Why is there so much repetition in nature?
Because one Creator did it all.
And why, though there are
66 books in the Bible,
written over many centuries,
from many continents,
often by those who had no contact with one another,
is there so much repetition?
Threads of weddings,
lambs, vineyards, Babylon and so many more
appear and re-appear from Genesis to Revelation.
Because one God is the author of it all.
Seeing repetition in Scripture also is key to unlocking
the secrets of God.
Let me tell you a story.
The first Bible study I ever wrote was Proverbs and Parables, for I became entranced with the parallels I saw between the proverbs of the Old Testament and the parables of the New Testament. The same themes, proclaiming the same truths, threaded their way through both. (The fear of the Lord, the transitory value of riches, the humble versus the proud, the fool versus the wise…) Seeing these parallels not only gave me confidence in the validity of Scripture, but unlocked mysteries.
Likewise, when I began to study prominent friendships in Scripture, I was again entranced by patterns: God zoomed His camera in on the meeting and parting of friends; on “hesed” (unfailing love), on words of blessing, on sacrifice… God was unlocking secrets of friendship through his repetitive patterns.
When we begin to see a pattern in Scripture,
it is the Spirit of God speaking to us,
opening our eyes to mysteries.
We are in John’s gospel for Lent,
where there are seven miracles that are called signs.
I see patterns God wants to proclaim.
Last week we looked at the first miracle:
turning water into wine.
There was so much good input, for this is a rich group. And indeed, I believe God has layers of meaning.
So this week I want to dig deeper, endeavoring to glimpse repetitive patterns in John’s miracles, which are also called “signs.”
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Can you give an example of either a striking pattern in nature or in Scripture?
Monday: An Obvious Pattern
3. One pattern in all of these miracles is not so hard to see. What is one reason for the miraculous signs given in John 20:30-31?
Miracles may produce faith, as we see happening often in John. Yet we also know that miracles do not always produce faith. People explain them away all the time. Remember how Jesus said, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, that even if one were to rise from the dead, they would not believe?
4. Were the miracles of Jesus influential in bringing you to faith? Explain.
Tuesday: Religion versus The Gospel
Last week we looked at the miracle of turning water into wine. I want to share with you Philip Yancey’s insight, from “The Jesus I Never Knew.”
Even a wedding feast had to honor the burdensome rituals of cleansing. Jesus, perhaps with a twinkle in his eye, transformed those jugs, ponderous symbols of the old way, into new wineskins, harbingers of the new. From purified water of the Pharisees came the choice new wine of a whole new era. The time for ritual cleansing had passed, the time for celebration had begun.
5. Why might these water jars represent religion?
6. Why might the miracle represent the gospel?
7. What thoughts do you have on the above?
8. Do you see a pattern in John of Jesus addressing the religion of the Pharisees versus the
freedom of the Gospel? If so, share an example.
Wednesday: Other Patterns of the First Sign
You may see other patterns with this miracle as well. Let’s see if you see what others have seen with these “riddles.” I realize it is possible to go too far with this, so it will be good to discuss this here, and be like iron sharpening iron.
9. Last week I mentioned a parallel between Jesus first command when He came out of the
wilderness with the first sign. What was it, and do you agree or not? Explain.
10. The Bible begins with a wedding and ends with a wedding, and is shot through with
pictures of a faithful bridegroom loving an unfaithful bride. Tim Keller sees a pattern here and
believes that at this first miracle, Jesus was thinking about His own wedding, and what it
would cost Him to win a bride. Thoughts?
11. Many see a parallel between the wine and the blood of the covenant, between this first “supper” and the last “supper.” Thoughts?
Thursday: Returning to Cana & The 2nd Sign
12. Read John 4:46-47
A. Where did Jesus return?
B. How do you think turning the water into wine impacted this nobleman?
C. What was the nobleman’s need?
D. How, despite his standing, do you see humility?
Early on in John we see the contrast between the pride of the Pharisees and the humility of those whom plead with Jesus for help. Matthew Henry says, “The greatest men must come to God as beggars.”
13. Do you see a link in Scripture between pride and religion? Between humility and the
gospel? If so, share some illustrations.
14. Read John 4:49-54.
A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? (v. 49)
B. What did Jesus tell him?
C. How did he respond to Jesus’s words?
D.What happened at home?
15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, where you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so?
