null
Truth Magazine - THE UNIQUENESS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL: Unique Signs by Marshall McDaniel

Truth Magazine - THE UNIQUENESS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL: Unique Signs by Marshall McDaniel

Posted by Lance Taylor on Jun. 19, 2024

Truth News

June 19th, 2024
Please enjoy this sample article from the April issue of Truth Magazine

THE UNIQUENESS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL #3: Unique Signs

by Marshall McDaniel

Synopsis: The unique signs in the Gospel of John provide additional glimpses of Jesus that sound a common refrain: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Introduction

The Gospel of John repeatedly speaks of signs. The word translated “sign(s)” (semeion) occurs seventeen times in John. It occurs thirteen times in Matthew, seven in Mark, and eleven in Luke, but not all the instances in these gospels refer to miraculous signs. In John, signs are always miraculous, but they are not only demonstrations of power; they are also instructive. Signs communicate the divine truth about Jesus.

A few of the signs in John parallel those found in the other gospels, but most are unique. Only John chronicles the following signs: Jesus turning water into wine (2:1-11), healing the official’s son (4:43-54), healing the invalid at the pool of Bethesda (5:1-15), healing the man born blind (9:1-41), and raising Lazarus from the dead (11:1-53). John is also the only gospel writer to record Peter’s second supernatural catch of fish (21:1-14), though he does not specifically refer to this miracle as a sign. Still, even the signs paralleled in other gospels—such as Jesus feeding the multitudes (6:1-15; cf. Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17) and walking on the water (John 6:16-21; cf. Matt 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52)—are exceptional in that John often follows these events with extensive teaching, explaining their significance.

Near the end of his gospel, John reveals why he records signs: “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31, NASB). John documents select signs to produce in his readers faith that Jesus is the Christ (“the Anointed One,” that is, “the King”), the Son of God. The signs in John offer unique glimpses of Jesus—who He is and what He does: “[T]hese deeds bespoke something unusual in Christ’s person, and were themselves signposts pointing in the direction of something altogether new and different about him” (King, xliii). John records signs so that we may know that Jesus is Lord and God.

Jesus Determined His Signs

The sovereignty of Christ is evident from the first and second of His signs (John 2:1-11; 4:43-54). John ends his record of these signs with a similar phrase: “This is the beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him” (2:11, NASB) and “This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee” (4:54, NASB). While the New American Standard Bible (and many other English versions) provides the general sense of John 2:11 and 4:54, the translation inadvertently masks the implied authority of Jesus when it renders the underlying Greek as “this is the beginning of His signs Jesus did” and “this is again a second sign that Jesus performed.” These translations make it sound as though the focus is merely on the sequence.

The NET Bible supplies a helpful translation that emphasizes both sequence and sovereignty: “Jesus did this as the first of His miraculous signs” (2:11, NET) and “Jesus did this as His second miraculous sign” (4:54, NET). The translators of the NET provide footnotes for both John 2:11 and 4:54 that include a similar alternative: “Jesus made this to be.” Using the alternative translation, John 2:11 reads, “Jesus made this to be the first of His miraculous signs.” Greek grammarian Daniel B. Wallace prefers the marginal reading and contends that “the evangelist’s emphasis becomes clearer: Jesus was both powerful and sovereign” (Wallace, 187; cf. p. 242). Jesus (in accordance with the will of the Father) determined His first and second signs. Neither familial (Mary) nor social (official) obligations forced Him into compliance. Jesus made the signs of turning water into wine and of healing the official’s son to be His first and second signs.

Clearly, then, Jesus decided when to perform His signs, but He also determined what to accomplish through them. As John 2:11 relates, Jesus ultimately performed His signs to manifest His glory and establish faith in His disciples. The signs in the Gospel of John thus reveal a powerful and purposeful Jesus.

Jesus Manifested Himself through His Signs

The self-disclosure of Christ is apparent in each of His signs. Jesus uses signs to teach us who He is. Homer Hailey offers the following descriptions of Jesus based on signs in John 1-12 (Hailey, 110-113):

Miracle

Meaning
Turning Water into Wine (2:1-11) He is “the master of matter” (p. 110)
Healing the Official’s Son (4:43-54) He is “the master of distance and space” (p. 111)
Healing the Invalid (5:1-15) He is “the master of time” (p. 111)
Feeding the Multitudes (6:1-15) He is “the [master] of quantity” (p. 112)
Walking on the Water (6:16-21) He is “the master of natural forces” and “of gravity” (p. 112)
Healing the Man Born Blind (9:1-41) He is “the master of light” and “over adversity” (p. 112)
Raising Lazarus from the Dead (11:1-53) He is “the master over death” (p. 113)

