The 7 Signs in the Gospel of John
Introduction: Miracles with a Message
In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ miracles aren’t called “miracles”—they’re called signs (sēmeia in Greek). Why? Because they point beyond themselves. Like signs on a road, they don’t exist for their own sake; they direct attention to who Jesus is and what He came to do.
John’s Gospel is structured around seven signs, each revealing a different dimension of Jesus’ identity, mission, and divine authority. John 20:30–31 tells us the reason for these signs:
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Let’s explore these seven powerful signs—and what each one teaches us.
1. Turning Water into Wine
John 2:1–11 — “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory.”
At a wedding in Cana, Jesus turns water into wine—not to impress, but to quietly preserve a family’s honor. This sign reveals his compassionate presence in everyday life, his power over nature, and his abundance. It’s also deeply symbolic: the water of ritual cleansing is transformed into wine—hinting at the new covenant Jesus will bring.
This sign sets the tone for a Savior who transforms shame into joy.
2. Healing the Official’s Son
John 4:46–54 — “The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him.”
A royal official pleads for Jesus to heal his dying son (he had traveled almost 20 miles to find Jesus!). Jesus speaks a word from afar—and the child is healed. This sign showcases Jesus’ authority over space and illness, and it highlights faith that trusts without seeing. The healing takes place at a distance, affirming that Jesus’ power is not bound by proximity.
The true miracle here is not just physical healing—but belief.
3. Healing the Lame Man at Bethesda
John 5:1–15 — “Do you want to be made well?”
At the pool of Bethesda, a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years receives healing not from the waters—but from the Word. This sign challenges both religious assumptions and human helplessness. Jesus heals on the Sabbath, prompting controversy and foreshadowing opposition.
The question “Do you want to be made well?” echoes through generations of spiritual paralysis.
4. Feeding the 5,000
John 6:1–15 — “He gave thanks and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.”
With five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds a massive crowd—12 baskets left over. This sign mirrors Moses feeding the Israelites with manna and sets up Jesus’ later teaching that He is the Bread of Life. It’s a moment of provision, compassion, and theological symbolism.
Jesus satisfies physical hunger to point to the deeper hunger of the soul.
5. Walking on Water
John 6:16–21 — “It is I; do not be afraid.”
In the dark of night, amid rough waters, Jesus walks across the Sea of Galilee to reach his disciples. This sign displays his power over chaos and nature, echoing God’s dominion over the waters in Genesis. He calms their fear with his presence: “It is I,” which in Greek echoes ego eimi—“I Am.”
When we feel most alone, Jesus comes to us in the storm, walking on what we fear.
6. Healing the Man Born Blind
John 9:1–41 — “I was blind, but now I see!”
This is the only recorded healing of a person born blind in the Gospels. Jesus mixes mud and heals the man’s sight, triggering a deep controversy with religious leaders. The healing becomes a parable in motion: some who physically see are spiritually blind, and one who was blind now sees clearly who Jesus is.
This sign invites us to recognize our own blindness—and respond in belief.
7. Raising Lazarus from the Dead
John 11:1–44 — “Lazarus, come out!”
The climax of the signs, this miracle happens after Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus weeps, then raises his friend, showing power over death and prefiguring his own resurrection. It’s not just about Lazarus—it’s a sign of new creation, a glimpse of what’s possible through belief in Christ.
This final sign demands a response: do you believe in the Resurrection and the Life?
Meaning for Today
These seven signs are more than ancient wonders—they are invitations. Each one calls us to believe. Not just to admire Jesus, but to trust him—to see beyond the miracle to the Messiah. They remind us that the same Jesus who turned water into wine and called a dead man out of the grave still moves, still speaks, and still restores today.
“These are written so that you may believe…”
May these signs deepen your faith and help you see the glory of the One who works through them.
