Why Jesus performed miracles?

Answer 1

An unusual answer was given in a best-selling book called The Passover Plot (1965), in which the author, Hugh Schonfield, said that Jesus performed miracles in order to deliberately get himself crucified, so as to fulfill biblical prophecy and prove himself to be the Messiah.

Answer:

The "purpose" of miracles is to inspire "belief" in something or someone:

"...Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep... Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent YE MAY BELIEVE..." (John 11:11-15).

"When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the Spirit, and was troubled." (verse 33)

That's why "Jesus wept." "...He groaned in the Spirit..." because of the unbelief of the people around Him.

"...Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? ...And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard Me. And I knew that thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, THAT THEY MAY BELIEVEthat thou hast sent Me." (verse 40-42)

Yet, for all that... what finite man considers a "miracle" might be the equivalent of "parlor games" to the Creator of the universe. Although, to be sure, instilling faith and belief in the slumbering spirits of men is no game.

Speaking of the coming False Prophet in the Great Tribulation, John records his vision:

"...he doeth great wonders... in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth BY THE MEANS OF THOSE MIRACLES which he had the power to do in the sight of the Beast..." (Rev.13:13-14).

"Miracles"... be they genuine or false are intended to instill belief in those who witness them.

Answer 2

Jesus performed miracles primarily because he was directed so by the Father.

Please see John 5.20 & 14.10

He also did miracles to show his glory that his disciples would believe as in -

John 2.11. "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."

Another reason was the great compassion of Jesus - (Matthew 14.14)

Answer 3

Jesus performed miracles in order to prove that He was the Son of God and to confirm and validate His message. Once the people saw that he was capable of doing extraordinary things that defy the laws of nature, then they came to see that Jesus was no typical man.

As Jesus said, "But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John [the baptist]; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me" (Jn 5:36).

Answer 4

Jesus performed miracles to prove that he was divinely sent from God and was, infact, the Christ, through whom eternal life is attainable. (Deuteronomy 18:18; John 6:14) (John:3:16) These miracles also showed what Jesus would do for the ENTIRE WORLD when he became King of God's Kingdom. (Luke 1:32, 33, 69; Hebrew 1:8, 9, Daniel 2:44)

His credentials surpassed those of Moses. He calmed the stormy sea of Galilee; walked on its waters, healed the blind, the deaf, and the lame, and those with sicknesses (even leprosy). He even raised the dead.(Matthew8:23-27; 14:23-34); Luke 7:18-23; 8:41-56; John 11:1-46. (John 2:1-6:71)

Answer 5

The purpose of the miracles were to show that His message was genuine, He was the Christ.

John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;

John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Answer 6

Surprisingly, in the synoptic gospels and especially in Mark's Gospel, Jesus did not perform miracles in order to attract followers. He frequently told those he cured to tell no one about him. Perhaps he performed miracles because he had the opportunity to alleviate suffering, although his initial unwillingness to help the Gentile woman suggests otherwise. He raised from the dead those who were no longer suffering, although all must die one day. He walked on water in a highly artificial episode in which there was no real need for him to do so. The Bible does not tell us why Jesus performed miracles.

Answer 7

Jesus performed miracles mostly to help the people as they needed them, but some miracles were for doubting or accusing people that needed convincing.

Answer 8

He performed miracles because he loves us, and he wants the best of us even if we don't get our best to him.