According to John, large crowds began to follow Jesus in Galilee because of the “signs” he was doing. John called the miracles of Jesus “signs” for they were given that people might believe in him as the Messiah.

 

The crowds grew even larger after Jesus fed the 5,000, miraculously multiplying two fish and five loaves of bread to feed them all with twelve baskets leftover. Yet, the miraculous “signs” were not given that they might seek more miracles, but that they might seek the Master himself.

 

 

Signs are not designed to point to themselves, but to give direction and verification. No one pulls off the road and parks under a sign, thinking they have arrived. No, they follow the sign to the direction which it points.

 

 

The crowd seeks a sign, a true disciple seeks the Savior. The crowd wants another miracle, a true disciple follows after the Master. 

 

 

Other examples of signs in the Bible

 

1. Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-4): 

 

2. Elijah and the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39)

 

3. Gideon's Fleece (Judges 6:36-40)

 

1. Father, guide us to seek not only miracles but to seek you. Let our hearts yearn for a deeper relationship with You rather than merely seeking signs and wonders.

 

 

2. Father, help us to have faith that goes beyond what we can see. Strengthen our belief in You, even when miracles are not evident.

 

 

2. Father, grant us spiritual insight to see beyond the signs, and to understand the deeper truths they reveal. 

 

 

3. Father, give us discernment to recognize our true spiritual needs rather than focusing solely on our physical or immediate desires.

 

 

4. Father, help us to follow You with all our hearts, learning from Your Word and applying it in our daily lives.

 

 

5. Father, draw us closer to You, that our worship may be genuine and our lives reflect Your glory.