Risen With Christ: Embracing New Life With JesusSample

Signs of the Messiah: Recognizing God’s Hand

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:30-31

Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed countless signs and wonders, each serving as evidence of His divine nature and mission. He healed the sick, calmed storms, raised the dead, and fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish. These miracles were not just displays of power; they were invitations to believe, affirmations that He was indeed the Messiah sent by God. Yet, even with all these signs, many still doubted.

Recognizing the Signs of Jesus

What does it take for us to believe? The people of Jesus’ time saw Him perform miracles, yet many struggled to accept who He was. We might think that if we had been there, if we had seen Him walk on water or restore sight to the blind, we would have no doubts. But faith is not just about seeing—it is about recognizing and trusting in God’s work even when we do not fully understand it.

Jesus performed signs so that we would believe, but belief requires more than just witnessing miracles. It requires a heart open to recognizing God’s presence. Consider Thomas, who insisted on seeing the wounds in Jesus’ hands and side before he would believe in the resurrection. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, but He also said, “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 20:29).

What More Would We Need to See?

If we were to ask ourselves honestly, what else would we need to see to believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Would another miracle make our faith stronger, or is the evidence already before us? We have the testimonies of Scripture, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of faith in our lives. Often, it is not more proof that we need, but the willingness to see what is already there.

The Pharisees demanded signs, yet no amount of miracles could soften their hardened hearts. Their issue was not the lack of signs but the unwillingness to recognize them for what they were. Do we do the same? Do we miss God’s hand because we are looking for something different?

Seeing God’s Hand in Everyday Life

While we may not witness the same physical miracles that the disciples did, God still reveals Himself to us in many ways. The beauty of creation, the kindness of others, the peace that surpasses understanding—these are all signs of God’s presence. Sometimes, we experience moments so profound, so perfectly timed, that we know they are more than coincidence. When we pray and see an unexpected answer, when we receive comfort in our darkest moments, when doors open in ways we never imagined, these are God’s signs for us.

It is easy to overlook the hand of God when we are only looking for grand gestures. But faith is about seeing the divine in the ordinary, recognizing that God is at work in both the miraculous and the mundane.

Strengthening Our Faith Through Awareness

To truly see God’s hand, we must cultivate awareness. This means slowing down, taking time to reflect, and asking God to open our eyes to His work. Journaling about answered prayers, sharing testimonies, and spending time in Scripture help us to recognize the ways God is moving. Just as Jesus’ miracles pointed to His identity, the everyday blessings and guidance in our lives point us back to Him.

Living in Faith

Jesus did signs so that we would believe, but belief is not just an acknowledgment—it is a response. When we see God’s hand, we are called to trust, to follow, and to live out our faith. The disciples who saw Jesus’ miracles did not just observe; they acted, preached, and carried His message forward. We are called to do the same.

What signs of God’s presence have you seen in your life? Are you waiting for more proof, or are you willing to step forward in faith with what He has already shown you? May we have the eyes to see, the hearts to believe, and the courage to live as those transformed by the truth of Jesus, the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see Your hand at work in my life. Help me to recognize the signs You place before me, to trust in Your presence even when I do not understand, and to live in faith. Strengthen my belief, and let me be a witness to Your power and love. Amen.