Jesus performed miracles primarily to prove to the nation of Israel that He was the Messiah.
Miracles served as signs directed at Israel, demonstrating Jesus' identity as the Christ. They were not merely acts of compassion, though that was also true. The signs validated His claim to be the promised Messiah.
Matthew 11:2-5 — Jesus responds to John the Baptist by pointing to His miracles as evidence He is the one to come.
When John the Baptist heard in prison about Christ's works, he sent disciples to ask, 'Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' Jesus answered, 'Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.' These miracles were visible signs that Jesus was the Messiah. The Apostle Paul also notes that 'the Jews require a sign,' indicating that miraculous signs were a key part of how God revealed Himself to Israel.
Les emphasizes that the main purpose of Jesus' signs and miracles was to prove to the nation of Israel who He was—the Christ, the promised Messiah. He often stresses this because many mistakenly think Jesus performed miracles only out of compassion. While compassion was present, the primary thrust was evidential. The miracles were signs, particularly the seven (or eight) recorded in John, each carrying deep truth for Israel. This pattern continues from the Old Testament, where God constantly used supernatural events to prove His power and presence to Israel.
Les teaches that the miracles were evidence of Jesus' identity, not just claims. When John the Baptist doubted, Jesus pointed to the works themselves—healing, raising the dead, preaching to the poor—as proof that He was the Coming One. These signs were specifically targeted to Israel, who throughout their history required signs to believe.
Les says Israel had a nature of demanding signs, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:22 where 'the Jews require a sign.' The miracles during Christ's ministry were intended to convince Israel, not the Gentiles. This was a continuation of God's pattern with Israel from Moses onward, using signs to prove His supernatural power.
Les notes that the book of John records several signs, each with a 'trainload of truth' for Israel. These signs showed not only that Jesus was the Son of God and Messiah but also that He was the answer to their every need, addressing physical, spiritual, and national concerns.
Response to John the Baptist
Les explains that Jesus launched His ministry with miracles, and when John the Baptist doubted, Jesus pointed to the works as proof He was the Coming One.
Main Purpose: To Prove Messiahship
Les stresses that the main purpose of the signs and miracles was to prove to Israel that Jesus was the Messiah, not just to show compassion.
Signs as Proof to the Jew
Les emphasizes that miracles were signs to prove to the Jew that Jesus was who He said He was, referencing the signs in John's gospel.
Foundation for Belief
Les reiterates that the miracles were to prove Jesus was the Christ, and Israel's only requirement was to believe that.
Jewish Demand for Signs
Les cites 1 Corinthians to show that the Jews required a sign, and God used signs throughout Israel's history.
Israel's Dependence on Signs
Les explains that Israel had to constantly see supernatural proof of God, making miracles commonplace for them.
Signs Showed Jesus as Son of God
Les says the signs in John proved Jesus was the Son of God and Messiah, and the answer to Israel's every need.
Signs for Jew's Benefit
Les states that God performed signs for the benefit of the Jew, and in Christ's ministry, the sole reason for signs was to convince Israel of who He was.
Matthew 11:2-5: Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Jesus directly uses His miracles as evidence that He is the expected Messiah.
1 Corinthians 1:22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Paul confirms that Jews demand signs, explaining why Jesus' miracles were particularly significant for Israel.
Yes, compassion was a factor, but Les emphasizes that the main purpose was to prove to Israel that He was the Messiah. He cites that the signs and miracles were primarily evidential for the nation of Israel.
Jesus told John's disciples to report what they heard and saw: the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raised, and the gospel preached to the poor. These works demonstrated He was the Coming One.
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