Purpose Of Miracles In The New Testament
II. PURPOSE OF MIRACLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:
Christ performed hundreds of miracles, beginning with His first miracle of turning the water into wine in John 2:1-11. Not all miracles were recorded. John tells us in John 20:30,
"And many other signs (Gr. semeion, miracles) truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book." The purpose of the miracles which are recorded, is given in John 20:31,
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus (His humanity) is the Christ (Deity, i.e., God in human flesh), the Son of God (by the Virgin Birth); and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Our Savior, Himself, stated the purpose of miracles in John 4:48, "Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." In John 1:11 it is recorded that, "He came unto his own (Israel), and his own received him not." The Scriptures declared to Israel that Christ was their Messiah: By the witness of Andrew in John 1:41,
"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." The Angels declared Christ was their Savior in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." The angel of the Lord revealed Christ as their Sin-bearer in Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." The wise men revealed Christ as their King in Matthew 2:2,
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
But, the witness of Scripture was not enough for Israel and the religious leaders wanted nothing to do with Him. In Hebrews 2:3-4 the Word of God declares,
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." (v.3).
"God also bearing them (Israel) witness, both with SIGNS AND WONDERS, and with DIVERS MIRACLES, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (v.4). In Matthew 9:1-8 Christ had healed a man sick of palsy (a paralytic) as proof that He had the power to forgive sins also. Anyone can say, I will forgive your sins, but the miracle of healing was "proof positive" that He was truly the Son of God! In Matthew 10:8, this power of healing and other miracles would also be given to the Twelve Apostles, and to The Seventy in Luke 10:1-42. As we are going to see from Scriptures, no human being was ever given the power to forgive sins. The message of the Twelve Apostles was that Christ was to bear our sin on the cross; and, by the power given to them to perform miracles, their message was substantiated as authentic. In Matthew 10:1-42 they were to go ONLY to the nation of Israel. In Matthew 10:6-7, “...go, rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (v.6). And as ye go, preach, saying, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.” (v.7). The power given them is recorded in verse 8,
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils (demons): freely ye have received , freely give." (v.8).
Nowhere in Matthew, Chapter 10, do you find they were given power to forgive anyone's sins. Their message and commission was to preach that, …the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The reason the Kingdom was "at hand"—the King was here! When any Jew believed this message their sins were forgiven. Matthew earlier stated in 1:21 that, "...He (Christ) shall save his people from their sins." (Note John 1:29). The Seventy in Luke 10:1-42 were given the same power to perform miracles (See Luke 10:9; Luke 10:17; Luke 10:19-20). Notice carefully, as you read Luke 10:1-42, NOWHERE do you find the Seventy being given the power to forgive sins. Their message to their own nation was that Jesus Christ was their Savior and Messiah. "Dr. Luke" stated earlier in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David A SAVIOUR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD."
Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection was God's payment for our sins. Paul declared this in writing to the Ephesians, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." (1:7).
Every minister that loves the Lord Jesus Christ will not draw attention to himself, let alone claim the power to forgive sin. He will declare as Paul did to the Corinthians in 2:2 and 1:31, "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2).
" . . .He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (not in himself.)” (1 Corinthians 1:31). To the Seventy who preached Christ and him crucified, the Lord said concerning their hearers in Luke 10:16,
"He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that de-spiseth me despiseth him that sent me."
Keep in mind, it was the message they preached that would be accepted or rejected. The message would save or condemn, and that God's Word is truth.
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17).
Ezekiel stated that God's word would be done; i.e., whatever God says He will back it up from Heaven, " . ..but the word which I have spoken shall be done saith the Lord GOD." (12:28).