God is serious about how His people regard the various signs He has given. One such sign is the engraving of God's words in our hearts and lives, binding them on our hands and activities so that divine words influence everything we do. Obedience to God's words becomes a sign to us, testifying that there is a God who desires us to live as He does. It also serves as a sign to others, revealing a distinct difference between those who follow God's instructions and those who do not, a witness evident through actions rather than words. Additionally, obedience is a sign to God, symbolizing an individual's commitment to live as He lives, and He looks favorably on those who tremble at His word with solemn respect. Within this broad sign of obedience, specific signs are identified, such as the keeping of the Sabbaths. God declares that the Sabbaths are a sign between Him and His people throughout their generations, reminding them that He is the Lord who sanctifies them. This sign extends to the individual, to those around, and to God, carrying the added gravity of being tied to God's sanctification. If the Sabbaths cease to be a sign by being treated as any other day, God's sanctification also ceases. The Sabbaths further signify who God is, as the Creator and Redeemer, and who is being created and redeemed. This sign is not limited to one group but was made for all mankind, established at creation. Despising this sign led to severe consequences for ancient Israel, becoming a judgment as those who forgot the Sabbath also forgot their identity.

The Pharisees requested a sign from Jesus to prove He was the Messiah, seeking evidence of the fruit He would produce. Jesus rebuked them for missing the point, explaining that the fruit He referred to was repentance, good works, and spiritual growth. He declared that the only sign to absolutely prove the truth of His message would be one beyond His control: being in the grave for exactly three days and three nights. He stated that if God the Father resurrects Him after precisely this duration, it would be undeniable proof that He is the Messiah. This same sign was reiterated in various instances with similar wording, emphasizing His death and resurrection after three days as the definitive evidence. Even the chief priests and Pharisees recalled this sign, reporting to Pilate after the crucifixion that Jesus had said, "After three days I will rise." The fulfillment of this sign, being in the tomb for exactly 72 hours, stands as assurance that His word was fulfilled to the very second, confirming His identity as the Messiah.

In the book of John, the concept of 'sign' is pivotal in revealing the nature and character of God through Jesus Christ. The first sign, performed at a humble wedding in Cana of Galilee, was not conducted in a grand setting like Jerusalem or the Temple, but in a small, personal event. This sign, turning water into wine, demonstrates that God is concerned with the tiniest details of life, showing His desire to be involved in every aspect, from family matters to daily needs. It saved a couple from embarrassment by meeting a genuine need with generosity, producing an abundance of wine to reflect His generous character. This act was not for a great occasion but for a mundane situation, illustrating that God is not reserved for cathedrals or special days alone; He engages in the practical, everyday aspects of life. John uses the term 'sign,' derived from the Greek word 'semeion,' which carries a moral connotation, unlike other terms for miracles. A sign points to or describes something, indicating the character or nature of God. Through this first sign, John presents God as One who consistently seeks to relieve burdens, save from embarrassment, deal generously, and improve the quality of life, even in the humblest circumstances. This sign manifests God's glory, making known what He is like, encouraging reliance on Him in all situations. It builds confidence in His involvement, prompting a daily connection through prayer and counsel, with the expectation that He will respond generously at the right time. Thus, the sign at Cana culminates in the disciples believing in Him, affirming His divine nature and personal care.