Minor Miracles

What do you consider Jesus' most famous miracle? Feeding the 5,000? His own resurrection? Jesus performed so many miraculous signs that no one could write them all down (John 20:30, 31; 21:25). But the more we notice even Jesus' "minor miracles," the more reasons we find to honor him.

Outdoorsmen should honor Jesus. He rode an unbroken young donkey no one had ever ridden before (Mark 11:2). He told Peter to throw his fishing line into the water and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth worth exactly the amount needed to pay the temple tax (Matthew 17:27). For some of us, it's remarkable to catch a fish at all—let alone one that makes correct change!

Philosophers should honor Jesus. Who has inspired more profound insights about the nature of God, truth, and the meaning of life than this humble Jewish carpenter from Galilee? Who has done so much to solve the problem of evil?

Scientists should honor him. We marvel at the intricate design of a human eye; Jesus could heal a man who was blind from birth. We study the chemical composition of water; he could walk on it and change it into wine. We try to predict the weather; he could calm the wind and sea, and remain calm enough to sleep while the storm was raging.

Teachers should honor him. Most instructors would be thrilled to come up with even one parable or beatitude people still find useful 2,000 years from now; but the Master Teacher produced dozens of them. Much of his teaching took place not in a friendly classroom, but among hostile opponents who spied on him, desperately trying to find a flaw in his words. Jesus gave some of his most memorable teachings (like the stories of the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son) extemporaneously while under fire from his critics. No wonder people "were astonished at his teaching" (Matthew 22:33).

Historians should honor him. Calmly and factually, eyewitnesses recorded his words and deeds. His life changed the calendar. He fulfilled ancient prophecies and predicted future events with amazing accuracy. He predicted Judas' betrayal, Peter's denials, and specific details about his own trial, crucifixion, and resurrection (Mark 8:31; 10:33, 34; Luke 18:52). He foretold the destruction of Jerusalem four decades before it happened (Mark 13:1, 2).

Psychologists should honor Jesus. His Sermon on the Mount contains unsurpassed principles for emotional and spiritual health. His clear mind unclouded by sin, Jesus responded to the emotionally wounded, the spiritually curious, and the openly hostile with love and discernment. And what amazing self-control! He had the power to turn stones into bread during his 40-day fast in the wilderness, but he refused to take the easy way and perform a self-serving miracle. He could have called 12 legions of angels to rescue him from the cross, but he chose instead to lay down his life for others.

All of us should honor him. Was it merely a coincidence when darkness fell and the sun hid its face while the Light of life died on the cross? Was it just a minor miracle when the temple veil tore in two from top to bottom at the very moment Jesus died? Was it simply by chance that an earthquake occurred when he was crucified, and again three days later when he arose?

If these are minor miracles, they are still beyond our ability to fully comprehend. How wonderful is the power and love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! How inexhaustible his wisdom! What else could surpass the "greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8)?