Book of signs
The first 12 chapters of John are commonly seen as John’s “book of signs.” There are seven signs, which may suggest a connection with the creation week. Some starting thoughts:
1. Water to wine, ch 2: Jesus’ manifests His glory, His light in the darkness of Israel.
2. Child raised from deathbed, ch 4: second sign (4:54; again in Cana)
3. Paralytic in Jerusalem, ch 5: Water plays a prominent role in the story.
4. Feeding of 5000, ch 6: They want to make Jesus king (6:15), like the luminaries.
5. Crossing the sea, ch 6: Water again prominent, and the fifth day is the day for sea creature.
6. Blind man receives sight, ch 9: Jesus makes a man new with clay, as in Genesis 2:7.
7. Lazarus raised from the dead, ch 11: Resurrection, new life, Sabbath.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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