“Signs that Transform Faith.”
John 2:1-25
“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” [John 2:11]
John is unique from the other Gospels. We have highlighted some of the differences thus far. But the one that we will see this morning is the “signs.” Signs are miracles. John highlighted seven signs in detail, six of which are not found in Luke and five not found in Matthew and Mark.
The only “sign” found in all four Gospels is the feeding of five thousand. However, only John follows up with the message, “I am the bread of life” [John 6:48].
The Gospel of John, written many years after the Synoptics, is a selective Gospel. In his later years, the Spirit moved John to select certain parts of Jesus’ life to include.
In our text this morning is the record of the first sign. But remember, John also recorded our Lord’s seven “I am” declarations proclaiming, “I am” God. The signs were direct pointers to the “I am” declarations, and thus, “I am the bread of life” followed the feeding of five thousand.
John Chapter 2 highlights our Lord’s first sign; turning water to wine. At first glance it seems a strange sign to record, especially since there are only seven that John highlighted. What significance was turning water to wine? It seems like cleansing the leper or casting out a demon would be a more significant miracle. [By the way, John records neither, unlike the other Gospels, yet another distinguishing feature].
But John himself reveals the significance: “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And His disciples believed in him.” [John 2:11, NLT]
The “first time” is noteworthy. It was when Jesus began His public ministry. His glory was revealed at an appointed time; no sooner, and no later than God’s perfect timing.
John also recorded that His disciples responded by believing in him. It is not that they didn’t believe before the sign. But their believing was transformed by this first sign. Their faith was transformed from the natural to the supernatural through a miracle.
It is imperative that we go through a similar transformation. It is one thing to believe through the natural realm of a message, but quite another when that message is confirmed through a supernatural miracle.
Does God do miracles today? You bet He does!
And while miracles can never take the place of faith, they sure can transform faith, which is the all-important feature that we see in this first “sign” of turning water to wine.
