John 4:48

A craving for marvels was a symptom of the sickly state of people’s minds in our Lord's day; they refused solid nourishment and longed for mere wonder. The gospel, which they so greatly needed, they would not have; the miracles that Jesus did not always choose to give, they eagerly demanded.

Many nowadays must see signs and wonders, or they will not believe. Some have said in their heart, “I must feel deep horror of soul, or I never will believe in Jesus.” But what if you never feel it, as you probably never will? Will you go to hell out of spite against God because He will not treat you like another?

Someone has said to himself, “If I had a dream, or if I could feel a sudden shock of I don't know what, then I would believe.” Thus you undeserving mortals imagine that my Lord is to be dictated to by you! You are beggars at His gate, asking for mercy, and yet you presume to draw up rules and regulations for how He will give that mercy.

Do you think that He will submit to this? My Master is of a generous spirit, but He has a truly royal heart; He spurns all dictation and maintains His sovereignty of action. Why, dear reader, if this is your situation, do you crave signs and wonders? Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder?

Is not this a miracle of miracles, that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish”? Surely that precious word, “Whosoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely” and that solemn promise, “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out,” are better than signs and wonders! A truthful Savior ought to be believed. He is truth itself. Why will you ask proof of the veracity of One who cannot lie? The demons themselves declared Him to be the Son of God; will you mistrust Him?