The Miracles of Jesus 

A Sermon based on the outline by Travis Main

Introduction
What would you say if I told you that I know someone who raised the dead, restored sight to a man born blind, fed thousands with only a handful of food, and even walked on water? The Bible says this—and much more—about Jesus of Nazareth. During His earthly ministry, He was widely known as a miracle-worker. Herod himself hoped to see Him perform a miracle (Luke 23:8).

We believe in His miracles, but many in our day deny them. They call them exaggerations, myths, or impossible feats. Yet the Bible affirms that Jesus worked mighty signs that proved His identity and confirmed His message. Hebrews 2:1–4 tells us that God bore witness with signs, wonders, and miracles. These were not tricks, illusions, or sleight of hand—they were true displays of divine power.

Miracles Defined
A miracle is not simply something unusual or unlikely. Escaping a car wreck without injury may be remarkable, but it is not a miracle. A miracle is an event that supersedes the natural laws of the universe. Jesus walked on water, healed the sick instantly, raised the dead, and told Peter to find tax money in a fish’s mouth. These are not coincidences or acts of chance—they are supernatural.

Not every act of God is a miracle. Sometimes God works within the laws of nature. This is called providence. For example, God extended Hezekiah’s life by fifteen years, but within the normal flow of life (2 Kings 20). Providence works behind the scenes, while miracles operate above natural law. Both come from God, both show His power, but miracles break into creation in ways only God can accomplish.

The Purpose of Miracles
Why did Jesus perform miracles? First, to confirm the Word of God (Mark 16:20). His miracles authenticated His teaching and proved His words were true. Second, to equip and strengthen the early church (Ephesians 4:8–13). In its infancy, the church needed visible proof that its message was from God. Third, to glorify God (John 9:3; John 11:40–42). The miracles displayed God’s wisdom, compassion, and power. Jesus healed lepers, raised the widow’s son, opened blind eyes, and fed the multitudes out of compassion (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:12–14; Matthew 14:14).

Why Do Some Not Believe in the Miracles of Jesus?
Some deny miracles because they have not personally witnessed them. Thomas doubted until he saw the risen Lord (John 20:24–29). This is a faith problem. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the conviction of things not seen. Others deny miracles because they have low respect for the Bible. If Scripture is dismissed as legend, then its miracles are rejected as fables. Humanism also leads to denial, exalting man and denying anything supernatural. Still others are disgusted by modern pretenders—false miracle-workers on TV whose staged theatrics and greed discredit the truth of God’s Word.

Why Should We Believe in Jesus’ Miracles?
First, because of the reliability of the Bible. It has proven accurate in every field—historical, scientific, and spiritual. If we can trust the Bible, we can trust its record of miracles. Second, because of the sheer number of miracles—over three dozen are recorded in the Gospels. Third, because of their variety. Jesus healed every kind of disease, restored senses, raised the dead, calmed storms, fed multitudes, and cast out demons. No trickster could account for such a wide range of works.

Fourth, because they were verifiable. The man born blind was publicly known; Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus raised him (John 11:17, 39–44). These were not vague or unverifiable “healings” but undeniable events. Finally, even His enemies admitted He performed miracles. The Pharisees accused Him of doing them by Satan’s power (Matthew 9:32–34). In John 11:47–48 they confessed that He worked many signs, but feared His influence.

The Consequences of Denying His Miracles
If we deny Jesus’ miracles, we strip Him of His credibility as the Son of God. Acts 2:22 says His miracles proved God approved of Him. John 5:36 and John 14:11 declare that His works testified of His divine authority. The prophets foretold that Messiah would work miracles (Isaiah 35:5–6). John 20:30–31 tells us that these signs were written so that we might believe and have life in His name. To deny His miracles is to deny His identity and His salvation.

Conclusion
We can be confident that Jesus performed the miracles the Bible records, as well as many more not written down. These miracles confirm that He is the Christ, the Son of God. That truth gives meaning to His sacrificial death and points to the crowning miracle of His resurrection. His miracles strengthen our faith and give us reason to trust Him completely.

Exhaustive Sermon Outline: The Miracles of Jesus

Introduction

• Jesus known as miracle-worker (Luke 23:8).

• Hebrews 2:1–4—miracles confirmed God’s word.

I. Miracles Defined

• Not just unusual events.

• True miracle supersedes natural law.

• Examples: walking on water, instant healing, raising the dead, coin in fish’s mouth.

• Providence vs. miracle: both from God, but providence works within natural law, miracles outside.

II. The Purpose of Miracles

• To confirm God’s Word (Mark 16:20).

• To equip and strengthen the church (Ephesians 4:8–13).

• To glorify God (John 9:3; John 11:40–42).

• To show compassion (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:12–14; Matthew 14:14).

III. Why Some Deny the Miracles of Jesus

• Lack of personal witness (John 20:24–29).

• Low respect for the Bible.

• Humanism—exalting man, denying supernatural.

• Disgust at modern pretenders and false healers.

IV. Why We Should Believe in Jesus’ Miracles

• Reliability of the Bible.

• Number of miracles recorded.

• Variety of miracles—healing, feeding, raising dead, calming storms.

• Verifiable events—man born blind (John 9), Lazarus raised (John 11).

• Enemies admitted His miracles (Matthew 9:32–34; John 11:47–48).

V. Consequences of Denying His Miracles

• Jesus loses credibility as Son of God (Acts 2:22).

• His works testified of Him (John 5:36; John 14:11).

• OT prophecies required Messiah to perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5–6).

• John 20:30–31—without belief in miracles, no life in His name.

Conclusion

• We can be confident Jesus performed miracles.

• They confirm His identity and point to His resurrection.

Call to Action

Do you believe in the miracles of Jesus? They were not done for entertainment or profit, but to prove He is the Christ, the Son of God. Denying His miracles is denying His authority and salvation. Believe the signs, trust His Word, and obey His gospel so that you may share in the greatest miracle of all—eternal life.

Key Takeaways

• Miracles supersede natural law (Matthew 14:25; John 11:43–44).

• Providence and miracles both show God’s care (Nehemiah 9:34–35; Joshua 5:12).

• The purpose of miracles: confirm God’s Word, equip the church, glorify God, show compassion (Mark 16:20; John 9:3).

• Many deny miracles because of doubt, lack of respect for Scripture, humanism, or disgust at modern pretenders (John 20:25; Hebrews 11:1).

• Jesus’ miracles prove His identity as the Son of God (Acts 2:22; John 14:11).

Scripture Reference List

• Hebrews 2:1–4 – God confirmed His Word with miracles.

• Luke 23:8 – Herod desired to see a miracle.

• Mark 16:20 – Miracles confirmed the Word.

• Ephesians 4:8–13 – Miracles equipped the early church.

• John 9:3; John 11:40–42 – Miracles glorified God.

• John 20:30–31 – Signs written to bring belief and life.

• John 5:36; John 14:11 – Works testified of Christ.

• Acts 2:22 – Miracles proved God’s approval of Jesus.

• Isaiah 35:5–6 – Prophecies of Messianic miracles.

• John 11:17–44 – Raising of Lazarus.

• Matthew 9:32–34; John 11:47–48 – Enemies admitted His miracles.

Prepared by Travis Main