Miracles: God's Intervention in the Natural World

We often use the word "miracle" for a lucky break (like finding a great parking spot), but the biblical definition is much more specific.

A miracle is an unexpected, welcome occurrence that defies natural or scientific explanation and is directly attributed to supernatural agency—it is the extraordinary hand of God acting in the world.

What is a Biblical Miracle?

A true miracle is not just an odd event; it is a divine intervention that achieves a result without the use of natural means.

• Human Limits: They remind us that the impossible for humans is possible for God (Luke 18:27).

• Examples: Walking on water, healing the sick instantly, raising the dead, and feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish are all evidence of God's power overriding natural laws.

• Purpose: An act that points to God as the ultimate cause and Ruler over His creation.

“Jesus replied, 'What is impossible for humans is possible for God.' ” (Luke 18:27)

Why Did Jesus Perform Miracles?

Jesus performed miracles for three primary reasons that reinforced His claims and ministry:

1. To Prove His Divine Identity

Jesus made enormous claims, stating, “I am the light of the universe,” “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and affirming that He was the Son of God (John 8:12; 14:6).

• Authentication: Miracles were the proof of His divinity. If He was truly God, He should be able to do things mere mortals could not.

• The Command: Jesus told people, "Trust me when I claim I am in the Father and also the Father is in me, or believe the miracles themselves" (John 14:11). The miracles served as evidence that His claims were true.

2. To Demonstrate God’s Compassion

Jesus' miracles were never a mere publicity ploy; they flowed from genuine love and care for the people He encountered.

• Motivation: The Bible says, “When Jesus landed and saw a huge crowd, he had mercy on them and cured their sick” (Matthew 14:14).

• Ministry: He used His divine influence to truly cure, bring joy, and meet deep human needs.

3. To Strengthen Faith

Jesus used His miracles to deepen the faith of those who were struggling to believe.

• Example: When a violent storm erupted on the sea, Jesus' friends panicked. Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea, and the storm was instantly calmed (Luke 8:22-25). This miracle of control over nature solidified their faith in His authority.

Are There Miracles Today?

Yes! God is the supreme and living Ruler of the world, and He is still active.

While not every lucky outcome is a miracle, the God who parted the Red Sea and made the sun stand still still intervenes in human affairs. The Bible is clear that He “does wonderful things that cannot be understood. He does so many miracles they cannot be counted.” (Job 5:9)

However, the greatest and most profound miracle is the Resurrection Miracle:

• New Life: Every day, God takes a rebel sinner, forgives their guilt, grants them new life, adopts them as a child, and seals them for eternity—all as a result of Christ's death and resurrection. This transformation is the ultimate demonstration of God's amazing power, love, and dedication to His people.