As mentioned when we first started our journey in John, this Gospel highlights seven miraculous signs performed by Jesus to reveal some truth about His identity. The first of these was when Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, revealing that He has miraculous transformative power (John 2). The second is in John 4.
Daily Readings: John 4 and Psalm 39
In John 4, the miraculous sign comes only at the very end of the chapter. The majority of the chapter consists of Jesus’ lengthy interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well, and then with her fellow townspeople – many of whom came to faith in Him. Key to that encounter were Jesus words in v.21, 23-24:
21 ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem … 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.’
The truth highlighted here is that God is Spirit and is therefore not limited to a geographic location. That’s why He does not need to be “visited” at a specific location for true worship to occur. Instead, true worship occurs when our hearts and minds are fully engaged with the true God, and with the truth about God. By the power of the Spirit we can worship God as He truly is … wherever we are.
So Jesus’ second sign, right at the end of John 4, is a vitally important sign pointing to Jesus’ divinity. He had just taught that God is not limited to a geographic location. And then, while He was physically present in Cana, He performed a miracle that took effect in Capernaum, 39km away. Wow!
God is not limited to a geographic location. And it turns out Jesus isn’t either. Jesus is far more than meets the eye! No wonder the royal official and his whole household believed in Jesus from that time.
Life Application: Wherever you are today, Jesus is with you. He is also present with those you love who are far away from you. Take time today to pray for someone far away from you and trust the Lord Jesus to minister to them in the way they need Him most.
Dave's Diary 