If you’re looking for powerful reasons to overcome doubts about Jesus, read about the well-documented miracles that Jesus performed. He did what only God could do through Him, and this validated His teaching about Himself. For His display of God’s power would only be possible if God approved His message.
The accounts of Jesus performing miracles and healing the sick are predominantly found in the New Testament of the Bible. According to these accounts, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary abilities, such as turning water into wine, multiplying loaves and fishes, and healing various illnesses. These miracles are often seen as signs of divine power and compassion, reinforcing his role as the Son of God in the Christian faith.
The role of the signs and wonders in Jesus’ ministry
Contrary to the beliefs of many people in the first century and even in our era, the primary purpose of Jesus in coming to earth to minister was not to heal the sick or perform other signs and wonders. As important as these tasks were, they were secondary to His mission of preaching the truth.
In the book of John, Jesus states that he is the one who is sent from heaven in order to reveal the truth about God and to bring life to the world. Jesus’ miracles, otherwise known as “signs,” thus demonstrate that Jesus is who he says he is. He performs signs so that people may come to believe in him.
What is the difference between a miracle and providence?
Believers throw around the word ‘miracle’ a lot when what they really mean is divine providence. There’s a difference: With divine providence God is clearly involved with the event because what happens is just too coincidental. Therefore, it could be categorized as supernatural provision of some sort. The difference between this and a miracle is that a skeptic could argue that – while remarkably coincidental – such things sometimes happen and therefore it wasn’t necessarily supernatural in nature.
A miracle, by contrast, is decidedly supernatural and cannot be explained away by a skeptic. The burning bush when the Angel of the LORD spoke to Moses from within the flames (Exodus 3:1-2) and the resurrection of Lazarus after four days (John 11:38-44) are good examples.
A true miracle is often understood as a supernatural event that goes beyond the natural laws and is attributed to a divine agency. They defy the ordinary course of nature, and go beyond the scope of scientific explanation. Miracles are often seen as having a divine purpose beyond the immediate physical occurrence. They may serve to reveal divine power, authenticate a messenger or message, or demonstrate God’s compassion. They often elicit awe and inspire faith.
While both miracles and God’s providence involve divine influence, miracles are often distinct events that stand out due to their supernatural and extraordinary nature. God’s providence, on the other hand, encompasses the ongoing, sustaining care and guidance that operates within the natural order of the world.
Miracles performed by Jesus
Jesus’ miracles can be categorized based on their nature, and each category signifies aspects of his power, authority, and nature. Here are some notable categories:
- Healing Miracles:
- Demonstrated Jesus’ authority over sickness and infirmities, emphasizing his role as a compassionate healer.
- Example: Healing the blind, lepers, the paralyzed (e.g., healing the blind man in John 9:1-12).
- Nature Miracles:
- Showcased Jesus’ power over the elements of nature, reinforcing his divine authority.
- Example: Calming the storm (e.g., calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:35-41).
- Exorcism Miracles:
- Revealed Jesus’ authority over evil spirits, portraying him as a liberator.
- Example: Casting out demons (e.g., the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5:1-20).
- Resurrection Miracles:
- Demonstrated Jesus’ power over death, affirming his divine nature.
- Example: Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44).
- Feeding Miracles:
- Displayed Jesus’ ability to provide and sustain, pointing to his role as the ultimate provider.
- Example: Feeding the 5,000 (e.g., the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Matthew 14:13-21).
- Miracles of Authority:
- Illustrated Jesus’ authority in matters beyond the natural realm, emphasizing his divine sovereignty.
- Example: Turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) and the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13).
- Miracles of Compassion:
- Highlighted Jesus’ compassion for the suffering and marginalized, emphasizing his love for humanity.
- Example: Healing the woman with a hemorrhage (Mark 5:24-34) and helping the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:24-30).
Each category of miracles signifies a different facet of Jesus’ power and authority, collectively forming a rich portrayal of his divine nature and mission.
The motivating force behind Jesus’ teachings and miracles
The compassion and love that motivated Jesus’ ministry are central themes in Christianity. According to the Bible, Jesus’ actions were driven by a profound love for humanity and a desire to demonstrate God’s compassion. His teachings and miracles often emphasized love for one another, forgiveness, and care for the marginalized and vulnerable.
