“You are the God who
performs miracles;
you display
your power among the peoples”
(Psalm 77:14)
A miracle is an unusual manifestation
of God’s power in which He intervenes in human affairs.
Miracles display God’s power, inspire wonder, and
act as signs that prove who God is or substantiate His message to the world.
A miracle is a supernatural event that reveals or confirms a
specific divine message
The children of Israel saw many miracles
on their wilderness journeys to the Promised Land.
Those events, which included
some of the greatest miracles in the Bible,
confirmed to them that
they were following the One True God:
“He is your praise;
he is your God,
who performed for you those great and
awesome wonders you saw
with your own eyes”
(Deuteronomy 10:21).
Lists of the greatest miracles in the Bible would differ depending on whom you ask. Is the greatest miracle in the Bible the time the sun stood still for Joshua (Joshua 10:12–14)? Is it the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)? Is it the movement of the sun’s shadow backward ten steps (Isaiah 38:7–8)? The resurrection of Christ (Matthew 28:1–8)? The feeding of 5,000 (Mark 6:35–44)? Or maybe the greatest miracle in the Bible is the creation of the world (Genesis 1).
A case could be made that the greatest miracle in the Bible is the crossing of the Red Sea.
The scope and historical significance of that miracle are truly awesome, and that event is often pointed to by other biblical writers as proof of God’s power and goodness
(e.g., Joshua 24:6; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 66:6; 136:13; Isaiah 43:16; 51:15; Hebrews 11:29).
Just as strong a case can be made for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
without which our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).
And the miracle of the sun and moon standing still is truly mind-boggling.
Any miracle, by definition, is great, and it is probably impossible
to objectively identify the greatest miracles in the Bible.
But here are several miracles that should probably be included in a list of the greatest:
Miracles over nature
• The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
• Jonah and the big fish (Jonah 1:17)
• The virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18–25)
• Daniel’s survival in the den of lions (Daniel 6:21–22)
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s preservation in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25)
• Jesus’ walking on water (Matthew 14:25–27)
• Jesus’ calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27)
Miracles of healing
• Jesus’ healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–47), a leper (Mark 1:40–45), a paralytic (Matthew 9:1–8), and a woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43–48)
• Jesus’ casting out of many unclean spirits (Mark 1:23–28; Matthew 8:28–34)
Miracles of provision
• God’s provision of manna (Exodus 16:4)
• Jesus’ turning of water into wine (John 2:7–9)
• Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes (Matthew 14:19–20; 15:36–37)
Miracles of resurrection
• Elijah’s raising of the son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17–24)
• Elisha’s raising the Shunamite woman’s son (2 Kings 4:18–37)
• Jesus’ raising of the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11–18), Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:52–56), and Lazarus (John 11)
• Peter’s raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43)
• Paul’s raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
• Jesus’ resurrection (Luke 24:1–7)
Jesus Christ offers the ultimate miracle
as he
forgives our sin,
grants us life, lavishes us with grace,
adopts us as a child,
and seals us for eternity—all because of the
death and resurrection of Christ.
Praise the Lord for the miracle of
salvation!
The greatest miracles in the Bible prove
the
greatness and power of God
John 2
presents a miracle story, which was the first miracle that
Jesus performed. The story goes like this:
Jesus was invited to the wedding.
When the party ran out of the wine,
the bridegroom got into a panic.
Jesus performed a miracle that transformed
water into wine.
What do you think is the main theme of the story?
I would say,
it is
transformation
Under the theme of transformation,
I have identified three points of the story.
The first point is “Jesus” who turned water into wine.
As we know and believe, Jesus transforms not only water but also people.
The second is “the change” that was not superficial but
substantial and wholistic.
Jesus turned water not into wine-flavoured water, but into
real wine. Jesus does not do cosmetic surgery on us,
but transforms our hearts.
The third point is “the ending” of the celebration,
which was full of joy. Jesus rescued the bridegroom from impending shame
by sustaining the joy of the wedding. It was well, thanks to Jesus. Jesus
liberates us from sin, guilt and shame, and fills us with joy
and gratitude. It is well, thanks to Jesus.
Jesus Transforms us
As we say Jesus transforms people,
it would
be also said that Jesus transforms people through
the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Let me explain a little bit more about what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.
“Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)
When Jesus was with the disciples at the last supper, he knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. So, he said to them,
“Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’” (John 13:33)
Then, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord,
where are you going?” Jesus replied,
“Where I am going, you cannot follow me now;
but you will follow afterwards”
(John 13:36).
