Matthew 11:2-6

In our text, we are presented with a situation in which Jesus Christ is asked to certify Himself – if He were the promised Messiah or not. John the Baptist had already identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). What John’s disciples ask for in our text then is not identification of person, but demonstration of character. To this Christ responds by pointing to His miracles.

So much of Christ’s earthly ministry consisted in working of the miraculous. Everywhere He turned, we see our Lord performing miracles, and people seeking Him for such. How does this certify His character? In answer to that, we must determine what actually constitutes the miraculous. Biblically speaking, a miracle is when the laws of nature are set aside. Christ’s miraculous works give evidence of His Divine Character, as seen in the Power and Purpose thereof.

Considering the Power on display in Christ’s works, we note that He showed power over the forces of nature. The Lord set aside the laws of nature so that He and Peter could walk on water (Matthew 14:22-36). He also spoke peace to a raging storm so that the wind and waves were stilled (Mark 4:36-40).

Christ’s works showed power over diseases. After curing a young man who had been born blind, it was said, “Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind” (John 9:32). This work could not be ascribed to human physicians.

Christ’s works showed power over demons. The Gadarene demoniac had been possessed by a legion of demons (Luke 8:30). And yet, this demonic horde cried out for mercy from the Lord, “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not” (Luke 8:28).

Christ’s works showed power over death. The New Testament gives several cases in which Jesus raised someone from the dead. The most significant for us is His own Resurrection from the dead; “because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24). Christ’s miraculous power is the Power of God, and is full demonstration of His Divine Character.

Christ did many miracles, but what was His purpose? Considering the miracles from the demonstration of Divine Character, we see Christ’s works show His compassion. Numerous times we are told that “he was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus Christ cares for us, and the miracles He performs in setting aside the laws of nature give proof to His Divine compassion.

A further purpose of Christ’s miraculous works is to show us who He really is. To demonstrate His Divine Character, Jesus declared:

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” (Mark 2:10-11)

Child of God, we must know the Biblical truth concerning Christ’s miraculous power. God alone has all power in heaven and earth. He alone is worthy to be praised for the miraculous. Jesus Christ demonstrated His character by His miraculous works to prove His Divinity. As we recognize Christ the Miracle-Worker, we unabashedly confess that He is God.