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Do Jesus' miracles do anything else but show that He is God? If you already know His power, and are not seeking a specific miracle, is there anything you can gain by learning more about them? What if I told you that the varied miracles display different aspects of His character, personality, desires, and purposes? Would you like to see these stories in a deeper way so your faith can increase?
In this article, you will have an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus by getting to know Him better through seven miracles He performed. [All passages quoted are from the Bible translation ESV: English Standard Version.]
1. Jesus is relatable.
He turned water into wine - John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Rather than being a sort of mystical God, Jesus, who made Himself fully man, experienced the full range of human emotions and complexities of relationships. He engaged in the cultural practices and activities of the land in which He resided. Though He never got drunk, He was able to enjoy the festivities of a typical wedding.
Related: 7 of Jesus' Liberating Teachings that Make Legalistic Christians Squirm
2. Jesus is Lord over everything
He stilled the storm - Matthew 8:23-27
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Being fully human, Jesus needed restorative rest. In spite of being surrounded by a fierce, life-threatening storm, He was able to sleep. Though He knew that God, the Father, was not shielding Him from the human experience of pain and suffering, Jesus placed His trust in the Father which kept fear from awakening Him.
By trusting that the Lord's power and love are unsurpassed and His will is perfect, you can experience deep rest.
3. Jesus has authority over Satan
He freed two men of demons - Matthew 8:28-34
And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Because Jesus lives in us, we have authority over Satan. We don't need to fear evil powers because God's power within us is greater (1 Jn. 4:1-6). In day to day decisions, when we look to the Lord, we will recognize the schemes of the devil and will be able to resist his temptations. Scripture tells us that when we do this, the enemy will flee (Jas. 4:7).
4. Jesus Gives the Healed a New Identity & Community
He restored a man crippled for decades - John 5:1-9
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalid - blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
By asking the man if he wanted to be healed, Jesus acknowledged the reality that sometimes people get so comfortable in their infirmities that they don't want to change. Going through similar struggles fosters a sense of community and after 38 years of waiting by the pool with others in need of healing, the man undoubtedly built close friendships with them. Being restored would have caused his life to go in a different direction than his friends.
In addition to being physically, mentally, or spiritually restored, Jesus' healing gives beneficiaries a new identity and leads them to a new place to belong...the community of believers.
Related: How One Woman Found Healing From Mental And Emotional Turmoil Through Jesus Christ
5. Jesus Recognizes Small Steps of Faith
He cured a woman who was bleeding for many years - Luke 8:43-48
And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
By asking the woman to identify herself, Jesus helped her reconnect with community. He knew who touched his robe but he didn't want her to walk away physically healed but still in the shadows. He wanted to heal her heart, too, by freeing her from shame and pointing out her value.
6. Jesus Cares for Unbelievers
He healed a Canaanite Girl - Matthew 15:22-28
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Out of His unconditional love, Jesus came to save everyone. I have heard people say that they have done too many bad things to be accepted by God. This is a lie from Satan. Jesus died for our sins and there is no sin too bad for Him to forgive. Anyone who turns to the Lord and asks for forgiveness will be saved.
7. Jesus Cares for those Wanting to Condemn Him
He restored the ear of a priest’s servant - Luke 22:50-51
And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
While Jesus was being forcibly apprehended so He could be charged with blasphemy and sentenced to death, one of his disciples attempted to physically defend Jesus. Despite the knowledge that He was being delivered to suffer and die, Jesus restored the captor's severed ear.
God's love is offered to everyone, including those who actively choose to be His enemy. In this life, it is never too late for someone to repent and believe.
What it all Means for Your Life
When you become more acquainted with Jesus' character, you will gain a better picture of His relatability. This will help you grow closer to Him and equip you to share the Good News with unbelievers. In your day to day life, whatever the circumstances, you will have a greater sense of security which will enable you to experiece the abundant life He promises.
Do you want to learn more about the Bible or how to become a Christian?
Check out these articles:
- Bible Recap 101: Your Essential Guide to the Bible's Core Storyline
- How to Become a Christian in 2 Life-Saving Steps
- How to Read the Bible Using the S.O.A.P. Method
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