The word “miracle” refers to something that cannot ordinarily occur within the realm of the universal laws of nature. Jesus performed miracles to validate what He said, such as in Matthew 9:6-7, “‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic— ‘Rise, pick up your bed and go home.’ And he rose and went home.”
How often the word miracle is found in the Gospels depends on what translation is used. It is, for example, used frequently in the KJV and not at all in the ESV. Other words are also used to indicate examples of things that cannot ordinarily take place, like signs, wonders, and mighty works.
Wedding Feast at Cana, 1819 by Julius Schnorr
Regarding Jesus changing water into wine in John 2:11, the KJV says, “This beginning of miracles,” the EHV says, “This, the beginning of his miraculous signs,” and the ESV translates. “This, the first of his signs.” The word sign indicates that the miraculous event is designed to teach us something and especially to reveal a spiritual application.
God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders in the Old Testament. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:11-14)
The Holy Spirit worked in hearts through the Gospel Jesus preached, and the Gospel was confirmed by the signs He did.
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.” (John 2:23)
In connection with his account of the life of Jesus, John wrote, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31) Note well that John states the precise reason why John recorded the signs in his testimony of the life of Jesus. It is that those who read it may believe and have eternal life!
When proclaiming, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22), Peter did not need to recite a long list of the works, wonders, and signs of Jesus for his hearers, because they had seen them for themselves!
The Lord continued to confirm the spoken Word by giving those who carried this Word forth as missionaries the ability to perform signs and wonders at certain times and places:
Acts 14:1-3—“Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”
We thank the Lord who has blessed us by recording these powerful events for us today! Praise the Lord for His life-giving Gospel confirmed by His signs and wonders!
is pastor of Gift of God Lutheran Church in Mapleton, North Dakota, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ponsford, Minnesota.