GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 393 November 2, 2011
The Miracles Jesus Did
"...Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these MIRACLES that thou doest, except God be with him," Jn 3:2b.
When Jesus began to do miracles, He turned the water into wine in Cana. Then, on the second journey to Cana, Jesus really performed for mankind. He cured a child's sickness. The child was the son of a nobleman who went to see Jesus about this problem. and was told to "Go thy way; thy son liveth," John 4:50.
Later, as the nobleman headed home, he met his servants coming the other way. They were happy to report the good news that his son was no longer in danger. Calculating the time, he knew it was when Jesus told him the same great news, earlier. As a result, the nobleman believed in the Person of Jesus as Lord; and later, his entire house trusted in the Messiah, too.
Of course, the purpose of miracles was to bring people to Christ. Miracles, as Nicodemus stated in John 3:2, were proof that God was with Jesus. And, later on, Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost and said, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved among you by MIRACLES and WONDERS and SIGNS, which God did by Him in the midst of you..." Acts 2:22. While, all things pointed to Jesus as the Christ at that time, people's excuses were remove. But, as it is in all times, men are the same. They are selfish and out for their own gain, only.
Yes, God's power is seen in the miracles. Miracles show men that Jesus was given the power from heaven as the Son of God. However, attitudes toward the Savior were not easy for men to adjust. People still held on to their old way of life. In John, chapter six, we are amazed at man's choice. This time, Jesus wasn't as kind, either. He told the five thousand, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled."
We learn quickly that when men become curious and ask about doing the works of God, Jesus explains what the purpose of miracles are. Miracles, He said, are to point all men to Him. That, He is the Savior. "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent," John 6:29. But, wouldn't you know it, these men missed the miracle that they just enjoyed. The meaning went only to their stomachs. Their were full but, their spirits remained empty. Jesus was right, they sought out food, not the Savior. Why do we serve Christ? That should be studied, don't you think?
Miracles never go away, either. The Jews had a rich history of them; going all the way back to Moses' time when God gave them manna so they could continue to live. If the Jews could only tie the two together – like the nobleman, they would see the miracles as life coming from God. Then, in the heart of each Jew, no problem would exist. Easily, they could relate each miraculous gift to the Son of God, Jesus. But, like people today, while they seemed to be honest and serious about this question on miracles; the Jews still question Jesus, asking, what "sign" He would give so they could believe on Him? (Jn. 6:30). And, this is after eating all the fish they wanted.
But here, in chapter six, Jesus spends a lot of time telling the Jews about the true bread that came "down from heaven, and giveth life to the whole world" (Jn. 6:33). At the end of the meeting, "...many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him," Jn. 6:66. (I wonder if the mark of the beast will be on those who walk away? See the 666?)
Jesus then, turns to His disciples, the Apostles, and asks, "Will ye also go away?" (Jn. 6:67). Peter, their spokesman, it seems, answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life," (Jn. 6:67). For the true disciple, it is not what is done for them, physically. What every true believer realizes is the Person of the Son of God, Jesus. He saved them. He will never leave nor forsake them. Disciples do not place much upon physical things. Further, that's the reason that we study the Bible, alone. God's words are spiritual truths that feed the spirit of man; something that comes from the kitchen can never do.
Certainly, miracles are important to every student of the Word. Miracles point out just who Jesus is. But, when we view the world's creation, the flood, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and, the things written about the last days, we are drawn closer than John's head on the breast of Jesus.
Finally, when we think Biblically, we are drawn closer and closer to the One that saved us and uses us. His truth surpasses all things within this world. While, most people seek a miracle, they normally want it for their physical side of life. What is taught by Jesus is not considered, unless it fits into the physical category. Like we said, attitudes toward the Savior are not easily adjusted. People still, even within the Word of God, seek for what improves their physical life.
Disciples love miracles, too. Yet, as disciples follow Jesus and do what the ministry calls for them to do, the calling overrides what the miracle may or, may not produce. It's the ministry that controls their lives. Do you want to follow Jesus? You might want to read Paul, as he elaborates on what is entailed. In 2 Corinthians 6:3, Paul reports, "Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed." Paul writes some things that are not pretty to the flesh. Although, he had more power to do miracles than the rest, Paul lists "stripes, imprisonments, in tumults (beatings), labors, watchings and fastings" all under the heading of: "...approving ourselves as the ministers of God" (6:4). A dedicated disciple asks the LORD for Salvation and service. These are the miracles that moves every disciple to follow and not walk away. They know that there is no other place to go. Let the Lord lead you, today.