Here we read about some of Jesus’ miracles. Casting out demons, healing sick, raising the dead to life, feeding thousands of people, and walking on water are just a few of the miraculous things that Christ did in His short time here on earth. What was the purpose of miracles during the time of Jesus and His Apostles? It was not for notoriety because at times Jesus told those involved to not tell anyone what He had done. (Mark 5:43, etc.) We are told one purpose had to do with confirming that what was being taught was truly from God. “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” (Mark 16:20) Another purpose had to do with the Great Salvation being attested. “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:3-4 ESV) A third purpose is for us who have the preserved written Word, but were not alive during the time of those miraculous powers. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 ESV)

Today’s reading: Mark 4-5