14. When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. 16. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
Matthew records a few of the miracles that revealed the nature of Jesus and His power to overcome sickness as well as nature.
The sad truth is that many theologians have not taken any of the miracles of our Lord seriously. The Jews of our Lord’s time did not challenge the actual events, but rather the power by which these miracles were performed. Some researchers conclude the Gospel miracles have no factual or historical validity but are merely 'tales' which contain a much deeper spiritual truth. Such are the views of the skeptics and critics of God's Word.
But for the sincere student of Scripture, miracles are an important part of our Lord's ministry. They not only authenticate His message, but they also authenticate who Jesus really is. Our Lord's power over demons demonstrates the coming of His Kingdom. The miracles of Jesus were not merely deeds to authenticate the message of Messiah, but a vital part of that message. The miracles not only revealed the power of God, but His person. Jesus was deeply moved by human suffering and need, which prompted Him to action. The miracles reveal Jesus to be the redeemer and restorer of a fallen universe. He came to save.
The Bible records 35 miracles. John said there were more not recorded. Why did our Lord perform miracles? Some think it was to get a crowd. NO! He could have cast himself down from the temple during His temptation. There was no circus to attract people. Rather it was instead to demonstrate His lordship and sovereignty to mankind in all realms and circumstances. He is Lord of all. John tells us "that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of God and that by believing we might have life in his name."
Jesus miracles can be divided into three categories:
1) Destruction - such as the fig tree that was withered to show His attitude to those who profess Jesus but are not really followers.
2) Miracles of multiplication - such as water to wine or five loaves and fish feeding the multitude.
3) Most commonly, Jesus performed miracles of deliverance When people were in danger such as the passage of calming the raging sea when His disciples were in danger or deliverance from diseases. He also delivered from demonic or Satanic forces, as Christ did battle with the spiritual world and deliverance from death (Lazarus).
Application: We all have needs of various kinds and need to look to Jesus who wants to heal more than our bodies.
Prayer: Lord, I believe in miracles because Your Word tells me the are truth. Thank you for the miracle of rebirth in You and the mystery that lives within each believer.