16. Humble yourself before God and ask Him to search you. Then listen. Then ask for help.
I see a pattern of faith in the seven miracles in John’s gospel. It often was as simple as expectation. Mary told the men at the wedding at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you to do.” And they did fill the water jars. Here the nobleman believes, yet still comfirms it by asking when his son was healed. (I liked that, for it reminds me of “I believe, help my unbelief.”) I jumped ahead to the feeding of the multitude in the first week of Lent, because I thought this dialogue which followed the miracle was so significant:
“What must we do to do the works God requires?”
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:28-29
17. Ask God to help you walk by faith today, to see Him in the mundane, in the least of these,
and to believe He is working in your life, hearing your prayers, and eager to show you that
He is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.
Friday: Keller Seminar or…
18. If you are listening to the Keller seminar or reading an extra book, or whatever for Lent, share here what you learned.
Saturday:
19. What patterns are you seeing emerge in the “signs of Jesus” in John?
20. How might you apply this to your life?
133 comments
14. Read John 4:49-54 A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? He believed that Jesus had to physically come to his house to heal his son. B. What did Jesus tell him? Jesus told him to go, that his son will live. C. How did he respond to Jesus’ words? He believed what Jesus said; he didn’t keep begging, or say “No, you have to come with me!”. He started on his way home. D. What happened at home? At the exact time that Jesus spoke the words, “Your son will live”, the fever left the boy and he was healed. The nobleman and his entire household then believed in Jesus. 15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, that you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so? It was something I had asked God to do on behalf of my daughter. I believed that He was able to do it. Often when I pray for certain things, I tell God that I know that with just a word, He can do it; He doesn’t have to ‘be here’ physically. Not that my daughter won’t experience pain or trials in her life, but she won’t have to live with what would have been a heavy burden to bear. I have to be able to thank someone; that Someone is God.
9. Last week I mentioned a parallel between Jesus first command when He came out of the wilderness with the first sign. What was it, and do you agree or not? Explain. Jesus’s first command was to repent. The first sign was transforming the water for ritualistic cleansing to wine for a symbol of internal cleansing, which is what happens when we repent. All through the Old a testament the Israelites were told to repent but there was no true way to truly be cleansed, the minute you satisfied the laws you would have to go back and start again for the sins you had committed in your heart on the way there and back. Christ, however, told the Israelites to repent but provided the way to accomplish this.
10. Thoughts? I have listened to Keller on this and agree with him. Though, I confess there is always a part of me that squirms a bit to resist accepting how personal Christ’s thoughts are toward me. Being a part of a church body is one thing, but for Christ to turn His eyes on ME… am as good enough, clean enough?! No. But this is not an attitude that realizes grace… He looks on me clothed in His righteousness so yes! I am prepared to be received by my bridegroom!
11. Many see a parallel between the wine and the blood of the covenant, between this first “supper” and the last “supper.” Thoughts? The only parallel I see is the one consistent with communion, a reminder of what He has done and a reminder of the celebration to come, fulfillment of the covenant made by God to his creation. Perhaps I am missing something….
Love your answer to 9, Jill.
12. Read John 4:46-47
A. Where did Jesus return? – He returned to Galilee
B. How do you think turning the water into wine impacted this nobleman? – I would think that this man knew that there was something special about Jesus and that he had the power to do miracles.
C. What was the nobleman’s need? – to heal this son that was near death
D. How, despite his standing, do you see humility? – This man also had power to do things but saw that Jesus was more powerful then he was, and saw the miracle already done with water, he lowered himself and asked for help.
13. Do you see a link in Scripture between pride and religion? Between humility and the gospel? If so, share some illustrations. – Pride is stopping us from having the truest, purest relationship with Jesus that we could have and religion is made up of rules that tell us to do one thing or another when, the Bible tells us to reach out to the Lord for help. Religion and Pride are roadblocks that detour us away from the Lord.
14. Read John 4:49-54.
A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? (v. 49) – He thought that Jesus needed to be physically there with his son to heal him.
B. What did Jesus tell him? – He told him to go that is son was healed.
C. How did he respond to Jesus’s words? – He believed what Jesus told him and he went on his way.
D.What happened at home? – the minute Jesus spoke those words the fever left his son and his servants noticed it and told him his son was better when they saw him
15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, where you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so? – I was scheduled for surgery on 1/28 to repair a torn meniscus which I had been in a lot of pain from. The surgery went well and the minute I woke up in recovery I had no pain from the meniscus or the surgery. When people hear I had no pain even from the incisions of the surgery they are amazed. The pain meds were filled but never taken.
