What was Israel's spiritual condition when Jesus performed the second sign?
At the time of the second sign, Israel was in dire spiritual straits. Their religion had been watered down and had departed from the early Mosaic system. Though they thought they were religious, they were spiritually sick, nigh unto death, and only the Messiah could restore their national health.
Les explains that when Jesus performed the second sign, Israel was in dire spiritual straits. Their religion had been totally watered down and had departed far from the early Mosaic system. They thought they were religious, yet they were spiritually sick, nigh unto death. The healing of the nobleman's son was not merely a private miracle; it was a sign to the nation that if Israel wanted to be restored to national health and receive the promises given in the covenants, the Messiah alone had to do it. Jesus' words about signs and wonders, the nobleman's plea, and the son's recovery all point to this national need. Verse 54 marks this as the second sign, prompting the reader to look for the next signs that follow.