Jesus
The miracles of Jesus
Healings, a storm that goes still, bread for thousands and the dead who rise: every miracle with where it is told and what it shows.
The Gospels tell more than thirty miracles of Jesus, and they add that there were many more (John 20:30; 21:25). They are not there as magic tricks or to impress: Jesus refused to do miracles for people who only wanted a spectacle (Matthew 12:38–39). They are signs. They show who He is, and what it looks like when God is king: the sick are healed, evil gives way, death has to let go.
Jesus did things nobody else could do: blind people could see again, a storm went quiet, and a girl who had died stood up again. That is how He showed who He is: God's own Son, who loves people.
Three words for a miracle
The New Testament has no single word for 'miracle' as we use it, but three, and each says something different.
Mighty works
dunameis
Deeds full of God's power. This is what Matthew, Mark and Luke most often call the miracles.
Mark 6:2Signs
sēmeia
They point beyond themselves, like a signpost. John uses only this word: what matters is not that it happens, but what it points to.
John 2:11Wonders
terata
Things that leave people amazed. In the New Testament this word never stands alone, always together with “signs”.
Acts 2:22
The seven signs in John
John chooses seven, from a wedding to a tomb. Tap a sign to read the story.
- Water becomes wineJohn 2:1–11
- The son of a royal officialJohn 4:46–54
- At the pool of BethesdaJohn 5:5–15
- Bread for five thousandJohn 6:1–14
- Walking on the waterJohn 6:16–21
- Born blindJohn 9:1–41
- Lazarus, come outJohn 11:1–44
After the seventh sign comes the greatest: Jesus himself rises from the dead.
What the miracles show
They are not proofs in themselves, but signs that point somewhere.
God's kingdom breaks through
When Jesus drives out demons, He says: then the kingdom of God has come to you. What the prophets promised is beginning: the blind see, the lame walk.
Who is He?
After the storm the disciples ask: who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? The miracles put that question to every reader.
Out of compassion
Jesus does not heal from a distance or out of duty. He touches a leper whom nobody touched any more, and He is “moved with compassion” for a crowd without a shepherd.
Faith, not a condition
Jesus often says: your faith has saved you. But He also helps a father who says: I believe, help my unbelief. And in His own town He did few of them, because of their unbelief.
All the miracles
Pick a Gospel or a kind of miracle. Each miracle shows which Gospels tell it.
34 miracles
- Sign 1 in John
Nature
Water becomes wine
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
At a wedding in Cana the wine runs out, a disgrace for the bride and groom. Mary says to the servants: do whatever He tells you. Six stone jars for the Jewish rites of purification are filled with water, and it turns out to be the best wine.
At a wedding the wine runs out. Jesus turns water into the most delicious wine, and the party can go on.
What it shows
The first sign, at a feast. The prophets described God's future as an abundance of wine (Amos 9:13). Where Jesus comes, that wedding begins.
Nature
An overflowing catch
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
Peter has fished all night and caught nothing. At Jesus' word he lets down the nets once more, and they almost tear with fish. Peter falls to his knees: go away from me, for I am a sinful man.
Peter catches nothing all night. At Jesus' word he throws out his net one more time, and it is full!
What it shows
Jesus does not answer by keeping His distance, but with a calling: from now on you will catch people. Whoever feels small before God is the very one who is called.
Nature
The storm goes quiet
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
On the Sea of Galilee a heavy storm blows up while Jesus sleeps in the back of the boat. The disciples wake Him, terrified. He rebukes the wind and the water, and it becomes completely calm.
There is a storm and the boat is about to sink. Jesus says to the wind: be still! And everything goes quiet.
What it shows
In the Psalms it is God who stills the sea (Psalm 107:29). So the disciples ask: who then is this?
- Sign 4 in John
Nature
Bread for five thousand
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: tells it
A large crowd has followed Jesus to a lonely place, and evening comes. A boy has five loaves and two fish. Jesus gives thanks, breaks the bread and has it shared out: everyone eats enough, and twelve baskets are left over.
