Strangely, referring to John the Baptist it says, “John produced not one sign”.
Confirmation of his message came through Christ’s miracles. (John 10:41). Old Testament signs were prophetic.
New Testament signs indicate the invisible, except when referring to the Cross and Resurrection which are sign-truths in themselves. John’s Gospel is built around half a dozen miracle-signs and eight or so “I am” signs. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life through his name.” 20:31.
In John’s Gospel and three epistles he never uses the word ‘miracle’ (Gr. dunamis) though it occurs 120 times in the New Testament. It is always “signs’ (Gr. semieon.) He prefers action words, and avoids static nouns like faith, repentance, knowledge.
John’s Gospel is unique. It tests readers. Do they know the language of the heart to “see” the signs? If so, ‘Look and live!’ or else never know what you are missing. He that believes has life. He who does not believe is already condemned”.
John records that many believed on Christ’s name seeing His signs, but He did not commit Himself to them (2:23-25). They saw but did not perceive, like Peter first going into Christ’s empty tomb, whereas John “saw and believed”.
Many accepted the signs Christ wrought, but He appeared to them only a wonder-worker, a sign-writer, but expelling demons, (e.g.) was a sign of the everlasting Kingdom of God. (Luke 11:20) For us to understand a miracle-sign fills Christ with joy. (Matthew 11:16-26). Christ pronounced seven “Woes” against cities where His greatest miracles took place “because they did not repent”.
They accepted the superficial and rejected its glorious objective. After His lament over the doomed cities He rejoiced in spirit with thanks to the Father who revealed the meanings to “babes and suckling”.
I trust and pray that this will bless you.
REINHARD BONNKE