In the Gospels, we occasionally see Jesus performing miracles. Recently, the Gospel readings included two notable miracles: one where Jesus calms a storm at sea and another where He heals a sick woman and raises a dead girl.
For many modern people, these miracles can be hard to believe. This scepticism dates back to the Enlightenment in the 18th century, which emphasized reason and science. Even Thomas Jefferson, a key figure from that era, edited the New Testament to remove all the miracles of Jesus.
Some view Jesus not as the Son of God but as a great ethical teacher, similar to other spiritual leaders like Moses, Buddha, or Confucius. They see His teachings as one option among many in a buffet of spiritual wisdom.
Despite this, we should not dismiss the influence of deism, a belief that God created the world but does not interfere with it. This belief appeals to many because it allows for a sense of spirituality without conflicting with scientific views. History, in this view, is not seen as God’s plan but as a series of events driven by human actions.
However, the Gospels clearly speak of miracles. Are these miracles essential to Christianity? The answer is yes. The greatest miracle of all is the Resurrection. Without it, there would be no Christianity, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:14.
Compared to other ancient religions, Jesus’ miracles are quite humble. He doesn’t perform miracles for show but to elicit faith. He often minimizes the number of witnesses and asks them not to speak of the miracles until after His resurrection. Jesus seeks witnesses, not an audience.
When Jesus calms a storm or multiplies loaves, these actions show His authority over creation. Unlike other ancient religions that personified natural forces as gods, the Bible teaches that there is one God who created everything. Jesus calming the storm is not just a display of power but an act of care for His disciples, encouraging their faith.
Most of Jesus’ miracles involve healing—curing the blind, deaf, and sick, exorcising demons, and raising the dead. These miracles show that salvation is about healing. Jesus heals people to reveal God’s glory and to demonstrate that salvation is an act of restoring and renewing life. He wants to deepen our faith through these acts of healing.
Jesus’ miracles reveal who He is: the Word through whom creation was made and the one who redeems us. Rather than being obstacles to faith, His miracles are essential to understanding His divine nature and purpose. They are not stumbling blocks but building blocks that strengthen our faith.
Source: Catholic Answers