16. Humble yourself before God and ask Him to search you. Then listen. Then ask for help. – Lord I went to have a clean heart in all areas where I’m failing. Help me Lord to know what YOU want me to do so I can get to this point. I don’t want any idols being a roadblock to get to you. I want my path clear. I want to be able to hear your direction Lord, so help me to hear you. In Jesus Name AMEN!
8. Do you see a pattern in John of Jesus addressing the religion of the Pharisees versus the freedom of the gospel? If so, share.
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”
John 3:3-6 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.3.3-6.nlt
Nicodemus was actually seeking — the only Pharisee I can think of that was, though indeed he was a bit dense about being born again. Would love for you to find another example of a Pharisee arguing with Jesus and trusting in religion.
10. The Bible begins with a wedding and ends with a wedding, and is shot through with pictures of a faithful bridegroom loving an unfaithful bride. Tim Keller sees a pattern here and believes that at this first miracle, Jesus was thinking about His own wedding, and what it would cost Him to win a bride. Thoughts?
I’m not really sure; what makes TK think that Jesus was thinking of His wedding and the cost? Is there something in scripture?
Keller said His wedding and the cost was always on His mind for it was why He came. So I think it makes sense — but no, that is not said in Scripture.
Share what you are learning this week of Lent…I have been reading from The Valley of Vision a Collection of Puritan Prayers…since we discussed repentance as the first commandment Jesus gave…I have read and meditated on one of the prayers on continual repentance…
O GOD OF GRACE, Thou hast imputed my sin to my substitute,and hast imputed his righteousness to my soul,clothing me with a bridegroom’s robe, decking me with jewels of holiness.But in my Christian walk I am still in rags;my best prayers are stained with sin;…
I need to repent of my repentance;I need my tears to be washed;I have no robe to bring to cover my sins,no loom to weave my own righteousness;I am always standing clothed in filthy garments,and by grace am always receiving change of raiment,for thou dost always justify the ungodly;I am always going into the far country,and always returning home as a prodigal,always saying, Father, forgive me,and thou art always bringing forth the best robe.Every morning let me wear it,every evening return in it,go out to the day’s work in it,be married in it,be wound in death in it,…Grant me never to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the exceeding righteousness of salvation, the exceeding glory of Christ, the exceeding beauty of holiness the exceeding wonder of grace.
What a great devotional to be in, Lucy.
Lucy,
Thank you for this.
Just what I needed to blow the dust off of my Valley of Vision prayer book, for it so poignantly puts words around what I am experiencing.
That same prayer was read on a Sunday when we were taking communion by an elder at our church who has resigned his position and stopped coming to church. It has been a monstrously hard season for many people involved.
Your posting of this particular prayer was timely for me, made me weep and remember where our hope is found. Thanks Lucy
18. If you are listening to the Keller seminar or reading an extra book, or whatever for Lent, share here what you learned.
I listened to Ben Prescott, “Praise on Purpose”. Paul writes the book of Philippians in prison but his purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus. His purpose was not to get out of jail or to network with the other disciples but to lift up the name of Jesus. Paul was chained to a prison guard 24 hours a day to prevent him from lifting up the name of Jesus but his praise was more powerful than the limitations of his prison. How many of us are bound by circumstances? I need to praise on purpose and lift up the name of Jesus no matter what. Praise is what keeps us from growing weary in well doing!
It is so key!
11. Many see a parallel between the wine and the blood of the covenant, between this first “supper” and the last “supper.” Thoughts?
I don’t understand this question. Is the “blood of the covenant” referring to how we take communion each month, remembering Jesus’ blood shed for us? If so, the parallel would be that they had wine at each of these suppers that represented His blood? Not sure I see the link because they drank wine with many meals. Why would these be any different than any others? I don’t see the parallel.
12. Read John 4:46-47
A. Where did Jesus return?
He returned to Cana where he had turned the water into wine.
B. How do you think turning the water into wine impacted this nobleman?
I think the man was amazed in Jesus’ abilities to perform incredible things.
C. What was the nobleman’s need?
He needed Jesus to heal his son.
D. How, despite his standing, do you see humility?
He was willing to try anything if it worked. He didn’t care where the help came from as long as his son was saved. He begged Jesus to save his son.
The New Testament covenant is the promise that those who trust in Jesus shed blood at the cross will be saved. When we take communion, we remember this promise and give thanks for it. The Pharisees thought they were saved by their legalistic rules, by the law — and the water jars represented those ritualistic ways. The wine does represent communion, but communion represents being saved by grace. Does this help?
