Old Testament, the wedding symbolizes the time of the Messiah (Isa 54:4-8;
62:4-5), when God will again marry His Bride, Israel.
No more wine (2:3)
Hospitality, and weddings in particular, were taken very seriously in the Near East.
To fail in hospitality was a dark blot on the family reputation. This was expected even if
they were poor and hoped to manage with the barest minimum in their expenses.
In addition, during the ancient times, there was a strong element of reciprocity about
weddings and it was possible to take legal action against a man who had failed to provide
an appropriate gift. As such, it means that when the supply of wine failed, more than
social embarrassment was involved. The bridegroom and his family may be burdened
with a heavy pecuniary liability as well.
5
Furthermore, wine was a symbol of joy. Although it was drunk well diluted with
water to avoid carousing, it was considered to be essential at a joyous occasion like a
wedding feast. Without this crucial symbol, the banquet would be spoiled.
In the Old Testament, wine is a central part of the messianic wedding banquet (Isa
25:6). An abundance of wine symbolizes the joy of the last days (Jer 31:12; Amos 9:1314).
Six stone water jars (2:6)
Daily life, especially contact with Gentiles and the secular world, made a Jew
ceremonially unclean or unholy (Mark 7:3-4). Therefore, Jews poured water over their
hands before eating, studying the Law, entering a house, and so on. A lot of water was
necessary for many guests. This household had jars with a total capacity of more than 120
gallons.
Discussion
1. Put yourself into the shoes of the groom. If you were to discover that the wine had run
out, how would you have reacted, taking into account the discussion highlighted in
the Historical Background above? How would you have felt? What would you have
done to avoid family embarrassment and the possibility of a legal suit?
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2. Imagine you are the servants serving in the banquet. What would probably go through
your mind when you hear the command of Jesus in 2:7-8? Would you do what the
servants did? Why? Why not?
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3. Why do you suppose Jesus made more than 120 gallons of wine – far more than the
family could use in months? What is significant about this abundance? What does this
reveal about Jesus?
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4. What is significant about the quality of the wine (2:9-10)?
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5. How did Jesus’ first sign of turning the water into wine affect His disciples (2:11)?
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6. How is it significant that Jesus chose to turn the Jewish water of purification into
wine for a wedding banquet?
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Theological Insight
This particular sign signifies that there is a transforming power associated with Jesus.
The water represents the old order of Jewish law and customs, which Jesus replaced with
something better (c.f. 1:16). He changes the water of Judaism into the wine of
Christianity, the water of Christlessness into the rich and full wine of eternal life in
Christ. The water of the law was transformed into the wine of the gospel. The
insufficiency of Judaism is clearly contrasted with the sufficiency of Jesus who supplied
the need.
Application
1. How can the sign of changing dirty water into wedding wine significant for you?
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For Further Study
1. Think about the purpose of a sign. What does this particular sign of turning the water
into wine reveal about Jesus’ character, identity and mission?
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2. Jesus’ “time” (2:4) is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel. Examine each reference,
and trace the pattern you find. What does “time” or “hour” mean? What is Jesus’
“time” or “hour”? When does this “time” or “hour” come?
7:6, 8, 30 ____________________________________________________________
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8:20 ________________________________________________________________
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12:23, 27 ____________________________________________________________
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13:1 ________________________________________________________________
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16:32 _______________________________________________________________
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17:1 ________________________________________________________________
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8
The Second Sign: The Healing of the Official’s Son
Text: John 4:43-54
Historical Background
The second miraculous sign has some interesting features. It was a case of healing at
a distance, where Jesus spoke the healing word in Cana but the boy was healed at
Capernaum.
Royal Official (4:46)
A royal official denotes one of the king’s officers. He was most likely an official
attached to Herod’s court. Evidently, he had heard of the previous sign of turning the
water into wine at Cana (2:1-11), so that when his son became ill, he naturally sought for
Jesus. As such, his initial interest in Jesus was prompted by the sickness of his son. It was
out of desperation, and not faith in Jesus.
Signs and wonders (4:48)
The word “wonders” suggests the purely miraculous and amazing. The people were
interested in the spectacular, but not in signs that pointed to God that demanded a
response of faith and allegiance.
