The Gospel of John contains seven significant miracles or “signs” that reveal important truths about Jesus and help us understand what it means to truly believe in Him. Through these signs, we learn that believing in Jesus goes far beyond just knowing facts about Him – it requires putting our complete trust in Him.
What Does It Mean to Have Real Faith in Jesus?
Through three key encounters in John’s Gospel, we see how Jesus addresses different people’s spiritual needs:
Nicodemus (John 3) – A religious leader who needed to move from works-based religion to grace
The Samaritan Woman (John 4) – An outcast who needed to know her worth and God’s acceptance
The Royal Official (John 4:46-54) – A man who had to trust Jesus’ word without seeing
Why Do We Struggle to Truly Trust Jesus?
Like the royal official who begged Jesus to physically come heal his son, we often want visible proof before we’ll believe. But Jesus challenged him – and challenges us – to take Him at His word. True faith means trusting even when we can’t see the outcome.
What’s the Difference Between Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus?
The story of the tightrope walker Blondin illustrates this perfectly. Many people believed Blondin could walk across Niagara Falls pushing a wheelbarrow, but none would get in the wheelbarrow themselves. Similarly, we may believe facts about Jesus without truly trusting Him with our lives.
How Do We Move from Head Knowledge to Heart Trust?
Real faith starts with small steps of trust:
Acknowledging we need Jesus as Lord and Savior
Taking Him at His word even when we don’t understand
Being willing to “get in the wheelbarrow” and follow where He leads
Continuing to press in through Bible reading and prayer
Life Application
This week, examine your own faith:
Are you trying to earn God’s favor through good works like Nicodemus?
Do you feel unworthy of God’s grace like the Samaritan woman?
Are you willing to trust Jesus’ words without seeing proof first?
Questions to reflect on:
What area of your life do you need to “get in the wheelbarrow” and trust Jesus with?
Are you relating to Jesus based on head knowledge or heart trust?
What first step of faith is Jesus asking you to take today?
The challenge: Take one concrete step this week to demonstrate trust in Jesus, even if you can’t see the outcome. Remember – it’s not about how much faith you have, but where your faith is placed.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