I realize this may still be a muddle — did you see Julie P’s comment about struggling with mysteries. I thought of you, but am so thankful you persist.
Dee I’m sorry I am so dim-witted at times! Thanks for the review…I’m telling you that I learn best with repetition otherwise I forget 🙁
9. Last week I mentioned a parallel between Jesus first command when He came out of the wilderness with the first sign. What was it, and do you agree or not? Explain.
Command: Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near. (Matthew 4:17) The first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding.
I do see how the joy that results from the restoration that true repentance brings, parallels to the joy we will have when we are fully restored, unified to Christ at the Final Wedding.
10. The Bible begins with a wedding and ends with a wedding, and is shot through with pictures of a faithful bridegroom loving an unfaithful bride. Tim Keller sees a pattern here and believes that at this first miracle, Jesus was thinking about His own wedding, and what it would cost Him to win a bride. Thoughts?
A foreshadowing of the Ultimate Wedding, the Ultimate Union, that only comes after the Ultimate Cost. Both weddings require Jesus to do what only He can do.
11. Many see a parallel between the wine and the blood of the covenant, between this first “supper” and the last “supper.” Thoughts?
My first thought of the wine is always His blood—as it is the symbol for His blood at Communion. I also see that the wine points to the generous, limitless nature of God’s grace, poured out through Christ’s death.
12. Read John 4:46-47
A. Where did Jesus return? To the place where he had made the water into wine.
B. How do you think turning the water into wine impacted this nobleman? Gave him hope.
C. What was the nobleman’s need? He needed his son healed, to not die.
D. How, despite his standing, do you see humility? For a nobleman to ask for help, instead of demand service, I think does show humility. We often find humility when we realize how little we can control.
13. Do you see a link in Scrioture between pride and religion? Between humility and the gospel? If so, share some illustrations. Absolutely, in our real-time world as well. The two most obvious examples are the Pharisees, who insisted on their own authority being the ultimate authority, and Christ, Himself, who humbled Himself to the point of death. Other examples that come to mind are King David, before and after Nathan confronted Him. Nicodemus who was humble enough to come seeking answers. Naaman before and after listening to Elisha. Saul who, through humility and the gospel, turned into Paul.
14. Read John 4:49-54.
A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? (V.49) He thought that Jesus had to physically go to his child.
B. What did Jesus tell him? He told him to go home as his son would live.
C. How did he respond to Jesus’s words? The nobleman believed and went.
D. What happened at home? The son’s fever left him.
15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, where you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so? I have been desperate for some time regarding one of my children. We are too different and yet too alike! In the last few weeks I have heard the Spirit’s prompting in my head in many conflicts and am starting to see my child in a new perspective. I absolutely see this as God moving mercifully in my behalf, changing my heart and leading me.
16. Humble yourself before God and ask Him to search you. Then listen. Then ask for help. God, forgive me. I can control nothing. I can influence nothing. I can manipulate nothing. I can not do a thing apart from you (nothing good anyway). It is through my dependence on you that I can find strength for and joy in obedience. Forgive me for not listening well, my mind runs on and on with all the things I need you in…but really I only need you. Help me to purely hear, not to hear through the filter of my expectations or wants but only with an expectation of obedience and walking your story for me.
17. Ask God to help you walk by faith today, to see Him in the mundane, in the least of these, and to believe He is working in your life, hearing your prayers, and eager to show you that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him. – Lord I know that I need you in my life for everything, but help to seek you first and foremost before I put my two cents in to the situation. Help to be always know that you know what is best for me, even if it means waiting for your time frame. I don’t want to be out of step with you Lord, so help me slow down, ask, listen and wait on you. In Jesus Name AMEN!
I hesitate to answer any questions because I seem to get them all wrong 😔.
13. Do you see a link in Scripture between pride and religion? Between humility and the gospel? If so, share some illustrations.
Aren’t pride and religion really the same thing? Paul might be an example though?
““I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.”
Acts of the Apostles 26:9-11 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/act.26.9-11.nlt
“So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:4 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.18.4.nlt
14. Read John 4:49-54.
A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? (v. 49)
He believed that Jesus should come to heal his son.
B. What did Jesus tell him?
He told him to go home and that his son was healed.
C. How did he respond to Jesus’s words?
He went home immediately.
D.What happened at home?
His son was healed and the entire household believed in Jesus.
