1.2 The Second Sign in Galilee
Faith Strengthened by Miracles

Read John 4:46–54. Why does the evangelist draw a connection to the miracle at the wedding?

In John 4:46–54, the evangelist recounts Jesus’ second sign in Galilee, where He heals the son of a royal official. John intentionally refers back to Jesus’ first miracle at Cana to establish a connection between the signs. This demonstrates that these miracles are not merely astonishing events but serve a deeper purpose: to help people recognize who Jesus truly is—the Savior sent by God.

The healing of the son shows that faith in Jesus should not rely solely on visible miracles but on trust in His word. The royal official approached Jesus with a desperate heart, ready to place his trust in Him if his son were healed. However, Jesus challenges him to go beyond his immediate request and believe even before seeing the result. Jesus’ response, “Go; your son lives,” is not just a promise but an invitation to trust in His power through faith.

The miracle itself—the healing from a distance, solely by Jesus’ word—demonstrates that faith does not need to depend on external signs. The official believed without seeing the miracle with his own eyes and found at home that his son was healed at the exact moment Jesus spoke. This further strengthened his faith and led his entire household to believe in Jesus.

John uses this miracle to show that Jesus is more than a miracle worker. He is the one who gives life—both physically and spiritually. It is not the miracle itself that leads to faith but the realization of who Jesus is and the power He possesses. Just as with the wedding at Cana, this is about more than the healing of an individual; it is about the revelation of Jesus as the one who renews life and strengthens faith.

This sign reminds us that faith does not need to be based on visible evidence but on trust in Jesus’ promises. His word alone is sufficient to give life and bring healing—in both our daily lives and our spiritual journey.

Even if we witness a miracle, what other criteria must we consider before automatically assuming it is from God?

Even if we witness a miracle, we should exercise caution and consider certain criteria before automatically assuming it is from God. The Bible warns that not all miracles originate from God, as Satan can also perform supernatural signs to deceive people. Here are some important criteria to help properly discern a miracle:

1. Consistency with the Bible: A genuine miracle from God will always align with what is revealed in Scripture. If the miracle or its associated message contradicts biblical teachings, it should be questioned (Isaiah 8:20).

2. Fruit of the Event: Jesus said that false prophets can be recognized “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15–20). The long-term effects of a miracle—whether it brings people closer to God, positively changes lives, and promotes love, peace, and justice—are key indicators of its divine origin.

3. Does It Glorify Jesus Christ? A true miracle from God will center on glorifying Jesus Christ as the Redeemer and Lord (John 16:14). If a miracle shifts focus to the miracle worker or other elements instead of Jesus, it is questionable.

4. Motives of the Miracle Worker: The intentions and life of the one performing the miracle are significant. A true servant of God will be humble and will not use the miracle to exalt themselves or gain power over others (2 Corinthians 11:13–15).

5. Does the Miracle Lead to God or Away from Him? A miracle from God will always strengthen faith in Him and lead to the worship of the true God. If the miracle supports idolatry or false teachings, it is a warning sign (Deuteronomy 13:1–4).

6. Discernment Through Prayer and Community: It is important to evaluate a miracle through prayer and in the fellowship of other believers to determine if it truly comes from God. The Holy Spirit grants us the gift of discernment to distinguish between God’s work and deception (1 Corinthians 12:10).

In summary, when evaluating miracles, we should not only look at the visible event but also consider the spiritual and moral outcomes. A genuine miracle from God will always align with His Word, character, and plan.

The story of Jesus’ second sign in John 4:46–54 provides a profound connection between faith and daily life that remains relevant today. Here are some key connections:

Connection to Our Daily Life and Faith:

1. Faith Through Trust, Not Through the Visible: Jesus challenges the royal official to believe before seeing a visible sign. In everyday life, we are often tempted to base our faith on concrete results or visible signs. However, this story reminds us that true faith means trusting in God’s word and promises, even when we do not immediately see the outcomes. We are called to trust in God’s guidance in our daily lives, even when we do not always have immediate proof.

2. The Power of God’s Word: The miracle in John 4 shows that Jesus’ mere word is enough to bring about change. Today, we can rely on God’s Word as well. His promises in the Bible carry the same power to transform our lives and guide us, even in difficult times. The official returned home without immediate evidence of the healing but with deep trust in what Jesus had said.

3. Miracles as an Invitation to Faith: The miracle itself was not just a healing but a revelation of Jesus’ power and authority. In our daily lives, we can experience God’s work, but it is not just about the miracle itself. It challenges us to believe more deeply and recognize Jesus as the one who renews life and meets our spiritual needs. This encourages us not only to seek visible miracles but to recognize how God works in every situation of our lives.

4. Impact of Faith on Others: The faith of the royal official led his entire household to believe in Jesus. Our faith, especially in difficult times, can also influence others. When we trust in God’s Word in our daily lives, our testimony becomes visible and can help strengthen the faith of others.

