Introduction
The Bible has many different examples of Jesus performing miracles and signs. This paper will look at eight specific instances where Jesus performed a sign or miracle. The surrounding events and circumstances will be explored and how these signs and miracles show that Jesus is truly God, Immanuel with us.
The turning of water to wine
A brief description of the events of turning the water to wine:
Jesus is at a wedding in the city of Cana with his disciples and his mother, when the supply of wine for the wedding ran out. Weddings are a symbol of love and joy, and Jesus in demonstrating his love for the couple replenished their supply. It is interesting to note that Moses first sign was turning water into blood, while Jesus’ first sign was turning water into wine. (Keener, 1993)
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus was showing his disciples that he was able to perform miraculous signs, because only God can change one substance to be another one, as in the creation. He displayed power that only God can, the power of creation.
Healing of the Nobleman’s son’
A brief description of the events of healing of the Nobleman’s son:
While Jesus was once again in Cana, a high official went to see Jesus. The high official wanted to see if Jesus would be willing to come and see his son who was near death. The high official had faith that Jesus could heal his son. Once his son was healed, he and his household believed in the works of Jesus.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus was showing the high official that he was who he said he was. He was telling others that he was trustworthy and was able to heal the sick. Jesus was also sharing that he could be believed. Jesus showed that He was able to bring healing to the son without even seeing him. Jesus supernaturally healed the son whom He had probably never met, and never seen, from a distance and out of hundreds of thousands of people.
The healing of the lame man
A brief description of the events of healing of the lame man:
Jesus saw a paralyzed man at a pool which was used for cleaning animals, and saw that the man was losing hope. Jesus, full of love and compassion, healed the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. This was the first time that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus was showing that he being like God is full of compassion. He knew that the lame man was losing hope, and he showed him that he could have hope and believe in God. Nobody else had ever been able to help or heal this lame man. Jesus displayed His deity by doing something no one else had ever been able to do.
The feeding of the 5000
A brief description of the events of the feeding of the 5000:
Many people were following Jesus because they knew he had healed the sick. Therefore, when Jesus and his disciples were gathering together a massive crowd of people wanted to be near Jesus to see what he would do next. Knowing the crowd was hungry Jesus took five small loaves of bread and two fish that were given to him by Andrew, and blessed the food. The food was multiplied and the crowd ate as much as they had wanted. Many talked among themselves and believed that Jesus was a prophet.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus revealed his deity in showing that he is the bread of life. The crowd was hungry and wanted food. Jesus showed the crowd that He would take away their spiritual hunger. Jesus was able to create something from nothing. Jesus had to create the fish and bread. Only God can create something from nothing.
Jesus walks on the water
A brief description of the events of Jesus walking on water:
The disciples were in a boat traveling across the lake, when the weather had changed for the worse. When the disciples had rowed some distance out, they noticed Jesus coming towards them walking on the water. The disciples didn’t feel at peace, yet they were terrified though Jesus calmed their fears and they continued onto their trip to Capernaum.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus was revealing his deity as he showed the disciples that even in the storms of life that he will never leave us. He is always there, right along with us. Jesus was able to overrule the laws of nature.
The healing of the blind man
A brief description of the events of the healing of the blind man:
While continuing on a journey, Jesus met a man who was born blind. The disciples had believed that either the man or his parents had sinned because that was what they had been taught according to Jewish law (Keener, 1993). Jesus assured his disciples that neither the man nor his parents had sinned, and went ahead and healed the blind man by taking mud and using it along with saliva. The man who had been healed testified that, yes he was blind, but that Jesus healed him. This was another instance when Jesus healed on the Sabbath day.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus reveals his deity in showing that he can heal. He was showing his power over nature.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead
A brief description of the events of raising Lazarus from the dead:
One of Jesus dearest friends had died, and Jesus feeling emotional over the loss went to where Lazarus had been buried. Jesus, told Martha (Lazarus’s sister) to remove the stone. At first Martha objected, but then Jesus told her that she would see God’s glory is she believed in Jesus. The stone was them removed, and Jesus prayed to God, thanking him that his prayers were heard. After Jesus prayer, Lazarus came out as Jesus called him.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus reveals his deity in showing that He is above death. Jesus also revealed that He could give live where none existed. He displayed power over life and death.
The miraculous catches of fish
A brief description of the events of the healing of the blind man:
Jesus’ disciples had gotten together, and decided to go fishing near the Tiberias sea. However, they caught nothing that night. The next morning, Jesus (who was on the shore) told them to throw their nets to the right side of the boat, and they had a great catch of fish. Such a great catch, that they were unable to lift the net into the boat.
How this reveals the deity of Christ:
Jesus reveals his deity in showing that he is the great provider. Jesus supplied the disciples need for fish.
Conclusion
The book of John is a powerful book, and through reading this book written by a disciple whom Jesus dearly loved, we can know more about Jesus. Through reading this love letter by John, we can see clearly the powerful deity of Jesus Christ.
References
Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary : New Testament. Downers Grove, Illnois: InterVarsity Press.
Towns, Elmer (2002). The gospel of John: believe and live. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.
© 2021, Matt. All rights reserved.
