SIGNS OF THE TRUTH

JOHN 3:1–8

[Nicodemus] came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him”

(John 3:2).

Nicodemus’ statement to Jesus is important for our consideration of miracles. He says that the miracles that Jesus was doing authenticated what Jesus was saying. Jesus claimed to be speaking God’s own words. His miracles proved His message was sound.

If Satan can do miracles, we have a problem. Maybe Jesus’ miracles were done in the power of Satan. Maybe Nicodemus should have said, “Either you come from God or from Satan because nobody can do such things unless either God or Satan is with him.” But that is not what Nicodemus said, and Jesus did not correct him.

Can Satan do miracles? Well, Satan can inspire shamans and quacks to do magic tricks and deceive people, but Satan is a creature. Satan cannot do miracles any more than you or I can. Moreover, Satan, being a creature, can only be one place at a time. The other fallen angels are his agents, but their power is also limited. These beings are more powerful than we are, but they cannot do miracles.

The second thing to notice about John 3:2 is that Jesus’ miracles were not being done just to win over the crowd. They were done to attest to His word, and since they were signs, the specific miracles performed always confirmed the message being taught at that moment. The apostles also did miracles which confirmed the message. Once the New Testament was written, however, the message had been completely delivered. There was no longer any need for miracles, and such miracles ceased.

God does, of course, still do acts of “extraordinary providence” today. James 5 tells us that if we are sick, we can ask for anointing from the elders of our local church, and we will be raised up in an extraordinary way. But miracles in the New Testament sense have ceased.

Once the Sinaitic Covenant had been established in the days of Moses and Joshua, miracles ceased. Once the remnant had been established in the days of Elijah and Elisha, miracles ceased. So also, once the new covenant had been established, miracles ceased.

CORAM DEO

Psalms 141–145

WEEKEND

1 Kings 1–7

Jesus lamented that a wicked generation seeks miraculous signs. Sadly many today still seek such wonders to bolster their faith. Resist this preoccupation. As you worship this weekend, affirm instead the worthiness and sufficiency of God’s preeminent signs—His incarnate Word and His spoken Word.

For further study: Matthew 5:1–8; 12:38–42 • John 10:22–42