You people (4:48)
These words were addressed to the Galileans at large and not just to the royal official
(the second personal pronoun, “you”, is plural in Greek). This reinforces the impression
that the welcome the Galileans accorded Jesus was fundamentally flawed, as it was based
primarily on His miraculous signs (4:45; cf. 2:23-25).
Discussion
1. Why do you think the Galileans welcomed Jesus (4:45; cf. 4:48)? Did they welcome
Jesus as the Messiah or merely as a “miracle worker”?
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2. What is wrong with this kind of belief, one that is based only on seeing signs and
wonders (4:48)? Will this kind of belief lead a person to place his or her faith in God?
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3. The royal official begged Jesus to come to his home in Capernaum to heal his son
(4:46-47). Compare the request of the centurion in Matt 8:5-13 and Luke 7:2-10.
What does this tell you about the faith of the royal official compared to the faith of
the centurion?
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4. How did Jesus require a deeper faith from the royal official (4:49-53)?
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5. Put yourself in the position of the royal official. After you hear the unexpected reply
from Jesus in 4:50, how would you have responded? Would you turn back to
Capernaum and take Jesus at His word? Or would you continue to entreat Jesus to go
with you to Capernaum and thereby obtain a tangible guarantee of His willingness to
heal? Explain your response.
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Theological Insight
This sign signifies that Jesus has authority over space. Distance is of no obstacle to
Him. The healing of the boy is also a sign of the power that Jesus has to give life - not
only life, but eternal life (5:24), and even life from the dead, the resurrection life (5:21,
25-26, 28-29). He is indeed the Mediator of Life!
Therefore the faith that Jesus demanded from the official was more than just faith in
His power to do miracles; it was faith in Him. This is a faith that abandons all our trust in
our own resources. It is complete reliance on God and full obedience to God.
Application
1. This sign reveals that Jesus has authority over space. He does not need to be
physically present with the official’s son in order to heal him. How can this help you
in your prayers for your loved ones or friends who are physically sick and separated
from you?
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2. Review this lesson, looking for one principle, truth, or example that stands out to you
for your own application. State this truth briefly. How do you need to grow in this
area?
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For Further Study
1. How did this second sign of healing the royal official’s son point toward God? What
did it reveal about Jesus’ mission and character? What response did it demand?
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3. At the end of this miracle narrative (4:54), John calls it Jesus’ “second miraculous
sign”, corresponding to the first sign that took place in Cana (2:11). What do these
two miraculous signs have in common that allows the writer of the Gospel simply to
pass over others that are assumed to have taken place in between these two incidents
(2:23; 3:2)? And why does the enumerated sequence stop at two, even though five
more signs are recorded in the Gospel of John during Jesus’ public ministry?
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11
The Third Sign: The Healing of the Man at the Pool
Text: John 5:1-18
Historical Background
The healing of the man at the pool leads to a conflict with the Pharisees, the religious
leaders. At the same time, this miraculous sign also introduces a new section in the
Gospel of John (Chapters 5-7). There is a direct shift from mere reservation and
hesitation about Jesus to outright and sometimes, official opposition. This is a theme that
is important in the rest of this Gospel. Although Jesus performed His signs, yet instead of
faith, strenuous opposition was aroused among the national religious leaders. This
conflict grew and intensified, eventually leading to His death. This theme was
foreshadowed in 1:11, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive
him.”
The law forbids you to carry your mat (5:10)
John draws attention to the fact that the healing was performed on the Sabbath day.
The Law of Moses forbids work on the Sabbath. The rabbis minutely spelled out what
constituted work (by AD 200 thirty-nine categories of work were defined) and this
obviously included healing. Even the lifting up of a mat was prohibited let alone the
carrying of it. The rabbis had a theory that each commandment should be applied as
widely as possible to avoid even an accidental breaking of the law. Jesus however, did
not withhold His act of compassion, just because scribal regulations forbade such works
on the Sabbath.
Discussion
1. Put yourself in the invalid’s position. What reasons might he have had for remaining
by the pool for all those years (5:5)? What does his situation reveal about his
character and personality?
