This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. John 4:54
This is a marvelous story. But what is its significance for us? It is important for us to get clear in our minds the proper application of this story.
- This story is not about you having enough faith for a miracle.
The application is not that if we had enough faith we would all see our loved ones healed. There is no doubt that God can and does grant miracles today. But miracles are miracles. By definition, that means miracles are not what normally happens. Why then are these miraculous stories here in the Gospels if this is not what normally happens? - This story was written so that you may believe.
This miracle, John tells us, was a sign: “This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” John tells us why the signs were given: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:31).
John’s Gospel, the signs and everything else, were written so that you would know that Jesus is the supreme Lord of heaven and earth, that he is God with us, that whatever he says happens, and that by believing in him you may have life in his name.
How do you normally think about the purpose of miracles in the Bible?
