The Purpose of Miracles in the Bible
Why did God have the prophets, His Son and the Apostles perform miracles? It is my contention that above all else it is for the people hearing the message to know and understand God so they could worship Him. The miracle proved that the message was from God and put some attribute of God into action.
We know that according to Mathew 24:24 “... there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect” so we need to be cautious about attributing every miracle to God, for a modern day miracle to be attributed accurately to God the miracle will align with the purpose of the miracles contained in the Bible. This purpose today is the same it was during the time the Bible was being writtent, to validate who Jesus is, the miracles prove He is the Christ, and then to validate the message of the Prophet or Apostle, in other words the Apostles were in deed speaking for God. In each miracle we learn more about God and His nature.
We know that according to Mathew 24:24 “... there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect” so we need to be cautious about attributing every miracle to God, for a modern day miracle to be attributed accurately to God the miracle will align with the purpose of the miracles contained in the Bible. This purpose today is the same it was during the time the Bible was being writtent, to validate who Jesus is, the miracles prove He is the Christ, and then to validate the message of the Prophet or Apostle, in other words the Apostles were in deed speaking for God. In each miracle we learn more about God and His nature.
Miracles Proved who Jesus Is
Christ’s use of miracles demonstrated and taught about who He really is and His Character (Acts 2:22), the miracles confirmed that Jesus is the Son of God and not some lunatic claiming to be divine. The Gospel of John records seven miracles, each with a specific purpose. Understanding these seven will help us immensely in understanding other miracles in the Bible and what is reported among us today.
John 2:1-11 - The first miracle is a simple one where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. When I say simple I mean that it was not elaborate, did not involve many steps or elements and was not showy; it was a simple instruction given to a servant. This miracle demonstrates Jesus control and dominion over creation, He was able to change the physical nature of an object. Jesus command to fill pots with water and serve it resulted in simple water, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom being converted into wine with its hundreds of chemical compounds, phenols and polyphenols and flavonals and so many others I can't pronounce or know what they do. But each was present in such a way that the wine was declared better than anything served until then.
John 4:46-53 - As Jesus enters Cana of Galilee again He is met by a nobleman whose son is sick and close to death. After rebuking the man about the need to see a sign in order to believe and the man pleading for his son Jesus tells the nobleman that his son is healed adn to go home. Why did Jesus perform this healing in this way, especially after rebuking the man? Because it demonstrates His ability to heal over space and time. This is confirmed when the man's servants meet him on his way home and tell him the good news. The result? Everyone in the house believed in Jesus.
John 5:1-13 - Jesus enters Jerusalem and comes to the Pool of Bethsaida where He meets a man, a man who for 38 years had suffered an infirmity. In talking with the man Jesus commands him to take up his bed and walk, which the lame man does. Now Jesus had earlier healed a sick boy and now restores this man to full physical ability, pretty cool and in fact amazing. But there is a key point made in verse 9, 'on the same day was the sabbath.' Jesus worked in violation of the rules put in place by the spiritual leaders of Israel and by doing so demonstrated His superiorority over the Sabbath. To do good on God's Holy day for Israel was allowed, especially by the One who created the sabbath.
John 6:1-14 - After teaching on a mountain to a large group of people Jesus looks out over the crowd and ask Philip how they are going to provide for these people. Philip responded that they only had a little money and it was sufficient to go buy bread for everyone at which point Peter jumps in and notes that one boy had brought some bread and fish. THis time He did not change the chemical nature of the item but He did multiply it greatly so that everyone was fed and there were leftovers. The point is He can provide and is able to create, quantity is not an issue with Him. He did not create a lavish meal but demonstrates He is willing and able to meet our needs and can do so outside of natural reasons.
John 6:15-21 - Jesus tells his disciples to depart across the sea while he sends the crowd away, the same crowd He had just taught and fed. In the night as the disciples are rowing the boat along comes Jesus walking on water. This really freaked out the disciples as it states in verse 19 that they were afraid. After all it is not natural for any mortal man to defy gravity and the laws of physics so they can walk on top of the water. Jesus calmly reassures them and steps into the boat and by doing so demonstrates that He is superior over creation and the laws of nature, He is in effect claiming to be the Creator Himself.
John 9:1-11 - Perhaps one of the most poignant and hard miracles for the recipient, but one that ends in joy, please read the entire chapter to understand the pressure put upon this man by the religious leaders. In reading it also becomes very clear that Jesus was able to heal physical infirmities even birth defects. But more importantly the Pharisees make the point very clear to us as does the testimony of the man himself that only a man of God, one who was righteous before God could heal like this. The account of the miracle makes it plainly clear that Jesus is the Son of God by proclamation of the man, by outrage of the Pharisees and by Jesus own statement.