Jesus continues,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places.
If it were not so, would
I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
(John 14:1-2)
And Jesus gives the disciples the
promise of the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another
Advocate,
to be with you for ever.”
(John 14:16)
Jesus explains the Holy Spirit;
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
(John 14:26)
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
not only
reminds us of all that Jesus said,
but
also sustains us and renews us.
When the goodness and loving-kindness of God
our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because
of any works of
righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy,
through the water of rebirth and
renewal by the Holy Spirit.
This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-8)
So, when we say “Jesus transforms people,” it means that Jesus transforms people through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. This is the first point of the first miracle that Jesus performed not only water but also people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms people to be his followers. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms us to be more faithful disciples. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms each one of us to be a better person.
We are transformed substantially
The second point of the first miracle that Jesus performed at Cana is that: “the change” that Jesus made in us is not superficial but substantial and wholistic. Wasn’t it something that happened in us, as we confessed Jesus as Lord and Saviour? The change that Jesus makes in people is not on their appearances, but on their hearts. Isn’t it something that we need, if we want to be a better person? When we are renewed by the Holy Spirit, we “gain new strength so that we may mount up with wings like eagles, so that we may run and not get tired, so that we may walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31). Isn’t it what we pray for, as we go on this journey of life?
When our hearts are touched by Jesus, our inner being is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16), and there are significant changes in our values, worldview, and self-identity. When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my values. I was worried about what to eat, what to drink and what to wear, but now I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my worldview. I was confused with several contending worldviews, but now I am convinced that God created heavens and the earth in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1). When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my identity. I was someone from nowhere, but now I know that I am a child of God. I know that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). When Jesus took the throne of my heart, the purpose of my life was changed, which used to be for the sake of me, but now it is for the sake of Him.
We are filled with Joy
The third point is “the ending” of the celebration, which was full of joy. Jesus rescued the bridegroom from impending shame, and sustained the joy of the celebration. Life is like a wedding feast, which is to be joyful, but most of time we experience running out of wine. So, we need Jesus. We need Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine.
Interestingly, however, Jesus performed a miracle on us, before He does on our circumstances. Jesus sees us as water to be transformed. Jesus turns our heart of ignorance into a heart of caring so that our life may be filled with love. Jesus turns our stubborn heart into an attentive heart, so that our life may be filled with joy.
As we experience such miracles taking place in us, we feel grateful for His goodness and mercy. There are various analogies that portray the miracles taking place in our hearts.
“The scorched land will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; In the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes.” (Isaiah 35:7)
“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land fountains of water.” (Isaiah 41:18)
The third point of the first miracle is “the ending” of the celebration, which was full of joy. Likewise, as we follow Jesus, we experience joy, which I would call sacred joy, no matter what circumstances we may be placed in.
Jesus turned water into wine. Likewise, he turns the dry land into fountains of water, the wilderness into a pool of water, the scorched land into a pool, and the thirsty ground into springs of water. So, we have reasons to be joyful always.
The First Miracle Immediately after his baptism,
he proclaimed that
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven
has come near”
(Matt 4:17)
That was his first proclamation in his public ministry,
which emphasized the
presence of the Kingdom.
Jesus performed his first miracle at Cana,
by turning water into wine,
which points out the significant of transformation
of those
who will be part of the Kingdom.
So now we know that the first proclamation and the first miracle go hand in hand. The one is the proclamation of the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. The other is the proclamation of the way people are gathered into the Kingdom.
Do you think you need a miracle to
believe that
Jesus is the Messiah
and the
Son of the living God?
Transforming a person is a miracle
in itself,
which means, you don’t need a miracle to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
You will become a miracle as you confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
And, the miracle of miracles is the resurrection of Jesus, who triumphed over death and the grave. So, whenever we encounter the stories of Jesus, we get inspired and encouraged so that we too triumph over various life issues that we face every day. Whenever we listen to the Gospel, we get motivated and empowered so that we are able to “press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:14).
As we were renewed by the Holy Spirit, we became Jesus’ followers.
As we are transformed day by day, we become more faithful disciples.
As we are touched by the love of God, we become a better person.
That’s a miracle. So, you are miracle, and so am I.
God is faithful
to the
promises and prophecies
in
His Word
The
second coming of
Christ
fulfills the remaining prophecies
In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Servant and arrived in the most
humble of circumstances.
In His
second coming,
Jesus is the conquering King
with the armies of
heaven at His side
“You are the God who
performs miracles;
you display
your power among the peoples”
(Psalm 77:14)
A miracle is an unusual manifestation
of God’s power in which He intervenes in human affairs.
