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Jesus did this, the
first of his signs in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his
disciples believe in him.
The seven signs John lists are:
1.
Changing water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11
- "the first of the signs"
2.
Healing the royal official's son in Capernaum in
John 4:46-54
3.
Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15
4.
Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14
5.
Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24
6.
Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7
7.
The raising of Lazarus in John 11:1-45
The seven signs are seen by some scholars and theologians
as evidence of new creation theology in the Gospel of John, the resurrection of
Jesus being the implied eighth sign, indicating a week of creation and then a
new creation beginning with the resurrection.
So why are these signs important – what are signs anyway?
Simply, they are visible markers pointing the way. For example, as you drive around
this area of the mountain, you see signs pointing the way to the airport. These
signs are important to those wishing to board a plane and fly away. But first
they must get to the airport. But to others who have no plans to fly – they are
of no interest.
John is writing his gospel account for people who are
searching for direction for their lives – there must be more to life – how will
I find it – who can help me get there? The miracles of Jesus are clear and
dramatic signs. Here is One who has control over the natural world surely, he
is able to lead us to the fullness of life. When we are onboard with Jesus we
will fly away home to heaven.
Now the signs John sights are dramatic, they have to be.
They must be clear and convincing. As John’s gospel unfolds it demonstrates who
are the true seekers and who are not, those who stubbornly refuse to see – I am
perfectly fine thank you, just as I am.
So how about us – are we seekers or stay-at-homer’s? The fact
that we here in this place or worship suggests we are seekers. Yet we must always
examine the motives of our hearts. There are so many distractions, so many
misleading signs, redirecting our hearts to seek other ways – shortcuts to
happiness. Spiritual writers call this discernment and the prayer of examine
where we ask the Holy Spirit to point out if we have taken any wrong turns
alone the way. So the three Epiphanies have been manifested, and the signs laid
out. Let us take up the gospels anew and follow him who is the Way, the Truth
and Life eternal.
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For more on the Prayer of Examine go to: . . . LINK . . .
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