Conclusion:

The story of Jesus’ second sign in Galilee reminds us that our faith does not need to rely solely on visible miracles but on trust in God’s Word. In our daily lives, it is about trusting God’s promises, even when we do not immediately see the results. This story teaches us that true faith does not depend on evidence but on trusting in the faithful and reliable nature of God.

Trusting in God’s Word gives us strength, even when we have not yet seen the results.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-1-signs-that-point-the-way-1-2-the-second-sign-in-galilee-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

September 30, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 18

¹ And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

² Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

³ And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

⁴ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

⁵ Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

⁶ And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

⁷ And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

⁸ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

⁹ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

¹⁰ Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

¹¹ The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

¹² I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

¹³ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

¹⁴ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

¹⁵ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

¹⁶ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

¹⁷ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

¹⁸ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

¹⁹ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

²⁰ Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

²¹ And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

²² Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

²³ And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

²⁴ And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

²⁶ And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

²⁷ And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

²⁸ Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

²⁹ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,

³⁰ Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

³¹ Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

³² For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

³³ And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

³⁴ And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

³⁵ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

³⁶ And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

³⁷ And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

³⁸ And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

³⁹ And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

⁴⁰ And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

⁴¹ Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

⁴² And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

⁴³ And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Luke chapter 18 is a collection of teachings and events from the life of Jesus that address central themes such as persistent prayer, humility, wealth, discipleship, and faith. Jesus employs parables, encounters, and miracles to convey profound spiritual principles that remain relevant today. The focus is on God’s mercy, righteous judgment, and faith that transforms hearts and lives.

Commentary:

The chapter begins with the parable of the persistent widow, which illustrates the necessity of steadfast prayer. The widow demonstrates that perseverance in prayer leads to an answer, even when it initially seems as though God is not acting. The comparison between the unjust judge and the righteous God underscores that God will always respond justly to His chosen ones when they call to Him in their distress.

The second parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the contrast between self-righteous arrogance and humble repentance. The tax collector, who is aware of his sins and seeks God’s mercy, is justified, while the Pharisee, who relies on his own good deeds, is not heard. This teaching emphasizes that humility and the acknowledgment of one’s own sinfulness are key to being justified before God.

Another important aspect of the chapter is Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler who asks about eternal life. Although he keeps the commandments, Jesus challenges him to sell all he has and give to the poor. This reveals the danger of wealth, which can bind the heart and keep one away from the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ statement about the camel passing through the eye of a needle illustrates how difficult it is for those attached to riches to enter the Kingdom of God—but with God, all things are possible.

Finally, the story of the blind beggar in Jericho is recounted, who persistently calls out to Jesus despite being ignored by the crowd. His faith leads to healing, and he praises God, which moves the people to also praise God. This account demonstrates that faith and persistence lead to healing and redemption.

Summary:

Luke 18 teaches readers important principles of faith and discipleship. Through the parable of the persistent widow, the power of steadfast prayer is emphasized, while the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows that humility and repentance lead to righteousness. The story of the rich ruler and the eye of the needle highlights the danger of wealth, which can obstruct the path to eternal life. Finally, the power of faith is revealed through the healing of the blind beggar. Jesus calls for humility, faith, and discipleship, demonstrating that God’s mercy is available to all who seek Him wholeheartedly.

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Chapter 67 describes Jesus’ final day, during which He teaches in the temple and delivers a powerful condemnation of the hypocrisy and sanctimony of the religious leaders. Jesus speaks bold words, denouncing the Pharisees and scribes for their false, selfish way of life in faith while simultaneously praising humility and true piety. The crowd observing Him is moved by His words, while the religious leaders are exposed and humiliated.

Commentary:

Jesus’ sharp words against the Pharisees and scribes emphasize their hypocrisy, abuse of power, and selfish motives. Although they appear outwardly pious and emphasize religious duties, they do not adhere to these rules themselves. Jesus condemns their love for titles, honors, and external recognition, highlighting true piety, which is demonstrated through humility, mercy, and service.

The episode of the poor widow who throws her last coins into the temple underscores the importance of selfless sacrifice. While the rich give out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has. This shows that God does not evaluate the material value of a sacrifice but the heart and intention behind it.

At the end, Jesus warns of the spiritual decline of the religious leadership, which will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament over Jerusalem reflects God’s deep sorrow over the obstinacy of His people, who reject His prophets and ultimately His Messiah.

Summary:

Chapter 67 reveals Jesus’ sharp criticism of the religious leaders of His time. He condemns their hypocrisy and abuse of power, making it clear that true greatness lies in serving and humility. The story of the poor widow demonstrates that God values the heart and willingness to sacrifice of His followers, while Jesus prophesies the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This chapter is a poignant call to inner repentance, genuine piety, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments with love and mercy.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/30-09-2024-luke-chapter-18-believe-his-prophets/