TEXT: John 2:1-12

PROPOSITION: We can learn important lessons from the miracles in John.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Lessons

Introduction:

1. There are eight miracles described in John's gospel.

2. Each of these miracles impresses us with hope.

Water into Wine – John 2:1-12 – Disappointment

1. It would be embarrassing for the host.

2. It would be a disappointment for the guests.

3. Stand in line – they run out of food before you get your plate

Nobleman's son healed – John 4:46-54 – Doubt

1. This miracle was done by “remote control” - long distance.

2. He believed – vs. 50 (mental assent)

3. Learned when the healing took place – he believed – vs. 53

Infirmed man at pool – John 5:1-15 – Improper Information

1. Verse 4 is often thought to be an addition to the text

2. The truth is – this man was living in a false hope.

3. He came everyday looking for something to happen.

4. We wait for our “ship to come in.”

5. We often are hoping, looking, longing for things – that are not going to happen. We are making decisions on false information.

Feeds 5,000 – John 6:1-14 – Hungry

1. We often hear about the hungry of our world – and go on our way.

2. These people were just about physical hunger – a free meal.

3. Jesus tries to bring them over to a spiritual hunger – eternal life. (John 6:26-27)

4. Matthew 5:7 – hunger and thirst after righteousness

Walk on Water – John 6:15-21 – Despair

1. Small boat in a big storm – high waves can sink or swamp a small boat.

2. These “squalls” come up often – don't last long – but can be strong.

3. The apostles were losing hope with this one.

4. Despair – opposite of hope. They were losing hope.

Blind Man – John 9:1-12 – Disabled

1. Blind man needed help to get around.

2. There are more ways to be disabled than physical.

3. Notice:

   1. Command – Go wash

   2. Obeyed – He went and washed

   3. Miracle – He came seeing

4. There are many who are spiritually “handicapped”

Raised Lazarus – John11:38-44 - Death

1. The last enemy (fear) we must face is death.

2. We can look death in the eye and welcome it.

   1. Paul did – Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:8-10

   2. Stephen died – not in fear but hope.

   3. Read – Fox's Book of Martyrs

3. We can live in dread, fear, anxiousness

4. Do you have the faith of Mary and Martha?

Net of Fish – John 21:3-11 – Always Hope

1. They fished all night – NOTHING

2. Casting net on other side – makes not sense

3. 153 fish – no net broken