Sign Miracles of Jesus Christ During Jesus\'

¶ … Sign Miracles of Jesus Christ

During Jesus' life, he performed many miracles, a large number of which are recorded throughout the bible in various books. Some of these miracles are mentioned by more than one disciple, and some take on more significance than others. Each of the miracles adds to the perceived ability of Jesus and his tie to God himself. Among them were the eight sign miracles that will be discussed here. These miracles not only point to Jesus' abilities, they also indicate his deity. While skeptics remain, there is much evidence that the miracles performed by Jesus actually occurred. Here, it is important to address all eight of the sign miracles and why they point to Jesus' deity.

The Healing of the Lame Man

One of the first miracles performed was the healing of the lame man (Hoffman, 2004). This man had been at the pool at Bethesda for 38 years, but was not able to get into the water on his own. He was waiting for someone to help him into the water, but no one had -- and so he had been living right there by the pool. When Jesus came to the pool, he told the man to get up and be well (The Holy Bible, 1984). This was evidence of his deity before it showed that he could perform miracles that others could not do (Towns, 2002). Additionally, Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath day, something the Pharisees would not consider doing. The man had been lame for such a long period of time, but Jesus made him like new in an instant (Towns, 2002). That was truly a miracle, and would not be "realistic" in the sense that a person who did not have deity could not perform something like this. Those who saw the miracle take place were further convinced that Jesus had powers beyond that of a normal person, and that he was who he claimed to be -- the Son of God.

The Healing of the Son of a Nobleman

Another healing took place with the son of a nobleman. This nobleman went to Jesus and asked him to heal his son, who was dying (Towns, 2002). Jesus did not go to the son, but just told the man that his son was healed, and to go home. The man did so, and as he was heading home his servants came to him and said that his son was alive (Towns, 2002). Naturally the man was very grateful, and he also realized that the time of the son's recovery coincided with the time when Jesus said the son would be healed. Because of that, he believed that Jesus was who he said he was, and that he really could perform miracles (Towns, 2002). The man's entire household all decided that they would believe in Jesus and in God (Morris, 1989). This is evidence of his deity, because it shows his power over space. He did not need to go to the dying person to heal them, and was able to do it with only a word from wherever he was located at the time (Towns, 2002; Morris, 1989).

Turning Water into Wine

The miracle of turning water into wine is one of the most commonly discussed miracles performed by Jesus. The story goes that the wedding celebration was running out of wine to offer, and Jesus asked that someone bring him water. He turned all the water into wine, so there would be enough for everyone (Riches, 2000). This points to his deity because it shows how he has power over creation (Towns, 2002). He can take something and use it to create something else, which is not something that is able to be done by any normal human in the way Jesus did it. That is very important when recognizing his deity, because having control over creation is a power that has been attributed to God, and Jesus is purported to be God's son, acting in his stead while he was here on earth. The water into wine miracle is known all over the world, even by many of those who are not Christian.

Feeding 5,000 People

With five loaves of bread and two small fish, Jesus fed 5,000 people (The Holy Bible, 1984). He saw what was available, but as it was handed out to everyone who had gathered it just seemed to last and last. It was not that there was suddenly dozens of loaves and fish, but only that the ones that were there never seemed to dwindle until the end of the line of hungry people was reached and no more food was needed (Towns, 2002). This was also a significant way that Jesus showed his deity, because it demonstrated control over food and how he was able to create what was needed to care for the people who needed it (Towns, 2002). Jesus also uses this time for his claim that he is the bread of life, and that those who come to him will not hunger or thirst if they believe in him (The Holy Bible, 1984). This helps to reinforce his deity and his claim of who he really is.

Raising Lazarus from the Dead

It is common knowledge that once people are dead, they remain dead. However, Jesus was able to resurrect Lazarus after he had been dead for four days (Towns, 2002). Lazarus was his friend, and they had a close relationship. Jesus could have healed Lazarus before he died, but he did not do so (Towns, 2002). He told the messengers who brought him the news that Lazarus' illness was for the glory of God (Morris, 1989). By providing that information to the messengers, Jesus was setting up for what many consider his greatest miracle. By the time he reached the area where Lazarus was, the man had died. Jesus called on him to come out of the tomb, and he did -- much to the amazement and joy of everyone gathered around (Towns, 2002). This is certainly a strong testament to the deity of Jesus, as having power over death is something only God would possess. People are not able to raise others from the dead, especially not after so much time has passed.

Walking on Water

Jesus also displays the power he has over natural laws, by walking across the water to reach the boat of his disciples. They set sail without him because he had not arrived by nightfall. However, they ended up sailing into a storm and they were frightened (Towns, 2002). Their boat was being tossed around, and they believed they might die. Jesus walked on top of the water, and went to them and revealed who he truly was and that they did not need to be afraid. Having control over the natural laws that he created further established his deity and convinced his disciples of his power.