The Gospel of John: Come and See the Son's Glory

Sunday we consider the last of seven signs that John presents concerning the nature of Jesus as the Son of God. This last sign is the most amazing in John’s gospel and brings the evidence of Jesus’ deity to a crescendo. But remember, it’s not just a miracle: it’s a miracle with meaning. The sign teaches us something that we need to learn.

The passage breaks easily into four sections: setting the stage, interacting with the family, the miraculous sign, and the response of the religious leaders. From John’s perspective this sign begins the march of Jesus to the cross, as the Jewish leaders determine they have to find a way to eliminate Jesus.

The sign teaches us something very simple, yet very important. Jesus summarizes the meaning when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25). That will be further illustrated and proven when he rises from the dead and exits his tomb, but this sign points to that truth. He promises all who believe in Jesus will experience the resurrection, and as the Son of God, he demonstrates that he can deliver on that promise.

What is the sign? Come Sunday and we’ll ask Lazarus.