When did God use signs toward Israel?
God used signs toward Israel when He was specifically dealing with the nation to show them truth, since the Jew required a sign. In John’s Gospel, seven signs occur before the crucifixion, and the eighth after the resurrection. These signs were miracles with an intrinsic lesson for Israel.
Les explains that not all miracles are signs; all signs are miracles, but not all miracles are signs. A sign was specifically for the Jew, who required a sign. When God was really coming down on the nation of Israel and trying to show them things, He would use signs. It was a manifestation of His power, a miracle, but more than a miracle—it was a sign with an intrinsic lesson for Israel. In John’s Gospel there are eight signs: seven before His crucifixion, indicating completion (God’s number), and the eighth after His resurrection.
More Questions
Why did God use signs instead of ordinary miracles when dealing with Israel?
God used signs specifically when He was dealing with the nation of Israel and trying to show them something, because the Jews required a sign.