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2. Why do you think Jesus asked the invalid if he wanted to get well, instead of waiting
for the man to approach Him (5:6)?
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3. How would you have felt if you were the invalid and were asked whether you wanted
to get well by Jesus? Would you have responded like the invalid (5:7)?
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4. The invalid didn’t answer Jesus’ question. What did his reply in 5:7 tell you about
him and his focus? Did he regard Jesus as a potential healer?
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5. Did this man’s healing depend on his faith (5:6-8; 13)? How can you tell, and why is
this important?
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6. The Jewish leaders utterly ignored the fact that a man had been miraculously healed.
They charged the former blind man of breaking the Sabbath law (5:9-12), persecuted
Jesus (5:16) and later tried to kill him (5:18). Why? What does this say about them?
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Theological Insight
The healing of the lame man is significant as seen in the light of the Old Testament.
Such healing is associated with the end times when the Messiah should come (Isa 35:6).
This miracle would help bring out the Messiahship of Jesus.
At the same time, Jesus’ response to the accusations of the Jews (5:17-30) reveals a
new ethical concept for the Sabbath. The Jews believed that the privilege to work on the
Sabbath belonged to God alone. Jesus however demonstrated the way the Sabbath should
be observed. God does not stop His deeds of compassion on that day and neither did
Jesus.
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Application
1. Consider the attitude of the Pharisees in this passage. What do you learn about them
in this passage? Are you like them in any way? If so, what can you do about this?
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For Further Study
1. Jesus spoke about Himself in 5:17-47. As you study the words of Jesus, in what areas
did Jesus claim to be equal with God the Father?
5:17 ________________________________________________________________
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5:19 ________________________________________________________________
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5:20 ________________________________________________________________
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2. The healing of the blind man on a Sabbath sets the stage for the confrontation with
the religious leaders.
a. What reasons emerged from the following verses for the Jewish leaders’
opposition to Jesus?
5:16 ___________________________________________________________
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14
5:43 ___________________________________________________________
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b.
Make a study of the other incidents where Jesus’ activity on the Sabbath became
the focus of controversy. Read Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6; and Matt
12:1-14. What are the similarities that you discover concerning the reaction of
the Jewish authorities? Why do you think the religious leaders wanted to kill
Jesus? Why did Jesus continue to carry on these activities that led to disputes
with the authorities? What does this tell you about the mission of Jesus?
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15
The Fourth Sign: The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Text: John 6:1-15
Historical Background
The events recorded in Chapter 6 took place during what is usually considered to be
the central and most active period of Jesus’ ministry. John records only two miraculous
signs from this period, while the Synoptics record many more. The fact that this is the
only miraculous sign in Jesus’ ministry that was recorded in all four Gospels is an
indication of its importance.
Because they saw the miraculous signs (6:2)
A great crowd of people followed Him, not so much because they wanted to obey
Him, but like those described in 2:23-25, they followed Jesus because they saw the
miraculous signs He had performed on the sick.
Five small barley loaves and two small fish (6:9)
The barley loaves were the inexpensive bread of the poorer classes while the small
fish were probably a pickled fish to be eaten as a side dish with the small loaves. John
mentions this tiny meal to heighten the miracle of feeding the multitude.
Gave thanks (6:11)
Jews customarily blessed God (not the food) before they ate, saying something like,
“Blessed are You, O Lord God of the universe, who has given us bread from the earth.”
The Prophet (6:14)
Moses fed the Israelites with manna (Exodus 16). Elisha also miraculously fed a few
hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44). Therefore, the Jews concluded that Jesus must be the
Prophet as Moses foretold in Deut. 18:15-19.
Discussion
1. What does 6:2 reveal about the attitude of the crowd that was following Jesus? Do
you think they really believed in Jesus?
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2. For the first time, Jesus had His disciples participated in the miracle. Why do you
think He did this (6:5-6)?
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3. What does the reply of Philip in 6:7 tell you about the circumstances and reveal about
himself? Did Philip believe that feeding the multitude was possible?
