The book of John focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, and a careful study of each provides us with principles of encouragement.
- Disappointments? Remember when Jesus addressed an embarrassing moment by turning water into wine? (John 2:1–11). He is still the one to turn to when life turns on us. “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:16–17).
- Doubts? Remember when Jesus—from a distance—healed a boy and told his father to return home, and the man went without question? (John 4:46–54). He is still the one in whom we place our faith and our dreams. After all, He is “Christ . . . the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
- Disabilities? Remember when Jesus healed a man that had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda? (John 5:2–9). Because of His loving providence, we can still “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10), echoing the words of Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
- Desires? Remember when He fed 5,000 with a little boy’s sack lunch? (John 6:1–14). He still fills the spiritual desires of men and women who cry, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
- Despair? Remember when the hand of Jesus reached out to Peter while he walked on water? (John 6:16–21; cf. Matthew 14:23–32). Aren’t we thankful that His hand extends in our direction with the promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”? (Hebrews 13:5).
- Darkness? Remember when He gave sight to a man blind from birth? (John 9:1–11). To man stumbling in the wretched darkness of Satan, He is still “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
- Death? Remember when He stood outside the tomb of a friend and shouted amidst visible tears, “Lazarus, come forth!”? (John 11:1–44). Better yet, there will come a day “in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice, and come forth” (John 5:28–29).
As we reflect on the miracles Jesus performed, are we not led to praise Him as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”? (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). As we reflect on the multitude of ways He touches our lives for the better, are we not driven to our knees with the words of Thomas, “My Lord and my God”? (John 20:28). —Dan Winkler