Laura, I have struggled the last couple of weeks also. But I can tell you that I look for your posts, eager to see your thoughts and heart.
Thanks for the encouragement Mary. I seem to be behind each week and I know it’s because my life is so chaotic that I don’t have time and I am rushing through the questions. I would rather be doing my bible study than my job, and I try to wake up early enough to do it, but alas! The time change gets me every year! I am late until school is out in June! I wish they would just stick to one time and forfeit the other 😩
I’m giving a retreat today to a grieving church — lost their young pastor’s wife to ALS and another tragedy yesterday. May the Lord bring comfort as only He can.
Dee–praying now for His quickening in you, that you would be used as His vessel to bring truth, grace, and peace to their souls.
Did you get the prayer I sent you for this post? Or maybe I did something wrong. When I tried to do both my above response to Laura, and the prayer for you (just a few minutes apart), it acted funny….
I am finding this study particularly difficult.
we can’t post emojis anymore 🙁
15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, where you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so?
Definitely with our daughter and grandkids. He works everyday to help us get through. Although sadly, I think He isn’t working to help Sarah live a better life, I do think He is with us. We have never had a problem when it comes to babysitting, traveling, or general care, including our strength in being able to take care of 2 toddlers being 55 and 61. Somehow we make it through. In fact these two kids are the best I have had yet, and I’m not just saying that because I am the gma. Others will tell you the same. For example, Sarah used to take Cooper into her bed in the middle of the night. When she left, he would come to our bed every night (even with tall gates in place; he would use anything he could and climb over. He would even pull Grace’s crib over and use it like a ladder!) We did struggle with taking him back over and over again, but one night I just said, “you are a big boy now and you aren’t climbing over the gate, not calling for nana or pops, and just staying in your bed.” He did! It was miraculous! He did it over and over again too. He even fell asleep in his bed without us. We are SO thankful. Thank You Jesus!
16. Humble yourself before God and ask Him to search you. Then listen. Then ask for help.
Dear Lord, it has been a hard “life week” for me and unfortunately, You have not been a priority. I am sorry. Please help me remember that you are my number one focus and if I am in tune with You then everything else falls in place in life under the sun. Help me feel Your presence and hear Your words. Amen.
Laura–your #15, it is just so amazing what He has done in giving these little ones you–what a gift you are to them and it is obvious He is your strength. And as painful as it has been, Sarah’s story isn’t finished, and He is greater. We will continue to pray for her, and love & prayers for you~
19. What patterns are you seeing emerge in the “signs of Jesus” in John?
People accept what Jesus does without question (that we know of).
20. Applying to my life means I accept the ups and downs without question; believe that He has the plan.
13. Do you see a link in Scripture between pride and religion? Between humility and the gospel? If so, share some illustrations.
I shared last week a sermon from Keller that has greatly impacted me (again). It was from Luke, on the tax collector and the Pharisee, both trying to attain righteousness. The Pharisee is focused on the outside—“do good on the outside so you feel good on the inside”. He looks at his external behavior and compares himself to others, praising himself, that he is not like others. His understanding of sin is completely outward. In his mind, sin is all about actions/behavior, sin is “out there”, not in his heart. He does all the right things, doesn’t do the bad things. He never looks at character, patience, joy, peace, loving others—the heart.
The tax collector looks at his heart, the inside rather than the outside. He is concerned for his own sin, calls himself “the” (according to the Greek) sinner, not comparing himself to anyone else. He begs for mercy. He knows that his only hope of righteousness is God’s mercy and forgiveness for his sin.
14. Read John 4:49-54. A. What did the nobleman think was necessary for his son to be healed? (v. 49)
Or Jesus to come to his son.
B. What did Jesus tell him?
To go and his son would live.
C. How did he respond to Jesus’s words?
The man believed Jesus’ words, and went to his son.
D. What happened at home?
His son was healed, at the time Jesus’ words were spoken.
15. Name one instance in your life, preferably a recent one, where you were convinced that God was moving mercifully on your behalf. What made you think so?
He rescued our family with a powerful decision, rich in His mercy, that we could have never come to without Him. One of the ways I see His hand in it is that it was humbling for us, it was not a popular decision or something easily understood, and yet—He gave affirmation through a select handful of godly people who I greatly respect. The decision didn’t “make us look good”, definitely not something we could feel pride in, and we have felt judgment at times—at yet, there is an overwhelming peace and assurance that it is of Him, even though the world may look down upon it. We have also seen tremendous fruit—peace, growth, joy in our home as a result.