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4. What does the response of Andrew in 6:8-9 reveal about his character? What
similarities and contrasts can you see between Philip and Andrew?
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5. Imagine you are one of the disciples. What would your response be after you hear
Jesus’ question in 6:5? Would your response be similar to Philip’s or Andrew’s? Or,
would you respond differently from Philip and Andrew? Explain and give example.
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6. After the people had enough to eat, there were twelve baskets of leftover (6:12-13).
What is so significant of the abundant leftover?
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7. What does 6:14-15 tell us about the attitude of the people after witnessing this sign?
What is wrong about this attitude (see 6:26-27)?
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8. Why do you think that Jesus withdrew from the crowd (6:15)? What does this tell you
about His character and mission?
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Theological Insight
This sign shows Jesus to be the supplier of human’s need. John’s mention of the
Passover (6:4) is evidently meant to awaken associations of Israel’s wilderness
experience. Later references to “the true bread from heaven” (6:32), “the bread of God”
(6:33) and “the living bread” (6:51) clearly bring out the significance of this sign. What
the manna in the wilderness foreshadowed, is perfectly given to us in Jesus, “the bread of
life” (6:35). He is the Messiah who gives us the richest banquet to enjoy, for the True
Bread from heaven gives life to the world - a provision that far outstrips the manna in the
desert. This sign, rightly understood, pointed the people to the Messiah and the Heavenly
Kingdom, and not to a prophet who establishes an earthly kingdom.
Application
1. A great crowd had been following Jesus because they saw the miraculous signs that
Jesus performed (6:2) and not because of faith. What are some of the reasons that you
follow Jesus?
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2. If you were one of the disciples who witnessed this miraculous sign, how would you
have felt after the whole event is over? How has this sign affected you and your faith?
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For Further Study
1. Compare this account with the rest of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 14:13-21; Mark
6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17). Pay particular attention to the similarities and differences
among these four accounts. What particular emphasis did John make that are not
recorded in the rest of the Gospels? What insights do you gather from this?
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_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
18
The Fifth Sign: The Walking on Water
Text: John 6:16-24
Historical Background
This sign is for the disciples alone. It forms a contrast from the focus of the crowds
and the opponents in the previous miraculous sign of feeding the five thousand to the
disciples. Interestingly, in both incidents, even the disciples proved themselves
inadequate and in need of Jesus’ sovereign intervention. In the earlier incident, they were
not able to provide food for the multitude. In this incident, they were helpless as they
faced the storm.
The disciples went down to the lake (6:16)
Jesus had earlier withdrawn from the disciples to go to the hills (6:15). John does not
tell us why the disciples decided to go to Capernaum without Jesus. However, the
emphasis in this narrative is that the disciples are now alone on their own without Jesus.
The lake (6:17)
The Sea of Galilee lies about six hundred feet below sea level. Cool air from the
southeastern tablelands can rush in to displace the warm moist air over the lake, churning
up the water into a violent squall.
They saw Jesus…walking on the water (6:19)
The word “walking” suggests the effortlessness of Jesus going over the sea. This is
in sharp contrast with the disciples’ efforts in trying to keep the boat afloat.
It is I (6:20)
In its literal sense, this is merely a self-identification of Jesus intended to soothe the
disciples’ fear. But by saying this, Jesus also described His coming and appearance as the
Divine One. This is a claim of deity and is equivalent to the divine name of “I AM” in the
Old Testament. This might also be an anticipation of a clearer self-disclosure by Jesus in
the varied forms of “I Am” sayings in 6:35; 8:12; 10:7,9; 10:11, 14; 11:25; 14:6 and 15:1,
5.
