Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction

After my series on the parables, I found I was drawn back to the gospels to look into the miracles of Jesus. As our introductory post into this topic, I would like to offer some definitions, two downloadable files, and a quick review of why the miracles of Jesus were provided.

Definitions

I found two words that refer to the “miracles” recorded in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus. If you would like to check out the lexicons, get verse lists etc., please use the links provided below.

Our first Greek term is sēmeion, usually translated as miracle or sign. John really likes this term!

A second Greek word dynamis is commonly translated as works, or mighty works and is the default term used to describe what we call a miracle.

Why Miracles were provided?

Why did Jesus perform such signs and mighty works? Well, there are a number of answers to this question, some familiar and some not so much. Consider the following.

To Fulfill Prophecy

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17

To Give Authority to His Words

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29

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.” Matthew 9:6

To Exhibit His Compassion

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Matthew 8:1-4,

To Believe His Words

If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” John 10:37-38  

Why Miracles were not Provided

To satisfy a fleshly desire

But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Matthew 12:39

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” John 4:48

File Download

In the following downloadable files, you will find gospel narratives of all the miracles for your records and reference. Also, for your convenience, a pdf is available that supplies the miracles in a table format, following the order of our study.

I have also found a timeline that is helpful in relation to when the miracles were performed in His ministry. The file may be found at https://www.bibletimelines.net/timelines/jesus-ministry

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