Though Hailey rightly appreciates the theme of authority (“master of/over”) in the signs and his understanding of the significance of the signs is helpful in many ways, the surrounding narratives/teachings in the Gospel of John itself provide the clearest explanations of the identity of Jesus. We would do well to read and meditate on each of the signs (and the surrounding contexts) with this question in our minds: What does this sign teach me about the person—especially the deity—of Jesus? When we do, Jesus shows Himself to be the Master of a (spiritual) feast/wedding (John 2:1-11; cf. vv. 12-22; Isa. 25:6-8; Rev. 19:6-8), the King of Israel (= “royal official;” John 4:43-54; cf. 20:30-31), and so much more. The remaining signs portray Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath and the Son of God (5:1-47), the Prophet like Moses and the Bread (“Manna”) of heaven/God/life (6:1-14, 22-65), the LORD (“I AM”) of the wind and the sea (vv. 15-21; cf. Isa. 43:1-7), the Light of the world (John 8:12-9:41), and the Resurrection and the Life (11:1-53; cf. 12:1-50).

Jesus chose to reveal Himself through His signs. His signs prove that He is Lord. Jesus is Lord, first, in the sense that He is the Master of all things (e.g., nature, illness, death), but He is also—and more importantly—Lord in the sense that He is God (= Yahweh [or Jehovah], the LORD, the great I AM). In short, the signs in John cry out, “Jesus is God!”

Jesus Became the Ultimate Sign

The sign of signs is the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, in a sense, then, becomes a sign. Sometime after His first sign in Cana of Galilee, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem and “infamously” cleansed the temple. The Jews challenged Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” (John 2:18, NASB). “Destroy this temple,” Jesus replied, “and in three days I will raise it up” (v. 19, NASB). John explains that Jesus was speaking of His own death and resurrection (vv. 21-22). The resurrection, then, is the ultimate proof that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that He possesses (divine) authority (20:30-31). Paul likewise affirms that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God with power. . . by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4, NKJV). Near the end of the Gospel of John, Thomas recognizes the implications of the resurrection when he sees Jesus and exclaims, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28, NASB). Will we too “see” the significance of the sign of signs and submit to the authority of Christ? The resurrection should cause us to bend the knee to Jesus. Will we do so?

Conclusion

The signs in the Gospel of John instill wonder, impart instruction, lead us to Jesus, and persuade us that He is the Christ, the Son of God (i.e., God; John 20:30-31). During the time of Christ’s earthly ministry, some who saw the signs believed (2:23; 10:40-41; cf. 3:2; 7:31). Others did not (11:47-48; 12:37-41; cf. vv. 42-43). The hardhearted dismiss the signs of Jesus; the honest appreciate them (and their implications). How will we respond to the signs in the Gospel of John? John recorded them for people like us. If we accept them, and believe in the One who performed such miracles, and humbly submit to His will, we will inherit eternal life. May we join the faithful company of “those who have not seen and yet have believed” so that we too may receive this intended end of the miraculous signs of Jesus (John 20:29, NKJV)!

Sources

Hailey, Homer. That You May Believe: Studies in the Gospel of John. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1973.

King, Daniel H., Sr. The Gospel of John. Truth Commentaries. Bowling Green, KY: Guardian of Truth Foundation, 1998.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Author Bio

Marshall McDaniel has worked with the Pepper Road church of Christ in Athens, AL, since 2021. He and his wife, Emily, have four children. The church website is here. He can be reached here.

Author


Living Pure Lives
by David Banning
(Discovering God's Way Series)
Junior (Grades 4-6) Year 3, Book 4

Using texts from Proverbs as a theme, thirteen lessons deal with the challenges young people face in their lives of service to God. Based on the idea of the ''Highway of Holiness'' (Isaiah 35:8), various scenarios are presented to make the student think and recognize the enemies to avoid in living a pure life.

Table of Contents:

Lesson 1: Highway of Holiness

Lesson 2: An Enemy On the Road

Lesson 3: Talkin' on the Road

Lesson 4: On the Road With Mom and Dad

Lesson 5: Making Friends On the Road

Lesson 6: Dealing with Enemies on the Road

Lesson 7: Old People on the Road

Lesson 8: Protecting my Mind While I'm On the Road (Part 1)

Lesson 9: Protecting my Mind While I'm On the Road (Part 2)

Lesson 10: Protecting My Body While I'm on the Road (Part 1)

Lesson 11: Protecting My Body While I'm on the Road (Part2)

Lesson 12: Keeping My Cool While I'm on the Road

Lesson 13: Laying Out My Action Plan

DGW Junior 3:4 Living Pure Lives
DGW Junior 3:4 Living Pure Lives
reg. $9.97 | sale $5.00
View
Less than 1 month until 2024 Truth Lectures!
Be sure to follow CEI Bookstore | Truth Publications on social media for details and updates for the event:
Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn

Check TruthLectures.com for schedule, speakers, and event information.

Pre-Ordering of the 2024 Truth Lectures book will launch soon, so stay connected!
What is in the Book?
by Hoyt Houchen

Sound, clear, and concise survey of each book of the Old & New Testament in single lessons with accompanying study questions and suggested resources for further study.