John 11:4-27 - Lazarus, a tomb, four days and Resurrection! Unfortunately for Lazarus he would one day die again and be buried a second time but building upon the miracle of the blind man in chapter 9 John recounts how Jesus purposely delayed his going to Behtany so He could demonstrate to all people that Jesus was superior over death, He is Life! Why this miracle in this way, in verse 25 Jesus answers that by saying "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Only the Creator God has this ability and Jesus claims it and performs it. Not only is Jesus a prophet and a good teacher but He is indeed fully God. This last miracle is the final argument that Jesus is both fully man and fully God and therefore qualified to be our Mediator, the Messiah and Savior for all who will believe.
My thanks go to a godly man and teacher, Roland, who taught me the above material.
John 2:1-11 - The first miracle is a simple one where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. When I say simple I mean that it was not elaborate, did not involve many steps or elements and was not showy; it was a simple instruction given to a servant. This miracle demonstrates Jesus control and dominion over creation, He was able to change the physical nature of an object. Jesus command to fill pots with water and serve it resulted in simple water, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom being converted into wine with its hundreds of chemical compounds, phenols and polyphenols and flavonals and so many others I can't pronounce or know what they do. But each was present in such a way that the wine was declared better than anything served until then.
John 4:46-53 - As Jesus enters Cana of Galilee again He is met by a nobleman whose son is sick and close to death. After rebuking the man about the need to see a sign in order to believe and the man pleading for his son Jesus tells the nobleman that his son is healed adn to go home. Why did Jesus perform this healing in this way, especially after rebuking the man? Because it demonstrates His ability to heal over space and time. This is confirmed when the man's servants meet him on his way home and tell him the good news. The result? Everyone in the house believed in Jesus.
John 5:1-13 - Jesus enters Jerusalem and comes to the Pool of Bethsaida where He meets a man, a man who for 38 years had suffered an infirmity. In talking with the man Jesus commands him to take up his bed and walk, which the lame man does. Now Jesus had earlier healed a sick boy and now restores this man to full physical ability, pretty cool and in fact amazing. But there is a key point made in verse 9, 'on the same day was the sabbath.' Jesus worked in violation of the rules put in place by the spiritual leaders of Israel and by doing so demonstrated His superiorority over the Sabbath. To do good on God's Holy day for Israel was allowed, especially by the One who created the sabbath.
John 6:1-14 - After teaching on a mountain to a large group of people Jesus looks out over the crowd and ask Philip how they are going to provide for these people. Philip responded that they only had a little money and it was sufficient to go buy bread for everyone at which point Peter jumps in and notes that one boy had brought some bread and fish. THis time He did not change the chemical nature of the item but He did multiply it greatly so that everyone was fed and there were leftovers. The point is He can provide and is able to create, quantity is not an issue with Him. He did not create a lavish meal but demonstrates He is willing and able to meet our needs and can do so outside of natural reasons.
John 6:15-21 - Jesus tells his disciples to depart across the sea while he sends the crowd away, the same crowd He had just taught and fed. In the night as the disciples are rowing the boat along comes Jesus walking on water. This really freaked out the disciples as it states in verse 19 that they were afraid. After all it is not natural for any mortal man to defy gravity and the laws of physics so they can walk on top of the water. Jesus calmly reassures them and steps into the boat and by doing so demonstrates that He is superior over creation and the laws of nature, He is in effect claiming to be the Creator Himself.
John 9:1-11 - Perhaps one of the most poignant and hard miracles for the recipient, but one that ends in joy, please read the entire chapter to understand the pressure put upon this man by the religious leaders. In reading it also becomes very clear that Jesus was able to heal physical infirmities even birth defects. But more importantly the Pharisees make the point very clear to us as does the testimony of the man himself that only a man of God, one who was righteous before God could heal like this. The account of the miracle makes it plainly clear that Jesus is the Son of God by proclamation of the man, by outrage of the Pharisees and by Jesus own statement.
John 11:4-27 - Lazarus, a tomb, four days and Resurrection! Unfortunately for Lazarus he would one day die again and be buried a second time but building upon the miracle of the blind man in chapter 9 John recounts how Jesus purposely delayed his going to Behtany so He could demonstrate to all people that Jesus was superior over death, He is Life! Why this miracle in this way, in verse 25 Jesus answers that by saying "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Only the Creator God has this ability and Jesus claims it and performs it. Not only is Jesus a prophet and a good teacher but He is indeed fully God. This last miracle is the final argument that Jesus is both fully man and fully God and therefore qualified to be our Mediator, the Messiah and Savior for all who will believe.
My thanks go to a godly man and teacher, Roland, who taught me the above material.