Discussion
1. Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples. How would you have felt when you
encountered the rising storm (6:18), bearing in mind that some of the disciples were
seasoned fishermen who were well acquainted with the Sea of Galilee?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
19
2. What could be the reasons for the disciples’ fear when they saw Jesus (6:19; cf. Matt
14:26)? Why couldn’t they recognize Jesus?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. How did Jesus calm the disciples’ fear? What is the significance of the words that
Jesus used (6:20)? What does Jesus reveal about Himself (see the Historical
Background above)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. What indication is there in this narrative that the incident strengthened the faith of the
disciples?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Read Psalm 107:23-32. What does this Psalm tell you about God and the forces of
nature? How can this Psalm be applied in John 6:16-24?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Theological Insight
In this miraculous sign, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples in His statement, “It
is I” (6:20). As such, He revealed Himself to His disciples as the Sent One. This is in
sharp contrast with the picture that the multitude had of Him that led them wanting to
make Him their earthly king (6:15). Jesus revealed to them the absoluteness of His
messianic power and authority. It is in this way that He wanted to be known, not the way
the multitude perceived Him or their desire to use Him. And it is faith in this true identity
that Jesus wanted to lead His disciples to.
At the same time, this miraculous sign was designed to demonstrate to the disciples
that Jesus could be with them under all circumstances. This was to convince them that
there is no darkness too dark (6:17), waves too high (6:18) or sea too wide (6:19) for Him
to find them and be with them in the midst of that tumult. This miraculous sign further
revealed Jesus’ power over the forces of nature. It was one more step in the education of
His disciples’ faith.
20
Application
1. Do you feel helpless in the storms of your life? Do you recognize the presence of
Jesus in the midst of your tumult?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. How is Jesus’ ability in 6:16-21 relevant to you personally? Do you really believe He
will do this in your life? Why? Why not?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
For Further Study
1. Make a study of all the “I Am” sayings as indicated in each of the following verses.
What does each of the “I Am” sayings reveal about Jesus? How can you apply this
truth in your life?
6:35 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
8:12 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
10:7, 9 ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
10:11, 14 ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
11:25 _______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
14:6 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
15;1, 5 ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
21
The Sixth Sign: The Healing of the Man Born Blind
Text: 9:1-41
Historical Background
Thematically, this Chapter is tied to Chapter 8 through the explicit reference of Jesus
as the light of the world (9:5; cf. 8:12). This Chapter portrays what happens when the
light shines. Some are made to see, like this man born blind; while others, who think they
see, turn away, blinded, as it were, by the light (9:39-41). At the same time, this Chapter
prepares the way for Chapter 10, where a sharp contrast is drawn between the good
shepherd, who gives life for his sheep, and the other religious leaders (like those in
Chapter 9), who are nothing but thieves and hirelings.
Who Sinned (9:1)?
The man’s plight provoked the disciples into asking the reason for it. It was widely
held that suffering, and especially blindness, was due to sin. So the disciples put this
question to Jesus. Because he was born blind, it must be that either he sinned in the
womb (certainly regarded as possible by some Jews), or his parents sinned in some way
that implicated him. In one sense, they were correct. They were simply working out the
entailments of the fall (Genesis 3). But once we move from generalizing statements about
the origin of the human race’s maladies to tight connections between the sins and
sufferings of an individual, we go beyond the biblical evidence.
Having said this (9:6)
These words tightly tie 9:6 to 9:4-5. Jesus had just declared that He is the light of the
world (9:5). He then proceeds to illustrate this point by giving light to the man born blind.
He was thereby obeying the One who sent Him (9:4), while many around Him were
shutting out the light.
He spit on the ground (9:6)
Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s
eyes. Jesus’ actions breached several Sabbath regulations. The making of clay represents
a breach of the prohibition of kneading. The placing of the mud on the eyes would come
under the class of prohibited anointings, for one only anoints on Sabbath with what one
employs for this purpose on other days. In other words, if you don’t use mud to anoint
your eyes on other days, then it is illegal to do this on the Sabbath. Healing on the
Sabbath was forbidden unless life was in danger. Therefore according to the Pharisees,
since this man had been blind since birth, his blindness would not endanger his life. As
such, there was no reason why he must be healed on Sabbath.
Pool of Siloam (9:7)
The man was told to wash the mud off in the pool of Siloam (transliterated from
Hebrew siloah, which means “sent”). This pool, located southwest of Jerusalem, received
its water through a channel, which carried (or “sent”) it from the spring of Gihon in the
Kidron Valley. As it was called “sent”, so Jesus was supremely the Sent One. Moreover
in Isa 8:6, the Jews rejected the waters of Shiloah. Here they also rejected Jesus.
