A miracle in Biblical terms is an outpouring of power from God that defies ordinary explanation, produces wonder and constitutes a sign.
The Apostle John focused on seven signs that Jesus performed before His crucifixion. Why? Because he wanted the reader—especially fellow Hebrews—to realize that Jesus was, beyond doubt, the Savior of the world, the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophecies.
John tells us point blank what his purpose was for writing about Christ’s miracles. “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which aren’t recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, our King.” (John 20:30, 31.)
His first sign was turning water into wine at a Cana wedding reception, showing that Jesus is the key to changing the empty way of man’s religion into a living, joyful, relationship with the Lord. After the first miracle, Jesus went to Jerusalem and on to Samaria where He changed the lives of the woman at the well and her whole village.
Then He returned to Cana and news of His being there reached Capernaum—24 miles away on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a full day’s travel on foot. Yet a royal official from there came desperately to Cana to beg Jesus to heal his son.
Can you imagine the goodbye of that father with his child? He had to leave his dying son to go on a near marathon length, full-day’s journey. No uber. No light rail. He set off walking as fast as he could, hoping to find the one person he thinks can heal him. That’s desperation.
Are you in a place of desperation? Feeling completely alone as you struggle through a troublesome time? Are you, like this royal official, willing to drop your own pride and run toward Jesus for help? This man begging became the man truly believing that Jesus could heal his son, and he pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” (John 4:49) “Then Jesus told him, ‘Go back home. Your son will live!’ And the man believed Him and started home,” (John 4:50) where he found his son had begun to get better at the same time Jesus told him his son would live.
What can we learn from this second sign? John wants us to realize that this miracle teaches us that 1) Critical situations of faith should drive us to Jesus. 2) God has authority over sickness and death. 3) Time and distance are no obstacle for His miracles.
At LECC we’d be happy to pray for a miracle for you when you visit us at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula. Small group Bible study begins at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m. Let’s keep running toward Jesus, seeking the hope fully found in the presence of Christ, the Messiah, our Miracle Worker.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
