Searching for Signs of Hope

The uncertainties of the past year have shaken our foundations, leaving many searching for hope and security. As a result, several online evangelistic groups have reported an increase in the number of people seeking answers about faith. Evangelist Nick Hall believes, “God has used COVID-19 to create the greatest evangelistic opportunity in history.” Difficult circumstances can drive the desperate to Christ. The same was true in Jesus’ day.

Searching for Miracles

After his first miracle in Cana, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover. While there, he performed many signs, raising the excitement and expectations of the crowd. But to avoid confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus returned to Galilee, stopping in Samaria, where he met a woman by a well. Her testimony and his teaching led many Samaritans to believe, a belief based on Jesus’ word.

And many more believed because of his word [logos].

 John 4:41

Despite Jesus’ observation that a prophet had no honor in his own country, Galileans welcomed his return. Why? Because of the miracles they’d seen in Jerusalem. Therefore, when a royal official from Capernaum (20 miles away) heard Jesus was in Cana, he hurried to request healing for his dying son. (John 4:43-54) The official’s appeal implied a challenge to Jesus’ honor. Hence, Jesus challenged the watching crowd:

Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.

John 4:48

A miracle-based faith requires repeated miracles to sustain it. Was John contrasting the word-based faith of the Samaritans with the miracle-based faith of the Galileans?

Taking Jesus at His Word

The official repeated his demand that Jesus travel to Capernaum and heal his son. But Jesus directed the father to return home alone, promising his son would live.

The man believed the word [logos] that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.

John 4:50

His servants met him on his journey, reporting that his son was well. When the official realized the boy’s recovery time matched the hour Jesus had spoken, he and his household believed. A common corporate response in a collectivist culture.

A Sign Pointing to What?

John referred to this healing as the second sign Jesus did in Galilee. Signs point to something. In Scripture, they’re visible reminders of God’s presence, power, and promises. Notice John’s repeated use of the word logos. Is he reminding us of his earlier statements?

In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word [logos] was with God, and the Word [logos] was God.… And the Word [logos] became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:1, 14

 John 1:1, 14

The point of miracles wasn’t the miracle but the identity of the One who performed them—the Messiah who fulfilled God’s promises. John’s message is simple: Take the Word at his word. Jesus said:

          Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

John 20:29

Searching for Solutions: Where to Find the Answer

Many today are searching for hope and security in the shifting sands caused by the pandemic. We need a firm foundation, and God can provide one. We long for hope, and through his presence, Jesus promises peace, protection, provision, and purpose. But the difficulty comes when we, like the Galileans, demand a manageable Messiah, one who lets us call the shots. 

Jesus is also searching. Searching for those who will trust the Word to keep his word. So, are we more like the Galileans or Samaritans? Demanding God do as we desire or deferring to his wisdom and depending on his word?