Daily Dose of Hope

October 9, 2025

Scripture - John 4:43-54

Prayer: Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth! We magnify your precious and powerful name. How often we forget how mighty you are. You created all. You created us. Thank you, Lord, for who you are. Most of all, thank you for loving us with all our flaws and brokenness. In all we do, in who we are, help us to be more like you. We pray for humility, mercy, and compassion. Help us see others through your eyes. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we are finishing up John 4.

Today, we read about one of only three healing miracles in the book of John. But in this Gospel, Jesus is careful to call them signs, not miracles, and there is an important distinction. A sign is something that is not only a miracle but it also reveals Jesus' divinity and his mission. They point to who Jesus is as the Son of God and Messiah. Jesus himself functions somewhat like a sign in the book of John. We read in chapter 1 that he was with God in the beginning, he was the Word made flesh, and he makes the invisible God known.

John is really unique from the Synoptic Gospels. He very intentionally shares seven specific signs that Jesus performs and each one reveals something about Jesus' identity and why he is here. We already read about Jesus turning the water into wine in Cana, sign #1. Jesus made a tremendous amount of wine and it was the very best at the wedding, showing the amazing abundance of God in Jesus Christ.

Now, we have Jesus healing the son of an official, demonstrating his willingness and ability to restore health and life. It's interesting that Jesus ignores the official's first plea and instead kind of talks down to him for his need of signs. Jesus wasn't crazy about turning the water into wine either. Each sign so far has been met with what seems like reluctance or ambivalence.

Could it be that Jesus is concerned about how these signs will be interpreted? We know from the other Gospels that signs and miracles often led to Jesus being following by thousands of people. Might they get caught up in the sign and miss the importance of the one who actually allowed the signs to happen? Or maybe Jesus doesn't want people to simply come to him for signs of God's favor.

What were God's intentions here?

I do find the wording interesting in John. I tend to think of all of these signs as miraculous. Why not call them as such? I'm wondering if God wants us to see past the miracle here. God is present in so many other ways in our lives. Yes, he is present in the miraculous. But he also gives us many, many other signs. God gives us signs, nudges, or strong feelings that indicate he is at work in our lives. He gives us signs about whether or not to take a job, signs about which direction to head in educationally, and signs about how to continue in a relationship. God is always giving us signs, showing us he is right here, pointing us to him. It might not seem miraculous, like water into wine, but it's still real and powerful.

Regardless of the sign, God is always trying us to point us toward his love. Whether he is healing a friend, directing us to a certain job, or giving us the words to say to a friend in need, it's always signs pointing us toward his love. He loves us and he wants to be involved in our lives.

Is Jesus an everyday presence in your life? What signs does he give you?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki