Signs, Sermons (discourses) and I AM sayings in John's gospel

 

New Testament words for miracles:

 

Mighty works / works of power - δύναμις (dunamis) 'power' (120x)

 

Signs - σημεῖον (sēmeion) 'sign' (78x)

John 2:11; 4:48, 54; 20:30: “signs” – significant – have a meaning – point beyond themselves

Not just displays of power or magic tricks but speak about Jesus and the salvation he brings – foretastes of the kingdom of God in all its fullness

 

Some have suggested that John’s gospel may contain seven (or more) signs, possibly with associated discourses and I AM sayings.

 

The following is neither original nor neat. Maybe you have a better scheme to offer?

 

(1) Changing the Water into Wine (2:1-11) - The New Birth (3:1-36)

(2) Healing of the Nobleman's Son (4:46-54) - The Water of Life (4:1-42)

(3) Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (5:1-9) - The Divine Son (5:19-47)

(4) Feeding the Multitude (6:1-14) - The Bread of Life (6:22-66) - I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

(5) Walking on the Water (6:15-25) - The Life-Giving Spirit (7:1-52)

(6) Healing the Man Born Blind (9:1-8) - The Light of the World (8:12-59) - I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

(John 8:58 - before Abraham was, I am)

(7) Raising Lazarus from the Dead (11:1-46) - The Good Shepherd (10:1-42) - I am the Door (John 10:9)

 

I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)

I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)

 

Also ? cross, resurrection, miraculous catch of fish as signs.