3.6.16
A man walks up to your car and asks to look in the trunk. No way, right? But what if that man is in a blue or brown uniform and shows you a badge with photo ID matching his face which identifies him as a officer of the law? Different story, right? It is his credentials that changes things. They give us confidence in him and instill trust. Jesus was asked one day by followers of John the Baptist to provide his credentials. He answered them like this:
When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised." (Luke 7:20-22)
Jesus answered the question about credentials by citing the miracles that followed his ministry. These miracles can be summarized into four categories.
1. Healing.
He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, voice to the mute, and strength to the cripple. In all of these he varied his styles and approaches to how and when he would heal. He gave no specific pattern so that we would not form an ATM expectation for healing in our lives. Also, as the example of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, he did not heal everyone. It is in his plan and at his discretion when or if someone is healed.
2. Manipulation of the physical world.
Whether it is turning water into wine, feeding the crowds, or walking on water, Jesus demonstrates his power over the physical world through these miracles. He is according to Colossians 1:16 the creator of all things, and in the following verse (Colossians 1:17) he is listed as the sustainer of all things. He holds everything together, so it is his prerogative to change things if he wishes. Chemical manipulation of H2O...no problem. Converting the molecules of the ocean into a walkway...easy. Telling a storm to stop and dissipate...no sweat. As the creator and maintainer of all these things, he is able to rearrange the world to his will.
3. Demonstrates his spiritual authority.
Ephesians chapter 1 tells us that all earthly and spiritual authority is given to Jesus. This authority allowed him to command demons, cast out evil, and restore spiritual wholeness. In the case of the boy who was possessed and whom the disciples could not help, Jesus gives us the insight that he is perpetually prepared and able to do these things because he was in charge.
4. Resurrection - life after death.
During his time on earth Jesus returned life to no less than three people. In the case of the widow's son, Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus, he returned them to their old life. A life still corrupted by this earth and existence. His resurrection marked a significant change - his resurrection marked the beginning of new life. His new life, available to us, is an eternal and perfected life!
Takeaway From These Teachings
The focus of the miracles were and are Jesus - not the miracle. In Romans 1 we read a warning not to be like heathen who worship the creation and not the creator. IF our worship and desire are miracles and not the miracle maker, then we missed the point. Jesus gave testimony of this in John 10:24-26.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me."
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