Day 28
Jesus’
Miracles: warnings
Read: Luke 11:29-32; John 14:7-14
Despite
all that Jesus had done, the Jewish crowds keep pressing him to perform more
miracles as a miraculous sign of his
authority. Jesus refuses to do this, and insists that the only sign they will
receive is the sign of Jonah
(11:29-30). He contrasts their obsession with signs with the reactions of
Gentiles who were prepared simply to listen to God's word. The Queen of the
South [Queen of Sheba] came from the ends of the earth (11:31), the farthest
point of the then-known world; not to see miraculous signs but to listen. She
did not ask Solomon for signs as proof that he spoke wisdom (11:31; 1 Kings
10:1-9. The men of Nineveh also repented at the preaching of Jonah without
seeing him do any miraculous signs (11:32; Jonah 3:5). Jesus is far greater
than Jonah, but they are not prepared to listen to him!
In
this week’s readings and reflections we have considered how miracles
demonstrated Jesus’ power, pointed to his divinity, and gave glimpses of the
world to come. As his followers we
listen to Jesus’ words, pray and believe for God’s power to be at work in this
world. We also have to live with the tension of seeking and believing for God’s
supernatural working, and yet living by faith, knowing that God’s kingdom has
not yet fully come.
As
we wrestle with Jesus’ words desiring signs and evidences is normal. Philip as
the disciples’ spokesperson asked, “Please
show us a bit more, then we will have enough to really grasp things” (John
14:8). Jesus response, “believe my words
concerning Father God, or believe my works for My Father God – either way
believe” (14:10-12).
Ponder Point
(reflect)
- By themselves miracles don’t
bring faith
Consider
(respond)
- When will I stop asking for
“one more sign” and start settling belief on what I already see and hear?
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