22
Discussion
1. In answering the questions of the disciples, Jesus rejected the notion that the man’s
blindness was the result of sin either in himself or in his parents. How could the work
of God be displayed in this man’s life (9:3)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. In each of the following verses, what does the former blind man call Jesus, and how
did he treat Him? What pattern do you see in the way he described Jesus? What is
significant about this? Explain your response.
9:11_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:17_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:27_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:33_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:35-38______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. In each of the following verses, how did the Pharisees investigate the healing? How
did they threaten the healed man? Did the Pharisees express interest in the fact that
the blind man was now healed? Do you detect any significant pattern in their
interrogation? What do these verses tell you about their attitude and character?
9:15 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:17 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:18-19______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
23
9:24 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:26 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:28-29 ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:34 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. In each of the following verses, what was the Pharisees’ response toward Jesus? What
pattern do you see? What is significant about this?
9:16 ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:18 ________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9:28-29 ______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Jesus said that in the presence of His light “those who see will become blind” (9:39).
How do the Pharisees in Chapter 9 illustrate this?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. Why couldn’t the Pharisees see that Jesus was the light? How can this be a warning to
you?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
24
7. When Jesus heard that the Pharisees excommunicated the healed man, He sought him
out (9:35). Why do you think Jesus did this (9:35-39)? What does this reveal about
His character and mission?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Theological Insight
This story again shows that Jesus is the Messiah, for the healing of the blind is
connected with Messianic activity (Isa 29:18; 35:5; 42:7). At the same time, this story
also brings in the motif of judgement. Jesus is the Light of the world, and light is always
in conflict with darkness. When humans walk in darkness, the coming of light always
represents judgement. This particular miraculous sign was performed on the Sabbath and
there were those so firmly in the grip of darkness that they saw only a technical breach of
their law. They could not discern the spectacular victory of light over darkness. They
disputed with the healed man and in the process revealed their own inward darkness.
Jesus gives spiritual sight to those who come out of the darkness to Him to receive light.
But those who refuse to accept Him and reject the light of His truth are spiritually blind.
They are left in darkness.
Application
1. How is the former blind man’s testimony before hostile inquisitors a model for you
(9:10-11; 15, 17, 25, 30-33)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Imagine that you are the healed man.
a. How would you have felt when you are interrogated by the Pharisees and
ultimately, be excommunicated by them (9:34; cf. 9:22)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. How would you have felt when Jesus sought you out (9:35)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
25
c. What one spiritual lesson can you learn from this incident?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
For Further Study
1. Study John 9:1-41 again and focus on the disciples, the neighbours, the Pharisees and
Jesus. What do you discover about their respective attitudes toward the blind man
whom Jesus healed? What are their viewpoints on the blind man? What about your
own attitude?
Disciples: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Neighbours: __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Pharisees: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Jesus: _______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Your personal response: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
26
The Seventh Sign: The Raising of Lazarus
Text: 11:1-46
Historical Background
Up until Chapter 10, Jesus has revealed Himself as the water of life (4:13), bread of
life (6:35), and the light of life (8:12). And now in the last sign of His public ministry,
Jesus gives life itself (11:25-26), an anticipation of the fruitfulness of His own death and
resurrection.
Poured perfume (11:2)
This incident did not happen until later (12:3), but John’s first readers must have
been familiar with the story.
This sickness will not end in death (11:4)
Jesus does not mean that this sickness is not fatal, but that it will not end – ultimately
– in death. Far from it: it will end in resurrection from the dead so that God’s glory may
be revealed.
Do you believe this (11:26)?
When Jesus asked Martha this question, He was not asking whether she believed that
He was about to raise her brother from the dead. Rather, Jesus was asking whether her
faith could go beyond the quiet confidence that her brother would be resurrected at the
last day to personal trust in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
Weeping (11:33)
This word signifies a loud weeping, a wailing. Jewish funeral custom dictated that
the deceased family was required to hire professional wailers. It was also the habit of the
day to express grief in a noisy, rather unrestrained fashion and this was what the
mourners were doing. With a crowd of people engaged in this activity there must have
been quite a scene of confusion and sorrow.
