Going Beyond the Miraculous

I met a man last night who does not believe in God. Why? Because he can not philosophically accept the existence of a God. This is truly sad. At our meeting we talked about death and care for those who were dying. We talked about the hope that comes from knowing there is life after death. He said it is a nice thing for me to offer this hope, but he can not believe in life after death. It is a pity for the suffering and demise, which is so useless.

John’s gospel says, “many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.” (2:23) Nicodemus came to Jesus because, “no one could perform the miraculous signs … if God were not with him.” (3:2) Perhaps the man I was with needs to see a miraculous sign to stretch him.

Miraculous signs can change our philosophies and beliefs. The people begged for signs. (4:48; 6:30) They followed Jesus because of his signs. (6:2, 14; 7:31; 11:47-48; 12:18) In a sense, even those who were “too wise” for signs looked for a sign to prove Jesus had some authority. (2:10; 3:2; 9:16)

Commonly people say Jesus performed seven signs in his gospel: 1) Changing water into wine in John 2:1-11; 2) Healing the royal official's son 4:46-54; 3) Healing the paralytic 5:1-18; 4) Feeding the 5000 6:5-14; 5) Walking on water 6:16-24; 6) Healing the blind man 9:1-7; 7) Raising Lazarus from the dead 11:1-45. And there was an eighth sign: the Resurrection. In addition to these seven signs, John wants us to know, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.” (20:30)

To come to belief because we see the signs is a wonderful thing, but Jesus tells us we need to get beyond the signs. Jesus challenges the royal official from Capernaum, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe.” (4:48) He tells the people at the Sea of Galilee, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (6:26) For our faith to believe because of signs can be self serving. We only want more. “What’s in it for us?”

Signs can be a good starting point, but we must move beyond. We must love. The greatest commandment is, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Dt 6:5) Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (13:34)

To never move beyond a belief based on signs is selfish. Jesus commands us to love. He knows our hearts (5:42) and sees our faith is more about us and our selfishness than doing His desires. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” (14:21)

The royal official asked Jesus to come to his home and heal his son. (4:46) Jesus told him, “Go home.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. He moved beyond the need to cling to signs. We must also. We must move from seeking what we can get from our religion to obeying so our neighbors can see God’s love through us.