Miracles display God’s power, inspire wonder, and
act as signs that prove who God is or substantiate His message to the world.
A miracle is a supernatural event that reveals or confirms a
specific divine message
The children of Israel saw many miracles
on their wilderness journeys to the Promised Land.
Those events, which included
some of the greatest miracles in the Bible,
confirmed to them that
they were following the One True God:
“He is your praise;
he is your God,
who performed for you those great and
awesome wonders you saw
with your own eyes”
(Deuteronomy 10:21).
Lists of the greatest miracles in the Bible would differ depending on whom you ask. Is the greatest miracle in the Bible the time the sun stood still for Joshua (Joshua 10:12–14)? Is it the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)? Is it the movement of the sun’s shadow backward ten steps (Isaiah 38:7–8)? The resurrection of Christ (Matthew 28:1–8)? The feeding of 5,000 (Mark 6:35–44)? Or maybe the greatest miracle in the Bible is the creation of the world (Genesis 1).
A case could be made that the greatest miracle in the Bible is the crossing of the Red Sea.
The scope and historical significance of that miracle are truly awesome, and that event is often pointed to by other biblical writers as proof of God’s power and goodness
(e.g., Joshua 24:6; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 66:6; 136:13; Isaiah 43:16; 51:15; Hebrews 11:29).
Just as strong a case can be made for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
without which our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).
And the miracle of the sun and moon standing still is truly mind-boggling.
Any miracle, by definition, is great, and it is probably impossible
to objectively identify the greatest miracles in the Bible.
But here are several miracles that should probably be included in a list of the greatest:
Miracles over nature
• The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
• Jonah and the big fish (Jonah 1:17)
• The virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18–25)
• Daniel’s survival in the den of lions (Daniel 6:21–22)
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s preservation in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25)
• Jesus’ walking on water (Matthew 14:25–27)
• Jesus’ calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27)
Miracles of healing
• Jesus’ healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–47), a leper (Mark 1:40–45), a paralytic (Matthew 9:1–8), and a woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43–48)
• Jesus’ casting out of many unclean spirits (Mark 1:23–28; Matthew 8:28–34)
Miracles of provision
• God’s provision of manna (Exodus 16:4)
• Jesus’ turning of water into wine (John 2:7–9)
• Jesus’ feeding of the multitudes (Matthew 14:19–20; 15:36–37)
Miracles of resurrection
• Elijah’s raising of the son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17–24)
• Elisha’s raising the Shunamite woman’s son (2 Kings 4:18–37)
• Jesus’ raising of the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11–18), Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:52–56), and Lazarus (John 11)
• Peter’s raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43)
• Paul’s raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12)
• Jesus’ resurrection (Luke 24:1–7)
Jesus Christ offers the ultimate miracle
as he
forgives our sin,
grants us life, lavishes us with grace,
adopts us as a child,
and seals us for eternity—all because of the
death and resurrection of Christ.
Praise the Lord for the miracle of
salvation!
The greatest miracles in the Bible prove
the
greatness and power of God
John 2
presents a miracle story, which was the first miracle that
Jesus performed. The story goes like this:
Jesus was invited to the wedding.
When the party ran out of the wine,
the bridegroom got into a panic.
Jesus performed a miracle that transformed
water into wine.
What do you think is the main theme of the story?
I would say,
it is
transformation
Under the theme of transformation,
I have identified three points of the story.
The first point is “Jesus” who turned water into wine.
As we know and believe, Jesus transforms not only water but also people.
The second is “the change” that was not superficial but
substantial and wholistic.
Jesus turned water not into wine-flavoured water, but into
real wine. Jesus does not do cosmetic surgery on us,
but transforms our hearts.
The third point is “the ending” of the celebration,
which was full of joy. Jesus rescued the bridegroom from impending shame
by sustaining the joy of the wedding. It was well, thanks to Jesus. Jesus
liberates us from sin, guilt and shame, and fills us with joy
and gratitude. It is well, thanks to Jesus.
Jesus Transforms us
As we say Jesus transforms people,
it would
be also said that Jesus transforms people through
the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Let me explain a little bit more about what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit.
“Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)
When Jesus was with the disciples at the last supper, he knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. So, he said to them,
“Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’” (John 13:33)
Then, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord,
where are you going?” Jesus replied,
“Where I am going, you cannot follow me now;
but you will follow afterwards”
(John 13:36).
