The Purpose of Miracles

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. [John 8.28-30]

When we read the word "then," we can safely ask the question "when?".

When did those who heard Jesus say these things believe? Look at the last thing Jesus said before this statement was written: "For I always do what pleases him.” 

There is a direct correlation between Jesus doing what pleases God (God's will) and the people believing (and, as has been discussed elsewhere, "believing" is directly tied to "repenting").

Think. Jesus said much about being "sent." Likewise, Jesus said much about "sending" those who followed Him. If Jesus' God-pleasing obedience to being "sent" resulted in people repenting and believing, we can conclude that our God-pleasing obedience to being "sent" will result in people repenting and believing.

So why then would we not have people repenting and believing? It's simple! We are not operating in God-pleasing obedience! How does that make you feel?

Let's look at another scripture found in today's One Year Chronological Bible reading. These are Jesus' own words:

“What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. [Luke 10.13]

What was it that Jesus referred to that should have brought about the repentance of the people? Miracles. Miracles are what Jesus did that always pleased the Father. Miracles did not guarantee that people would repent and believe (as was the case with Korazin and Bethsaida), but they were the circumstance in which it would happen.

If Jesus was sent to do miracles so people might repent and believe, what do you suppose He sent us to do?

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]

Jesus' death on the Cross was not a miracle. But His resurrection from the dead certainly was! And, because of that miracle, many have the opportunity to repent and believe. If we then are indeed sent as Jesus was sent, there is simply no circumstance that we should hesitate to encounter because the miracle attached to it will present the opportunity for all who witness it to repent and believe.

To say God no longer does miracles is to say God no longer wishes people to repent and believe.

Think about it!

Father, forgive me for my hard-heartedness and consequent misunderstanding of Your will. Forgive me for seeing, hearing, and still not understanding that I am to approach the life You have given me on earth just as Jesus approached the life You gave Him on earth for one reason: so that people will believe.