Why Jesus Does Miracles

Luke 7:12-13 -  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”

Miracles were a big part of Jesus’ ministry. This story, unique to Luke, gives us insight into the various reasons why Jesus did these miracles. The first is his compassion for the hurting. I love the Greek word for compassion, esplagxnisthe, in part because it is sounds so funny, but more because it has “guts” in its core. The idea is the person feels compassion for another’s suffering so strongly it affects them physically – in the gut. A widow in first century Palestine was completely dependent on her sons for support. This widow only had one son, and he was dead. Her physical situation was dire. As any mother can imagine, seeing your only son dead makes your emotional situation even more dire. Jesus had compassion on her. Jesus cares deeply for the hurting. He was able to change her circumstances because of that compassion.

However, Jesus also did this miracle to build the faith of those who saw it. Note that “a considerable crowd” was there. After Jesus raised the young man from the dead, the people said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” (7:16) Around the world today, miracles are more frequent in places where the good news of Jesus is being spread for the first time and/or making significant new inroads plus places where people have no other option, such as a lack of immediate or affordable healthcare (see Craig Keener’s well-researched comprehensive study, Miracles).

There is a third reason. The people who saw the miracle “glorified God.” (7:16) God showed his power. The God who created the world and its scientific processes can suspend those when he chooses, giving irrefutable evidence of his truth and power.

God still answers prayer today for those same three reasons, so do not hesitate to ask.