Jesus continues,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places.
If it were not so, would
I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
(John 14:1-2)
And Jesus gives the disciples the
promise of the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another
Advocate,
to be with you for ever.”
(John 14:16)
Jesus explains the Holy Spirit;
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the
Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
(John 14:26)
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
not only
reminds us of all that Jesus said,
but
also sustains us and renews us.
When the goodness and loving-kindness of God
our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because
of any works of
righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy,
through the water of rebirth and
renewal by the Holy Spirit.
This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-8)
So, when we say “Jesus transforms people,” it means that Jesus transforms people through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. This is the first point of the first miracle that Jesus performed not only water but also people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms people to be his followers. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms us to be more faithful disciples. Jesus, who turned water into wine, transforms each one of us to be a better person.
We are transformed substantially
The second point of the first miracle that Jesus performed at Cana is that: “the change” that Jesus made in us is not superficial but substantial and wholistic. Wasn’t it something that happened in us, as we confessed Jesus as Lord and Saviour? The change that Jesus makes in people is not on their appearances, but on their hearts. Isn’t it something that we need, if we want to be a better person? When we are renewed by the Holy Spirit, we “gain new strength so that we may mount up with wings like eagles, so that we may run and not get tired, so that we may walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31). Isn’t it what we pray for, as we go on this journey of life?
When our hearts are touched by Jesus, our inner being is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16), and there are significant changes in our values, worldview, and self-identity. When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my values. I was worried about what to eat, what to drink and what to wear, but now I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my worldview. I was confused with several contending worldviews, but now I am convinced that God created heavens and the earth in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1). When Jesus touched my heart, it changed my identity. I was someone from nowhere, but now I know that I am a child of God. I know that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). When Jesus took the throne of my heart, the purpose of my life was changed, which used to be for the sake of me, but now it is for the sake of Him.
We are filled with Joy
The third point is “the ending” of the celebration, which was full of joy. Jesus rescued the bridegroom from impending shame, and sustained the joy of the celebration. Life is like a wedding feast, which is to be joyful, but most of time we experience running out of wine. So, we need Jesus. We need Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine.
Interestingly, however, Jesus performed a miracle on us, before He does on our circumstances. Jesus sees us as water to be transformed. Jesus turns our heart of ignorance into a heart of caring so that our life may be filled with love. Jesus turns our stubborn heart into an attentive heart, so that our life may be filled with joy.
As we experience such miracles taking place in us, we feel grateful for His goodness and mercy. There are various analogies that portray the miracles taking place in our hearts.
“The scorched land will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; In the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes.” (Isaiah 35:7)
“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land fountains of water.” (Isaiah 41:18)
The third point of the first miracle is “the ending” of the celebration, which was full of joy. Likewise, as we follow Jesus, we experience joy, which I would call sacred joy, no matter what circumstances we may be placed in.
Jesus turned water into wine. Likewise, he turns the dry land into fountains of water, the wilderness into a pool of water, the scorched land into a pool, and the thirsty ground into springs of water. So, we have reasons to be joyful always.
The First Miracle Immediately after his baptism,
he proclaimed that
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven
has come near”
(Matt 4:17)
That was his first proclamation in his public ministry,
which emphasized the
presence of the Kingdom.
Jesus performed his first miracle at Cana,
by turning water into wine,
which points out the significant of transformation
of those
who will be part of the Kingdom.
So now we know that the first proclamation and the first miracle go hand in hand. The one is the proclamation of the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. The other is the proclamation of the way people are gathered into the Kingdom.
Do you think you need a miracle to
believe that
Jesus is the Messiah
and the
Son of the living God?
Transforming a person is a miracle
in itself,
which means, you don’t need a miracle to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
You will become a miracle as you confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
And, the miracle of miracles is the resurrection of Jesus, who triumphed over death and the grave. So, whenever we encounter the stories of Jesus, we get inspired and encouraged so that we too triumph over various life issues that we face every day. Whenever we listen to the Gospel, we get motivated and empowered so that we are able to “press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:14).
As we were renewed by the Holy Spirit, we became Jesus’ followers.
As we are transformed day by day, we become more faithful disciples.
As we are touched by the love of God, we become a better person.
That’s a miracle. So, you are miracle, and so am I.
God is faithful
to the
promises and prophecies
in
His Word
The
second coming of
Christ
fulfills the remaining prophecies
In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Servant and arrived in the most
humble of circumstances.
In His
second coming,
Jesus is the conquering King
with the armies of
heaven at His side
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