The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels. Although Matthew, Mark, and Luke are just as important, and contain their own distinct characteristics concerning the life and ministry of Jesus, John’s Gospel is different in writing structure and focus. The Synoptic Gospels describe several of Jesus’ miracles, some miracles appear in more than one Gospel, and some miracles are unique to a particular Gospel. But John only focuses on seven, with the exception of the Resurrection, and the account of one miracle near the end.
There are a few different Greek words used in Bible that can be translated miracle. One of the common Greek words used for miracle in the Synoptic Gospels, and the New Testament in general, is the word Dunamis. John, on the other hand uses Semeion, a word that means a miracle explaining a spiritual truth. In the Bible often translated sign. In fact, it seems that John doesn’t use the word Dunamis at all in his books. Merrill C. Tenney in his book The Gospel of Belief, Stated:
“Semeion, however, when applied to a miracle, usually implies that the deed is an indication of some power or meaning behind it to which it is secondary in importance.”
Each of the seven signs, miracles, chosen by John and woven into his account of Jesus’ ministry reveal an individual truth about Jesus himself, and his relationship to his Creation. I will post seven different studies, a study for each sign and a summary to conclude this series.
However, here’s a list of the Seven Miracles and their location within John’s Gospel.
- Changing water into wine: John 2: 1-11
- Healing the Nobleman’s Son: John 4: 43-54
- Healing the Man at the Pool of Bethesda: John 5: 1-15
- Feeding the Five Thousand: John 6: 1-15
- Walking on the Water: John 6: 16-21
- Healing the Man Born Blind: John 9: 1-12
- Raising Lazarus from the Dead: John 11: 1-46
The Apostle John states the purpose for writing his eyewitness account. John 20: 31 (NAS)
31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that believing you may have life in His name.