Seven Signs in John: A Simple Process for Evangelism and Starting Churches

Contents

Introduction 1

Changing Water to Wine – John 2:1-11 1

What does this story say about people? 1

What does this story say about Jesus? 2

What does this story say about you? 2

Who needs to hear this story? 2

Healing the Official’s Son – John 4:46-54 3

What does this story say about people? 3

What does this story say about Jesus? 3

What does this story say about you? 4

Who needs to hear this story? 4

The Invalid of Bethesda – John 5:1-18 4

What does this story say about people? 4

What does this story say about Jesus? 5

What does this story say about you? 5

Who needs to hear this story? 5

The Feeding of the 5,000 – John 6:5-14 6

What does this story say about people? 6

What does this story say about Jesus? 6

What does this story say about you? 7

Who needs to hear this story? 7

Jesus Walking on the Water – John 6:16-21 (25-35) 7

What does this story say about people? 7

What does this story say about Jesus? 8

What does this story say about you? 8

Who needs to hear this story? 8

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind – John 9:1-41 9

What does this story say about people? 9

What does this story say about Jesus? 9

What does this story say about you? 9

Who needs to hear this story? 10

The Resurrection of Lazarus – John 11:17-46 10

What does this story say about people? 10

What does this story say about Jesus? 10

What does this story say about you? 11

Who needs to hear this story? 11

Reflection and Application 11

Bibliography 13

Introduction

The gospel is one of the most important documents in human history. It is imperative that Christians continue to spread the gospel and be disciples of His word. Specifically, the Gospel of John makes it easier to be a disciple and to spread the word to those who do not know it. In order to show the unbeliever the truth about God, Scripture includes seven signs to “present the true Christ to an unbelieving heart.”1 It is through scripture, and through these seven signs, that Christians can open the eyes and hearts of non-believers, and possibly bring them into the light of Jesus Christ.

Changing Water to Wine – John 2:1-11

What does this story say about people?

This story explains why all people should put their trust in God. Jesus orders His servants to fill six stone jars to the brim with water. When the master of the feast tastes the water, it had turned to wine. This fools the master into thinking the good wine was saved for after the poor wine, which was unusual for the time. In doing so, Jesus shows His glory and the glory of God; it shows that all things come through Him. The master thought he had just drunk wine, not water that had been turned to wine. Although the master was unaware of what happened, Jesus’ servants were, creating a stronger faith in His disciples. Even when it is not crystal clear, God is working in everyone’s lives. This is a clear example of how He does so. The problem of not having enough wine was solved without the master ever knowing there was a

problem in the first place. Sometimes, things come directly from God, without it ever being obvious.

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1. Neil Cole, “Seven Signs in John: A Simple Process for Evangelism and Starting Churches,” cmaresources.org, April 24, 2010, accessed September 16, 2018, https://www.cmaresources.org/article/seven-signs-in-john.

What does this story say about Jesus?

This story shows two things about Jesus: His divinity and graciousness. When the wine first runs out Jesus tells Mary, “My hour has not yet come.”2 Although she did not quite understand what Jesus meant when saying this, it shows the reader Jesus knew His divine plan the entire time. To Mary, Jesus was just trying to calm her down, but, Jesus knew when His “hour” or His death would truly come. Jesus would not fret over some missing wine, for He knew God’s plan. This story also shows how gracious Jesus truly was. He turned 100 gallons of water to wine. This amount of wine was far more wine than requested. Through such a gracious act, God’s glory is truly evident.

What does this story say about you?

This story tells me I must not sweat the small things and put my faith into Jesus more often. In this situation, not having wine for a wedding party could have been a catastrophe. Even nowadays, if anything were to be missing from a bride’s wedding, she would be upset and it would ruin her day. However, this story shows me that little things like missing wine should not ruin an occasion as special as a wedding. Although I may not have Jesus physically at my wedding to turn my water into wine, I must remember to trust in Him. Maybe there is a reason for what is going on around me. Putting my faith into Jesus can eliminate uneasy feelings, even if over something as small as not enough wine.

Who needs to hear this story?

This story should be known throughout the world. The world can be a very stressful

place. People often get consumed with their lives and what they’re doing in the moment and forget about Jesus. It is important to remember Jesus is there, especially in times of need.

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2. John 2:4 (ESV).

Healing the Official’s Son – John 4:46-54

What does this story say about people?

This story emphasizes how important it is for people to have faith without having to see signs and have physical evidence. In this story Jesus tells the official “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”3 Regardless of this, Jesus heals the official’s son. People often want or need evidence to believe in something. When it comes to Jesus, the gospel is all that is needed. Believing the gospel is not a matter of what has been seen, but a matter of faith. People should have faith in Jesus regardless of what they have seen or heard. Critically thinking is a huge part of the decision-making process and putting faith into something, but that is why the gospel was created.

What does this story say about Jesus?

This story demonstrates Jesus’ divinity, but it also shows He does things the way He wants. In this story, the official asks Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son. Instead, Jesus tells him his son will be healed. Jesus is not worried with what the official wants but is worried with what the official believes. Instead of following his orders, Jesus does what He wants. In

doing show He can show He is the son of God while still healing the official’s son. This story

also explains Jesus’ want for people to have faith without seeing miracles. They should believe

Him because He says so, not because they saw a miracle. God loves His creation, but He cannot demonstrate a miracle every day. Sometimes, people must have faith because they believe, not because they witnessed a miracle.

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3. John 4:48 (ESV).

What does this story say about you?

This story tells me that I should not ask God for answers or the easy way out. God will do what is best for His plan and His creation. I often find myself asking God to help me through tough times, but in the way I want. God does not answer to me, I answer to Him. Asking Him to help me get through a tough week or get over a sickness may not entail what I think it does. God’s plan may not include my plan. However, God’s plan is the best plan, and having faith in Him and what He wants