Yes, Jesus performed signs, miracles, and wonders primarily to prove to the nation of Israel that He was the promised Messiah and the Son of God.
According to Les Feldick's teaching, the miracles were not mainly acts of compassion, though that was true, but were signs with an intrinsic lesson, demonstrating Jesus' divine identity and messianic role. They served as God's approval of Jesus among Israel, as Peter declared at Pentecost, and each sign, particularly the seven in John, revealed a truth about who Jesus was and what He could provide for the nation.
Acts 2:22 — Peter explicitly states that Jesus was approved by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, directly linking these works to His divine identity.
The Bible reveals that Jesus performed signs, miracles, and wonders as authenticating proof of His divine mission. In Acts 2:22, Peter addresses the men of Israel, saying, 'Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.' This verse clearly indicates that these acts were God's endorsement of Jesus before the people. Furthermore, the Gospel of John records eight specific signs, seven before the crucifixion, which serve as intentional indicators of Jesus' identity and power. These signs were not random displays but were designed to communicate spiritual truths about Jesus, as seen throughout the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians 1:22, notes, 'For the Jews require a sign,' reflecting the Jewish expectation for miraculous evidence. This cultural backdrop underscores why Jesus performed signs—to meet the Jewish demand for proof of His messianic claim.
Les Feldick consistently emphasizes that Jesus performed signs, miracles, and wonders to prove to the nation of Israel that He was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. He argues that while compassion was present, the main thrust was identity validation. Les highlights that the nation of Israel, by nature, required signs, as seen in their history and in 1 Corinthians 1:22. He teaches that each sign in the Gospel of John carried a 'trainload of truth' for Israel, revealing who Jesus was and what He could provide. Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 confirms this, as he declared that God approved Jesus through these works.
Les teaches that the signs were directed to Israel because the Jews required a sign, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:22. Throughout their history, God used signs and miracles to authenticate His messengers, from Moses to Jesus. The signs in Jesus' ministry were not just wonders but carried intrinsic lessons for the nation, showing them that Jesus was the Messiah and the King ready to give them the kingdom, as well as their Redeemer.
Les points out that there are eight signs in the Gospel of John, seven before the crucifixion and one after the resurrection. The number seven is significant as it represents completion. Each of these signs was meant to demonstrate who Jesus was and what He could provide for Israel, not just as miracles but as signs with deeper meaning.
In Acts 2, Peter addressed 'Ye men of Israel' and declared that Jesus of Nazareth was approved by God among them through miracles, wonders, and signs. This confirms that the purpose of these acts was to authenticate Jesus' divine identity and message. Peter's audience was exclusively Jewish, and he emphasized that these signs proved Jesus was the promised Messiah.
Peter's Address to Israel
Les explains that Peter's Pentecost sermon was directed specifically to Jews, and he references Acts 2:22 (implied) to show that Jesus' miracles were signs of God's approval and proof of His identity.
The Vortex of His Ministry
Les states that the main thrust of Jesus' signs and miracles was to prove to the nation of Israel that He was the Messiah, not merely to show compassion.
Jews Require a Sign
Les underscores that Jesus performed miracles to prove who He was, because the Jews demanded signs, as noted in 1 Corinthians 1:22.
Eight Signs in John
Les teaches that the signs in John were more than miracles; they were signs with intrinsic lessons for Israel, and there were eight, with seven before the resurrection.
Signs Throughout Israel's History
Les stresses that Jesus performed miracles to prove to the Jew that He was who He said He was, and that these signs carried a 'trainload of truth' for Israel.
Proof of the Messiah
Les reiterates that the whole reason for Christ's miracles was to prove to Israel that He was the Christ, the promised Messiah, and that they needed only to believe.
Jewish Demand for Signs
Les explains that the Jews required signs, as Paul wrote to a Gentile church, and that God used signs throughout Israel's history, including through Moses, to authenticate His messengers.
Proving the Promised King
Les says Jesus performed signs to prove He was the promised Messiah, the King ready to give them the kingdom and to be their Redeemer.
Acts 2:22: Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Peter directly states that Jesus' signs and wonders were God's approval, proving His divine identity.
1 Corinthians 1:22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
This explains the Jewish expectation for signs, which Jesus fulfilled.
Les Feldick acknowledges that compassion was certainly present, as Jesus felt sorry for the sick and blind. However, the main thrust of His signs and miracles was to prove to Israel who He was—the Messiah and Son of God.
Les teaches that John recorded eight specific signs, seven before the crucifixion and one after, each with an intrinsic lesson for Israel. The number seven signifies completion, and these signs were chosen to reveal truths about Jesus' identity and provision.
Watch the Teaching: What Peter Really Said at Pentecost — Acts 2 Explained