When John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the one (Messiah) to come, or should they expect someone else, Jesus reminded John that He was doing the miracles predicted of the promised Messiah. Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor (Isaiah 35:5, 6, 53:4, 61:1).
Jesus’ ultimate expression of love is seen in his sacrificial death on the cross, believed to be an atonement for humanity’s sins. This act is considered the epitome of divine love, demonstrating a willingness to suffer for the sake of others.
The evidence for miracles
The evidence for the record of miracles in the Bible is primarily rooted in the text itself and historical accounts. Here are some aspects considered by believers when discussing the evidence for biblical miracles:
Eyewitness Testimony:
Many biblical miracles are presented as events witnessed by individuals and communities. The Gospels, for example, claim to be based on the accounts of those who directly experienced the miracles performed by Jesus.
Historical Documentation:
The Bible is a historical document that has been studied and analyzed for centuries. It contains detailed narratives of various miraculous events, providing a historical record of the beliefs and experiences of ancient communities.
Consistency Across Texts:
Multiple books of the Bible often describe the same miracles, adding a level of consistency to the accounts. This is seen by believers as supporting the credibility of the events.
Prophecy Fulfillment:
Some miracles in the Bible are presented as the fulfillment of prophecies. Prophetic statements in earlier texts aligning with later events are considered by believers as evidence of divine intervention.
Transformation of Lives:
The narratives often highlight the transformative impact of miracles on individuals and communities. Changed lives and testimonies of those who witnessed or experienced miracles are considered as experiential evidence.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Scholars and theologians examine the cultural and historical context in which biblical texts were written. Understanding the context helps in interpreting the intended meaning and significance of the miracles.
External Historical Corroboration:
Some biblical events and figures are mentioned in external historical sources, providing a degree of external corroboration. However, direct corroboration of specific miracles can be challenging.
Archaeological Discoveries:
Archaeological findings sometimes provide support for the historical accuracy of certain biblical accounts. While not direct evidence of miracles, these discoveries contribute to the overall historical reliability of the text.
Religious Tradition and Faith:
For believers, faith plays a significant role in accepting the record of miracles. The traditional beliefs in the biblical accounts contribute to the conviction that these events are true.
The significance of Jesus’ miracles for our faith
The miracles attributed to Jesus in the Bible hold significant implications for faith and trust in him within Christianity. Here are some key aspects:
- Revelation of Divinity: Firstly, Jesus’ miracles are often seen as signs of his divine nature. They serve to reveal his authority over nature, sickness, and even death, reinforcing the belief that he is the Son of God.
- Validation of His Message: Secondly, miracles were not just displays of power but also validated the truth of Jesus’ teachings. They provided evidence that his words were not mere human wisdom but carried divine authority.
- Compassion and Empathy: Many miracles involved healing the sick or helping those in need, showcasing Jesus’ compassion. This aspect of his ministry emphasizes a caring and empathetic nature, reinforcing trust in his concern for human suffering.
- Faith-Building: Miracles often prompted people to put their faith in Jesus. Whether it was healing the blind, raising the dead, or feeding the multitude, these acts inspired faith in those who witnessed or benefited from them.
- Demonstration of God’s Kingdom: Jesus’ miracles were considered glimpses of the coming Kingdom of God, where suffering and brokenness would be replaced by wholeness and restoration. This concept instills hope and deepens trust in his transformative power.
- Personal Encounter with God: Those who experienced Jesus’ miracles firsthand had a tangible encounter with the divine. This personal experience became a foundation for faith, fostering a deep trust in Jesus as the source of spiritual and physical well-being.
In summary, Jesus’ miracles are viewed as more than supernatural events; they are integral to the Christian understanding of his identity, the validation of his message, and the establishment of faith and trust in him as the embodiment of God’s love and power.
Miracles prove Jesus’ teaching to be true
Jesus’ claims of His divine nature
According to the Bible, Jesus made assertions of his divinity. Several passages in the New Testament attribute statements to Jesus that are interpreted as declarations of his divine nature. Here are a few examples:
- “I am” Statements: In the Gospel of John, there are several instances where Jesus uses the phrase “I am,” which has strong connections to the divine name in the Old Testament. One notable example is in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.”