Deeply moved in spirit and troubled (11:33)
This phrase could denote anger – anger against death, which is the effect of the fallen
human nature and sin. It could also refer to Jesus’ deep concern and indignation at the
attitude of the mourners that so completely misunderstood the nature of death and what
He has come to do.
Jesus wept (11:35)
By contrast to the weeping in 11:33, this word is a different verb that denotes a quiet
shedding of tears. The Jews interpreted Jesus’ display of emotion as His deep love for
Lazarus. Their conclusion was true for Jesus did love Lazarus and his sisters. But what
was wrong is that Jesus’ tears were not merely an evidence for His love for Lazarus, but
it also expressed grief as the result of sin and death and the unbelief of the people.
27
Discussion
1. Why do you think John stresses Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his sisters in this account
(11:3, 5, 36)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Despite His love for Lazarus and his family, why didn’t Jesus go immediately when
He learnt of the sickness (11:4-6, 14-15. See also11:25-26, 41-42)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Jesus’ disciples warned Him that going to Bethany, less than two miles from
Jerusalem, was highly dangerous (11:8). What was the point that Jesus made in
response to the disciples (11:9-10)? What does Jesus’ response tell you about His
character and priorities (11:9-11)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. What does the declaration of Martha in 11:27 reveal about her faith in Jesus?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Why do you think Jesus was deeply moved and wept (11:33-35; cf. Luke 19:41. See
Historical Background above)?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. After Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, he was raised to life and came out of
the tomb. John concludes this miraculous sign with the command of Jesus to the
people to help loosen Lazarus’ grave clothes and let him go (11:44b). This is because
Lazarus could never have loosened his grave clothes by himself. What is your insight
into this incident? What does this teach you about the role of the body of Christ?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
28
Theological Insight
It is no accident that this miraculous sign is placed as the climax of Jesus’ public
ministry in the Gospel of John. Jesus raised Lazarus not solely out of sympathy for
Martha and Mary, though His sympathy was great. Nor was it out of His love for
Lazarus, even though Lazarus was especially dear to Him. He raised Lazarus because
through the miracle of His restoration, Jesus manifests Himself as the resurrection and the
life. This leads to the climax and the greatest miracle of all – Jesus’ own resurrection.
Indeed, this sign is rightly the climatic sign.
Application
1. What implications did this event have for Mary and Martha (11:25-27; 40-42)? What
implication does this event have for you?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
For Further Study
1. Read about Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 and also about Mary in John 12:1-11.
Make a comparison with John 11. What insights do you gather about the character of
Mary and Martha? What can you learn from these two sisters?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. The result of the miraculous sign, as always, is division. There are those who believed
(11:45) and of course, there are those who did not believe (11:46). What are the
results of belief and unbelief?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
29
Review and Summary
The Gospel of John is indeed the Book of Signs. Although John asserts that the
seven signs were selected from a much larger number known to him, he does not
exaggerate their importance. He never presents Jesus as a magician who displayed His
powers for advertising purposes, but he uses these marvels to confirm or illustrate the
nature of Jesus’ teaching and claims. The miraculous signs turn the attention of the reader
to the One who performed them rather than to the miracles themselves.
John says plainly “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his
disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his
name” (John 20:30-31). The purpose that John records these signs is to show Jesus as the
Christ, the Son of God. And he does this not in order to give his readers some interesting
new information but in order that he may bring them to a place of faith, and accordingly
to new life in Christ’s name.
In addition, John also constantly let us see through these signs the challenge posed
by the message of Jesus. People are divided over His message. Either they commit
themselves to Christ in faith and so enter life, or, they refuse to commit themselves and
remain in darkness and in the bondage of their own sins.
As you review the seven signs that we have studied, jot answers to the following
questions and attempt to fill in the chart. Don’t force yourself to answer all of these or
only these questions. Also, don’t force yourself to answer all parts of every question. Go
into as much depth as you can. Finally, don’t treat the questions as a comprehensive final
examination. Instead, imagine yourself explaining these things to a non-believer. Your
goals are to understand the message of this Gospel well enough to let it influence your
life and to explain the message of the Gospel to others.