The Apostles use of miracles validated the message they delivered
Acts 3:1-16 - The lame man healed
What a wonderful account of responding to the needs of an individual. Peter and John are going into the Temple to pray when they meet a man lame and begging. He asks for money which the two Apostles don't have but Peter responds and offers him what Peter does have available. As Peter points to Jesus Christ of Nazareth he offers healing to the man and commands him to get up and walk. The man not only does this but jumps up leaping and praising God.
What is so unique about this miracle? Several things: Peter pointed to Christ first and foremost, the miracles was done in the name of Christ Jesus and no other name, especially Peters. See how Peter responds in verse 12, he and John were only instruments of the healing they were not the source. Second God was praised as the man went walking and leaping and praising God into the Temple. All focus was on God, Peter, John and the man all focused on God and turned the peoples attention that way as well. Third Peter declared that God had honored His Son the Christ, "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus;"
Faith is an element in miracles, in this case the faith of Peter in Christ and the man that what was said was true but the focus was on proving that Jesus was the Christ and that Peter and John were messengers of that good news. Man was involved but was never the primary focus. We can trust that Jesus is alive today because He performed this miracle and we can trust the message declared by Peter and John because of how God used them in their obedience.
Acts 8:9-25 Simon the Sorcerer
Simon, a man who was once a sorcerer and had convinced the people he was something special, believed the Gospel message of Philip and then witnessed the work of Peter and John. When Peter and John arrived they noticed that the Holy Spirit had not yet come to these new believers and so they laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers. Having seen this and the miracles done by Philip, Simon desired this ability as well. But his heart and motivation must have been all wrong because Peter strongly rebukes Simon declaring Simons ways as wicked.
Although no particular miracle is recounted here we learn this important lesson, miracles are a gift from God, they can NEVER BE BOUGHT. That which Peter and John had freely received at Pentecost they freely gave to all they encountered. Miracles were performed by Philip and then by Peter and John in this region. No money was ever involved because the miracles and the gift of the Holy Spirit demonstrated God's great Love for the people and validated the message they declared.
What a wonderful account of responding to the needs of an individual. Peter and John are going into the Temple to pray when they meet a man lame and begging. He asks for money which the two Apostles don't have but Peter responds and offers him what Peter does have available. As Peter points to Jesus Christ of Nazareth he offers healing to the man and commands him to get up and walk. The man not only does this but jumps up leaping and praising God.
What is so unique about this miracle? Several things: Peter pointed to Christ first and foremost, the miracles was done in the name of Christ Jesus and no other name, especially Peters. See how Peter responds in verse 12, he and John were only instruments of the healing they were not the source. Second God was praised as the man went walking and leaping and praising God into the Temple. All focus was on God, Peter, John and the man all focused on God and turned the peoples attention that way as well. Third Peter declared that God had honored His Son the Christ, "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus;"
Faith is an element in miracles, in this case the faith of Peter in Christ and the man that what was said was true but the focus was on proving that Jesus was the Christ and that Peter and John were messengers of that good news. Man was involved but was never the primary focus. We can trust that Jesus is alive today because He performed this miracle and we can trust the message declared by Peter and John because of how God used them in their obedience.
Acts 8:9-25 Simon the Sorcerer
Simon, a man who was once a sorcerer and had convinced the people he was something special, believed the Gospel message of Philip and then witnessed the work of Peter and John. When Peter and John arrived they noticed that the Holy Spirit had not yet come to these new believers and so they laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers. Having seen this and the miracles done by Philip, Simon desired this ability as well. But his heart and motivation must have been all wrong because Peter strongly rebukes Simon declaring Simons ways as wicked.
Although no particular miracle is recounted here we learn this important lesson, miracles are a gift from God, they can NEVER BE BOUGHT. That which Peter and John had freely received at Pentecost they freely gave to all they encountered. Miracles were performed by Philip and then by Peter and John in this region. No money was ever involved because the miracles and the gift of the Holy Spirit demonstrated God's great Love for the people and validated the message they declared.
Conclusion
The Miracle always pointed to God for His glory and praise and was never meant to puff up or honor a man.
So, Is God still at work this way in the world today? Oh yes! But not all that glitters is gold. If God is Immutable (does not change) why would the way He performs miracles change, they still point to Him alone and validate the message being given. Be cautious of anyone who claims to have the power to heal but draws attention to themselves, particularly through their actions (even if their words sound good) or if any money of any kind is involved.
So, Is God still at work this way in the world today? Oh yes! But not all that glitters is gold. If God is Immutable (does not change) why would the way He performs miracles change, they still point to Him alone and validate the message being given. Be cautious of anyone who claims to have the power to heal but draws attention to themselves, particularly through their actions (even if their words sound good) or if any money of any kind is involved.