- Son of God: Jesus is often referred to as the “Son of God” in the New Testament, a title that carries divine connotations. In passages like Matthew 16:16-17, Peter confesses Jesus as the “Son of the living God.”
- Claims of Unity with the Father: In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes statements indicating a profound unity with God the Father. For instance, in John 10:30, he declares, “I and the Father are one.”
- Forgiving Sins: Jesus forgives sins in a manner that is understood by some as an assertion of divine authority. In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, leading the scribes to question, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
- Title of Messiah and Lord: Jesus is acknowledged as the Messiah (Christ) and Lord, titles that imply a special relationship with God. In passages like Matthew 16:16 and Luke 2:11, these titles are associated with his divine role.
- Claiming Authority Over the Sabbath: In various instances, Jesus claimed authority over the Sabbath, suggesting a divine prerogative. For example, in Mark 2:28, he declares, “So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
Jesus’ teaching about the truth of Scripture
One of the primary reasons Christians can have faith in the inerrancy of Scripture is because Jesus, who is proven to be divine by historically-reliable accounts, had such faith in Scripture Himself. In other words, Jesus had much to say about God’s Word. (For example, see Matthew 4:4, 5:17-18, Luke 24:44, John 10:35, Luke 24:27).
Jesus’ Miracles as Validation of His Claims of Divinity:
The following are trustworthy reasons to believe Jesus is divine:
- Supernatural Authority: Jesus’ miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, demonstrated a supernatural authority that went beyond natural laws. These acts were seen as divine interventions, affirming his claim to be the Son of God.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some of Jesus’ miracles were seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, aligning his actions with the expectations of a messianic figure. This reinforced the belief that he was divinely appointed.
- Control Over Nature: Miracles like calming the storm and walking on water showcased Jesus’ mastery over nature. Such authority was traditionally associated with the divine, providing evidence for his claim of being the incarnate Son of God.
- Confrontation of Evil: Exorcisms and encounters with demonic forces demonstrated Jesus’ authority over spiritual realms. This power over evil aligned with the divine narrative, supporting the idea that he was more than a mere human teacher.
Jesus’ Divine Nature and Scripture:
- Teaching about Scripture: Firstly, Jesus affirmed the authority and truth of the Scriptures (Old Testament), claiming that they testified about him. His teachings emphasized the continuity and fulfillment of the Scriptures in his life and mission.
- Consistency with Prophecy: Secondly, Jesus’ life and actions often mirrored the prophecies found in the Scriptures, providing a coherent narrative that validated the truthfulness of the written Word.
- Moral and Spiritual Authority: Thirdly, Jesus’ ethical teachings and profound spiritual insights added weight to his affirmation of Scripture. His moral authority added credibility to the belief that the Scriptures are divinely inspired.
- Transcendent Knowledge: Finally, Jesus exhibited a deep understanding of God’s purposes and the human condition, surpassing human wisdom. This transcendent knowledge lent credibility to his teachings about the truth of Scripture.
Assurance in Scripture’s Inerrancy:
- Jesus’ Trust in Scripture: Since Jesus, as the Son of God, endorsed the Scriptures, his followers view the Old Testament as a reliable and authoritative source. Accordingly, His confidence in Scripture provides assurance that it is without error.
- Divine Inspiration: Also, believers perceive the Scriptures as divinely inspired, guided by the Holy Spirit. This divine influence offers assurance to followers that the text is trustworthy. It is a safeguard against errors.
- Internal Consistency: Lastly, the internal consistency of the Bible is evidence of divine guidance. Approximately 40 authors wrote the Bible over an estimated time span of 1,500 to 1,600 years. This coherence contributes to believers’ confidence in the inerrancy of Scripture.
In summary, Jesus’ miracles and teachings about Scripture mutually reinforce each other, creating a foundation for the assurance that he is divine and that the Scriptures are without error. His actions and words provide a compelling case for the truthfulness of his claims and the reliability of the sacred texts, which also testify about Him. This form of reasoning, from the historically-reliable accounts of Jesus’ power-backed claims to proof of His divinity, avoids the possible error of circular reasoning.