1. What did Jesus reveal about Himself and His mission through each of the signs John
recorded?
a. Turning the water into wine
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Healing of the Official’s son
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. Healing of the man at the pool
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
30
d. Feeding of the five thousand
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
e. Walking on water
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
f. Healing of the man born blind
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
g. The raising of Lazarus
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. The Gospel of John has also been called the “Gospel of Belief”. In fact, as we have
seen, this is the very purpose of the signs – so that the reader might believe and
receive life in Jesus’ name. Review all the narratives that describe the seven signs and
make an identification, where possible, of the forms of the word “believe” that relate
to each sign. Take note also of who believed, when or under what circumstances, and
the behaviour that was the result. Where possible, identify also those who did not
believe and describe their behaviour. Fill in your insights in the following chart. An
example has been given in the following table..
Sign
2:1-11
Turning the water
into wine
Reference
to Belief
2:11
Individual
or Group
Disciples
Outcomes and Inferences
•
•
•
•
The quality and the quantity of the wine were
more than enough to satisfy those who
attended the wedding.
This sign revealed the glory of God.
As a result of the sign the disciples put their
faith in Jesus.
No mention was made on the response of the
crowd in this passage. Evidently, they
remembered this miraculous sign (4:45-46). It
can therefore be said that they did not have
genuine faith because they only wanted a
miracle worker and not the message of the
Miracle Worker.
31
Sign
Reference
to Belief
Individual
or Group
Outcomes and Inferences
4:43-54
The healing of the
official’s son
5:1-18
The healing of the
man at the pool
6:1-15
The feeding of the
five thousand
32
Sign
Reference
to Belief
Individual
or Group
Outcomes and Inferences
6:16-24
The walking on
water
9:1-41
The healing of the
man born blind
11:1-46
The raising of
Lazarus
33
Summary:
a. What do you discover about the biblical use of the word “believe” and the
behaviour associated with belief or the act of believing?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. How would you like this to affect your life in a deeper way?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. What practical steps can you take toward cooperating with God in achieving this
end?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. John 20:30-31 is the Gospel writer’s statement of purpose. What do the following
terms mean?
To believe (in Jesus, or that Jesus is the Christ)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Jesus is the Christ
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Jesus is the Son of God
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
34
By believing you may have life in His name
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. How has the study of the signs in the Gospel of John helped you in your spiritual
walk? What lessons, truths or principles have you learned? What practical steps can
you take to put into practice what you have learned?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
35
Bibliography
Barrett, C. K. The Gospel according to St John: An Introduction with Commentary and
notes on the Greek Text. UK: SPCK, 1978.
Beasley-Murray, G. R. John. Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 36. Waco: Word Books,
1987.
Brown, Raymond. The Gospel according to John: Introduction, Translation and Notes, 2
Vols. New York: Doubleday, 1966-71.
* Carson, Donald A. The Gospel According to John. The Pillar New Testament
Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.
Fuller, R. H. Interpreting the Miracles. London: SCM Press, 1963.
Hendriksen, William. Exposition of the Gospel according to John. 2 Vols. (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1953-54.
Michaels, J. Ramsey. John. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody:
Hendricksen, 1984, 1989.
* Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to John. Revised Edition. The New International
Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
Phillips, John. Exploring the Gospels: John. Neptune: Loizeaux Brothers, 1989.
Ridderbos, Herman. The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1997.
* Tenney, Merrill. John: The Gospel of Belief. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948.
*________. “John.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol 9. Frank E. Gaebelein,
General Editor. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.
Notes
* Highly recommended for further study and research. These commentaries are written
by evangelical scholars. Tenney’s commentaries are brief, concise and less technical.
Move on to Morris which provides comprehensive and excellent treatment of the text
and also valuable discussion on the Greco-Roman and Jewish world of the New
Testament era. Most of the technical discussions are regulated to the footnotes. Also
consult Carson, which is more technical and contains frequent references to the Greek
text. However, do not allow this to stop you from extracting excellent insights and
discussions from this superb commentary.
36