Yes—the miracles in John's Gospel were signs that revealed Jesus' glory and led the disciples to believe on Him.
The first sign, at Cana, was not just a miracle but a sign that manifested His glory and caused His disciples to believe (John 2:11). Les Feldick teaches that these signs were more than displays of power—they carried an intrinsic lesson for Israel and proved that Jesus was the Messiah.
John 2:11 — This verse records the direct result of the first sign at Cana—Jesus manifested His glory and the disciples believed on Him.
1 Corinthians 1:22 — This verse explains why the Jewish people, including the disciples, required signs as proof.
In John chapter 2, at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, Jesus performed His first sign by changing water into wine. The Scripture records in John 2:11 that this beginning of miracles 'manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.' The text presents the miracles as signs that reveal His glory and produce belief in His disciples. The Apostle Paul later explains this Jewish expectation by writing, 'For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom' (1 Corinthians 1:22).
Les Feldick teaches that the miracles in John's Gospel must be understood as 'signs'—manifestations of power with an intrinsic lesson for Israel. He explains that Christ's earthly ministry was directed primarily to the Jewish nation under the Old Testament covenant promises (Clip 0). In John's Gospel, Les counts eight signs, with seven taking place before the crucifixion and one after (Clip 2). At the first sign in Cana of Galilee, the lack of wine pointed to Israel's lack of joy, and Jesus alone could fill their pots with joy; John 2:11 then shows the disciples believing response (Clips 1, 3). Les further emphasizes that miracles were the proof that Jesus was the Messiah—the same proof sent back to John the Baptist (Clip 4), and this was the main thrust of all His signs and wonders (Clip 5).
At the wedding feast, the wine ran out. Les Feldick says wine in Scripture speaks of joy, and the sign showed that Jesus of Nazareth was the only One who could fill Israel's pots with joy. Following the miracle, John 2:11 records that Jesus 'manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him' (Clip 3).
Les explains that all these signs, while miraculous, were directed to the nation of Israel—not exclusively but primarily. The nation was to believe that Jesus was the Christ coming in fulfillment of Old Testament covenants; the temple was still operating and the Jewish people were still law-keepers (Clip 0).
Les teaches that the Jew required a sign, and each sign was more than a miracle—it was a manifestation of power with an intrinsic lesson for Israel. He counts eight signs in John's Gospel: seven before the crucifixion and one after the resurrection (Clips 2, 6). Paul's statement that 'the Jews require a sign' (1 Corinthians 1:22) explains why Jesus operated this way.
Les says miracles were done to prove to the Jew that Jesus was who He said He was. When John the Baptist sent disciples to ask if Jesus was the One, Jesus pointed to healings and resurrection as proof. For the disciples, this is exactly what John 2:11 records—after the first sign, they believed (Clips 4, 5, 7).
Signs Directed Primarily to Israel
Les teaches that Christ's earthly ministry and its signs were directed primarily to the nation of Israel under the Old Testament covenant promises, showing they were to believe Jesus was the Christ.
Wine as Joy at the Wedding in Cana
Les points to the wedding at Cana and notes that wine in Scripture speaks of joy, setting up the lesson behind the first sign.
Signs Carry an Intrinsic Lesson for Israel
Les explains that the miracles in John are signs—a manifestation of power with an intrinsic lesson for Israel—and that there are eight signs, seven before the crucifixion and one after.
First Sign and the Disciples' Belief
Les connects the first sign to John 2:11, where Jesus manifested His glory and the disciples believed on Him, showing the sign's direct impact on the disciples.
Miracles Prove Jesus Is the Christ
Les teaches that Jesus' miracles were proof that He was the Messiah, even sending word to John the Baptist about healings and resurrection as evidence.
Main Thrust of Signs Proves the Messiah
Les says the main thrust of Jesus' signs and miracles was to prove to the nation of Israel who He was, regardless of the compassion He also felt.
Jews Require a Sign
Les reminds that the Jews were always looking for signs and that Paul says by inspiration that the Jews require a sign—explaining why Jesus' miracles functioned as signs for Israel.
Signs Prove Who Jesus Is
Les reiterates that miracle after miracle was done to prove to the Jew that Jesus was who He said He was, and each sign carried a trainload of truth for the nation of Israel.
John 2:1: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
This verse sets the location and occasion for the first sign Jesus performed.
John 2:11: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
This is the key verse showing that the first sign revealed Jesus' glory and produced belief in His disciples.
1 Corinthians 1:22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Paul explains why signs were the expected and appropriate means of proof for Israel.
Les Feldick explains that each miracle was more than a miracle—it was a sign with an intrinsic lesson for Israel. In John's Gospel there are eight signs, seven before the crucifixion and one after the resurrection.
After Jesus turned water into wine, John 2:11 says He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed on Him. This was the direct result of the first sign.
Les teaches that Christ's earthly ministry was directed primarily to the Jew under the Old Testament covenant promises. The signs were meant to prove to Israel that Jesus was the Messiah.
Watch the Teaching: The 8 Signs in John's Gospel — What They Mean for Israel