Hoyt Houchen (1918-2007) preached the gospel for nearly 70 years for churches in California, Texas, and Colorado. He served for over twenty-five years as an elder with the Boston St. church of Christ in Aurora, Colorado, where he also served as an evangelist.

Accountability and Obeying the Gospel:
Suggestions to Parents

by Ric Keaster

A short study aimed at helping parents navigate the challenging issues involved in helping their children determine when they are ready to obey the gospel. As a retired professor and Bible class teacher, Ric explores some approaches that can be taken with children that will help them make this important decision and evaluate if and when they are ready to make such a commitment.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Good and Evil

Accountability: Being Responsible for Our Thoughts and Actions

Maturational Variability

Peer Influence

Parental Dilemma

“I Want to Be Baptized”

Some Questions

Minimal Scriptural Understanding

What If I Think They Are Not Ready?

Potential Outcomes of Selected Approaches

Final Points

Accountability and Obeying the Gospel: Suggestions for Parents
Accountability and Obeying the Gospel: Suggestions for Parents
retail $9.97 | pre-order $8.97
View

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Helping you worship God!

850 hymns • wide genre • recovered verses • a teaching hymnal

This hymnal's goal is to help saints glorify God in musical worship. One of the most noticeable features is the use of Phrased Notation. The width of the hymn is determined by the words and phrases, not the size of the page.

Additional highlights include: Smyth sewn binding, so it lays flat. The dimensions give it the feel of a “handbook,” literally – it fits the hand well. Good use of white space, as in a book of poetry, and the hymn selection, a mix of old and new, is marvelous.

Get it into your hands and you will see the great quality!

***For best shipping quotes on large quantity orders, please call us at 855-492-6657.***

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Hymnal
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Hymnal
$19.97
View
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Hymnal - FlexCase
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Hymnal - FlexCase
$43.97
View
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs SlideMaker
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs SlideMaker
reg. $849.00 | sale $649.00
View
You Do Not Change - 15 Hymn Slide Set
You Do Not Change - 15 Hymn Slide Set
reg. $89.97 | sale $53.98
View
Digital Truth Magazine - One Year Subscription
Digital Truth Magazine - One Year Subscription
$14.95
View
TIL Passing the Torch, by  Mike Willis
TIL Passing the Torch, by Mike Willis
$10.97 | sale $5.00
View
As We Behold His Glory by Keith Hamilton, is a thirteen-lesson Bible study workbook exploring the identity, work, and roles associated with Jesus. Students are urged to “behold” Jesus as a Savior, Child, Man, Bridegroom, Servant, Physician, Lamb, Lion, Lord and God, Prophet, High Priest, King, and Judge. Each lesson ends with discussion questions challenging the student to carefully consider the material presented. It is an excellent text for use in Bible classes, small groups, and for individual study to grow in one’s understanding of the significance the Lord can hold in our lives.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

1. Behold, a Savior

2. Behold, This Child

3. Behold, the Man

4. Behold, the Bridegroom

5. Behold, My Servant

6. Behold, the Great Physician

7. Behold, the Lamb of God

8. Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

9. Behold, My Lord and My God

10. Behold, God’s Prophet

11. Behold, Our Great High Priest

12. Behold, Your King

13. Behold, the Judge

Order your copy today here!


Defending the Faith Bible
Personal-Carry Edition

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
[NOTE: This personal-carry edition is NOT our extensive, 2,500-page apologetics STUDY Bible, but a smaller Bible with some good basic study notes for relatively new Bible readers.]

Features:
New King James Version
Brown/Softback cover
1,500 pages / Weight: 2 pounds
Includes Old and New Testament text
Brief summaries and outlines of each book
14 full-color maps
80 pages of foundational truth material

Potential Uses:
Evangelism tool
Graduation gift Bible
Visitor Bible
Mission field
Fair booths
School classrooms
New converts
Pew Bible

ISBN - 978-1-60063-185-6
Brown/Softback, 1,500 pages, 2023
Dimensions: 8.75" x 5.75" x 1.75"
Text size: 9 pt. font
No red-letter text

Bible NKJV Defending the Faith Personal - Carry Edition (Brown/Softcover)
Bible NKJV Defending the Faith Personal - Carry Edition (Brown/Softcover)
$14.00
View
A Short Study in Church History
A Short Study in Church History
reg. $4.97 / sale $1.97
View
Click to View our collection of books by Bob & Sandra Waldron

And I heard a voice from heaven saying,
"Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"

Revelation 14:13 ESV
Connecting

CEI Bookstore and truthbooks.com - your source for trustworthy Bible study materials and supplies since 1955.

Shop Now
Educating

Truth Magazine is our monthly digital periodical focused on teaching Bible principles.
Subscribe
Informing

Truth Lectures
Annual Bible lectureship
God's Power in John
July 15-18, 2024

Learn More
View Catalog
Shop Website
Facebook
Twitter
Link
Website
Copyright © 2024 Truth Publications / CEI Bookstore, All rights reserved.