The Bible Class

LESSON XXXVII. Miracles of Jesus

Questions to Lesson 37^*

The miracles of Jesus were another confirmation of his testimony. These were a powerful evidence, when taken in connection with others, such as, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the holy life of him who did them. But miracles alone cannot be depended on as proof of anything except their own existence; for the spirits of devils themselves, when unrestrained by a higher power, can do them. Revelation 16:14. It is possible for false prophets to show great signs and wonders to deceive. Matthew 24:24. BIC 86.1

It has often been said, that if any one should work miracles in confirmation of his teaching, we should be bound to believe him. But it is not so. We have an infallible standard by which to judge of the truth of all religious teaching. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20. Any teaching opposed to the law of God, or that promises escape from its penalty to the impenitent is false, though it be attested by signs and wonders. Such prophets strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life; [Ezekiel 13, 22;] while the penalty of the law of God-the wages of sin-is death. Romans 6:23. BIC 86.2

But Jesus did not rest his claims on the evidence of miracles alone. After John had borne his testimony, and was confined in prison, he sent two of his disciples to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or do we look for another? Jesus replied, Go and show 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. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Matthew 11:2-6. BIC 87.1

Though he could present the greatest miracles in proof of his mission, yet he presents them in connection with the fulfillment of prophecy. The greatest miracle (raising the dead) is mentioned last; and to crown the whole, as if it were the strongest proof of all, is the fulfillment of the prophecy of good tidings to the poor. He evidently referred to a prophecy of the Lord’s Anointed, (Christ,) recorded in Isaiah 61, and quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, as follows: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor: he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. BIC 87.2

Thus he represented himself as fulfilling the word of the Lord, which word is a better test of truth than miracles. BIC 88.1