The Purpose of the Miraculous
Focus Scripture:
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
— John 20:30–31
What You Will Walk Away With
- The miraculous has a God-given purpose: to point people to Christ.
- Signs are meant to produce faith and lead people toward life in Jesus.
- The miraculous must never become more important than the message it serves.
The Purpose Beyond the Miracle
The miraculous is never an end in itself. Throughout Scripture, God’s supernatural acts serve a purpose beyond the event itself. John makes this especially clear when he explains why he recorded particular signs performed by Jesus: “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.”
This gives us an essential principle for understanding miracles. A sign is meant to point beyond itself. Its significance is found not merely in what happened but in what it reveals about God and His redemptive purpose.
Jesus performed many miracles during His earthly ministry. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, raised the dead, multiplied food, and demonstrated authority over creation. Yet His miracles were never His central message. They consistently pointed people toward who He is and toward the kingdom He came to establish.
John therefore calls these works signs. A sign directs attention somewhere else. If someone sees a road sign and becomes fascinated with the sign itself while ignoring the destination it identifies, the sign has failed to serve its purpose. Likewise, the miraculous should direct our attention toward Christ rather than becoming the object of our fascination.
The Gospel Remains Central
This is why the gospel must remain central. A miracle may meet a physical need, bring extraordinary provision, or demonstrate God’s power, but the greatest need of humanity is reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Physical healing is wonderful, but eternal life in Christ is greater.
The miraculous therefore serves the mission of the gospel. God may use signs and wonders to open hearts, confirm His Word, demonstrate His compassion, or draw attention to Christ. But the ultimate purpose remains that people would believe in Jesus and receive life through His name.
This also protects the Church from spectacle-driven Christianity. If miracles become the attraction rather than Christ, believers can begin pursuing experiences instead of truth. People may move from meeting to meeting looking for the next manifestation while neglecting Scripture, discipleship, holiness, love, and obedience.
The Proper Response
The proper response to a genuine work of God is therefore not merely amazement. It is faith, worship, gratitude, and deeper devotion to Jesus.
- The miraculous should make Christ more visible, not the minister more famous.
- It should strengthen the Church, not create spiritual celebrities.
- It should serve the gospel, not compete with it.
Ultimately, the greatest miracle is not merely what God does around us but what He accomplishes in us through Christ—the gift of forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and eternal salvation.
The miraculous has a purpose.
That purpose is ultimately to point us to Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep my heart focused on You. Help me to understand and value the miraculous according to Your purpose. Let every genuine work of Your Spirit lead people toward faith in Christ, deeper devotion to You, and the life that is found in Your name. Amen.
Declaration
I DECLARE:
- Christ is the center of my faith.
- I will value the miraculous without making it my focus.
- Every genuine manifestation of the Spirit points me toward Jesus.
- My life will serve the gospel and glorify Christ.
Action Points
- Reflect on John 20:30–31 and ask what the signs of Jesus were intended to accomplish.
- When you encounter a testimony of a miracle, look beyond the event and consider what it reveals about Christ.
- Make sure your pursuit of God’s power never replaces your pursuit of God’s presence and truth.
Memory Verse (Optional)
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…”
— John 20:31
Written by: Dr. Abraham Peter
