What works of Jesus demonstrate His divine authority in John 14:11? Setting the Scene • John 14:11: Jesus urges, “believe … on account of the works themselves”. • The “works” are the signs already displayed in John’s Gospel—visible proof that He shares the Father’s very nature. Seven Signs Already Recorded by John 1. Water turned to wine (John 2:1-11) – “Jesus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” – Shows creative power that belongs to God alone (cf. Genesis 1:1). 2. Healing the royal official’s son (John 4:46-54) – Distance-defying authority: a word spoken in Cana heals in Capernaum. – Echoes Psalm 107:20, “He sent His word and healed them.” 3. Restoring the paralytic at Bethesda (John 5:1-15) – “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk” (vv. 8-9). – Demonstrates lordship over chronic illness and the Sabbath itself. 4. Feeding the five thousand (John 6:5-14) – “He distributed … as much as they wanted.” – Reveals Jesus as the true Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) and the new Moses (Exodus 16). 5. Walking on the sea (John 6:16-21) – “It is I; do not be afraid.” – Mirrors Job 9:8, where only God “tramples the waves of the sea.” 6. Giving sight to the man born blind (John 9:1-7) – “He went and washed, and came back seeing.” – Fulfills Isaiah 35:5; only Yahweh opens blind eyes. 7. Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44) – “Lazarus, come out!” – Declares Himself “the resurrection and the life” (v. 25), proving power over death. Miracles over Nature • Wine from water, bread from five loaves, walking on water—all highlight mastery over creation. • Colossians 1:16 parallels: “all things were created through Him and for Him.” Miracles over Sickness and Demons • Instant healings (John 4; 5; 9) underline Isaiah’s Messianic profile (Isaiah 53:4-5). • Acts 10:38 recalls He “healed all who were oppressed by the devil.” Miracles over Death • Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41), the widow’s son (Luke 7:14), and Lazarus—multiple witnesses that death obeys His voice. • Foreshadows His own empty tomb (John 20:27-29). Authoritative Teaching and Sinless Life • Crowds confessed, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). • Even opponents admitted, “We find no grounds for charging this man” (Luke 23:4). The Supreme Work to Come • John 10:17-18: “I lay down My life … I have authority to take it up again.” • The resurrection will be the final, irrefutable work sealing every claim (Romans 1:4). Why These Works Matter • They fulfill prophecy, display God’s character, and invite faith (John 20:30-31). • Their cumulative witness leaves no middle ground: Jesus is either Lord or a liar. He calls us to trust the evidence and believe that He is “in the Father and the Father is in Me” (John 14:11). |
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