Miracles in the Four Gospels: A Discussion and Reference Table
Jesus’ teaching (often through parables) and miracles are primary features of the Gospels. A biblically informed definition of a miracle would consider a miracle as “an event which runs counter to the observed processes of nature” (EDT, 779). Miracles in the Bible are evidence of God’s direct intervention in the world. Just as miracles are displays of God’s power in the space and time of this world, faith in the God who works those miracles calls for a lived-out response in a believer’s life. Neither biblical faith nor biblical miracles are just “religious” concepts or theories of the mind; they are observable holy disruptions in a fallen word on its way to redemption.
The Purpose and Identity of Christ
In keeping with the OT pattern, the arrival of God’s Kingdom in the person and work of Christ was predictably accompanied by miracles. Jesus’ miracles proclaimed in actions the same message proclaimed in his words: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” Moreover, the miracles demonstrated Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah who would usher in this new age of redemption. Miracles were signs to show Jesus really is God’s Son. The miracles surrounding the exodus from Egypt exemplify this pattern; while the plagues and parting of the sea were incredible displays of God’s power, they were performed in the context of God fulfilling his redemptive promises to his people.
Why do the Gospel writers incorporate miracles into their writings? While each writer employs miracles for their own distinct purposes, some general observations can be made:
- Because Jesus actually performed miracles, any biography about him would include this remarkable aspect of his life.
- Miracles accompany turning points in God’s redemptive plan: “Thus the Synoptists regarded Jesus’ miracles. . . as one mode of God’s assertion of his royal power.”
- Just as the miracles identify the advent of God’s kingdom, the miracles identify Jesus as the anointed Messianic king.
- Because miracles identify Jesus as the Messiah, it is no surprise that miracles are closely associated with faith in Jesus.
In the NT Jesus is not the only person to work miracles; every Gospel contains a passage about Jesus giving his followers authority and power to perform miracles. Not surprisingly, the apostles perform miracles in the book of Acts, and Paul mentions miracles taking place in the early churches apart from an apostle’s presence. The resurrection of Jesus was the pinnacle of all miracles and the firstfruits of the new age of redemption and resurrection.
Accounts of Miraculous Works
The first miracle happened at a wedding feast when a problem arose as there wasn’t enough wine for everybody. Jesus then told a servant to take from one large pot and let the man in charge of the feast taste it; the water was now wine! Jesus had turned water into wine, and the servants were amazed. One evening, He and His disciples went to Peter’s house where Peter’s mother-in-law was very sick with a fever. Jesus touched the sick woman’s hand, and in a moment she was well again.
Sick people came – blind, deaf, dumb, crippled. Jesus, God’s Son, could help and All who came to Him were healed. People who dragged through life on crutches could now walk and run and leap, and others who were made ugly with leprosy became whole and clean as Jesus healed them. Men and women troubled with demons stood before Jesus, and He commanded the demons to leave them. As the demons obeyed, fearful, unhappy people became calm and joyful. Behind the crowd, four men tried to help their friend to Jesus by carrying the sick man on to the roof of the house and lowering him down. Jesus saw that the four friends had faith and He said to the sick man, “Your sins are forgiven. Take up your bed and walk.” Soon after, Jesus was in a boat with the disciples and a frightful storm churned up the sea. “Be still,” Jesus commanded the waves, and immediately, the sea was calm. They believed Jesus was God’s Son because His miracles showed His glory.
Reference Table of Miracles
In the table below, miraculous healings are in regular font, exorcisms employ italic font, and miracles over nature/materials are underlined.
| Category | Examples from the Text |
|---|---|
| Healings | Peter’s mother-in-law (fever); blind, deaf, dumb, crippled; leprosy; the man lowered through the roof. |
| Exorcisms | Men and women troubled with demons; casting out demons by the finger of God. |
| Nature/Materials | Turning water into wine; calming the storm; walking on water. |