A boy gives his five little loaves and two little fish. Jesus shares them out, and thousands of people eat until they are full.
What it shows
Besides the resurrection, the only miracle that all four Gospels tell. It recalls the manna in the desert, and afterwards Jesus says: I am the bread of life (John 6:35).
- Sign 5 in John
Nature
Walking on the water
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
At night the disciples are rowing against the wind. Jesus comes to them across the water and says: it is I, do not be afraid. In Matthew, Peter steps out of the boat, starts to sink when he looks at the waves, and Jesus grabs his hand.
Jesus walks across the water to the boat. Peter tries it too, and when he sinks, Jesus takes his hand.
What it shows
In Greek Jesus literally says “I am”, the name of God from Exodus 3:14. And Job says of God: He treads on the waves of the sea (Job 9:8).
Nature
Bread for four thousand
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
People have been with Jesus for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. With seven loaves and a few small fish four thousand are fed, and seven baskets are left over.
Once again a big crowd is hungry, and once again Jesus shares out bread until everyone has enough.
What it shows
Mark tells it in an area where many non-Jews lived. What Jesus does for Israel, He also does for the nations.
Nature
A coin in a fish
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
People ask Peter whether his teacher pays the temple tax. Jesus says that God's sons are really free, but so as not to give offence He sends Peter fishing: in the mouth of the first fish there is a coin, enough for both of them.
Peter catches a fish, and in the fish's mouth is exactly the money they need.
What it shows
Jesus is greater than the temple, and yet He does not offend others needlessly. A small, almost smiling miracle.
Nature
The fig tree withers
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus sees a fig tree full of leaves, but without fruit. He says that it will never bear fruit again, and the tree withers. In Mark the story is set around the cleansing of the temple.
A tree has lovely leaves but no fruit. Jesus uses it to teach that God is looking for real fruit.
What it shows
The only miracle that is a judgement. The prophets used the fig tree as an image for Israel (Jeremiah 8:13): many leaves, no fruit. Jesus links it to a lesson about faith and prayer.
Nature
153 fish
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
After Easter seven disciples fish all night without catching anything. A man on the shore says: cast the net on the right side. The net is full, 153 large fish, and it does not tear. John cries out: it is the Lord!
After Easter Jesus stands on the shore and calls out: throw your net out on the other side. It is packed with fish!
What it shows
It echoes the first catch, at the beginning. On the shore Jesus is waiting with bread and fish, and then He asks Peter three times: do you love Me?
- Sign 2 in John
Healing
The son of a royal official
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
A high official from Capernaum begs Jesus to come to his dying son. Jesus only says: go, your son will live. The man believes it and goes. On the way he hears that his son got better at that very hour.
A father asks for help for his sick son. Jesus says: go home, he lives. And at home the boy is better!
What it shows
Jesus heals from miles away, with one word. The man has to trust that word before he sees anything.
Healing
A leper touched
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
A man with a contagious skin disease kneels down: if you choose, you can make me clean. Jesus is moved with compassion, stretches out His hand and touches him: I do choose, be made clean.
Nobody wants to touch the sick man. Jesus does. He lays His hand on him, and the man is well.
What it shows
Lepers had to live outside the town and were not allowed to touch anyone (Leviticus 13:45–46). Jesus touches first, and then heals: He also gives the man back his place among people.
Healing
An officer's servant
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
A Roman officer asks for help for his sick servant. When Jesus is willing to come, he says: I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, only say the word. Jesus is amazed at his faith.
A Roman soldier says: Jesus, you don't have to come, just say one word. And his servant gets better.
What it shows
A foreigner, an occupier even, receives the highest praise for his faith. His words still sound today in the Catholic Mass, just before communion.
Healing
Peter's mother-in-law
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
At Peter's home his mother-in-law lies in bed with a high fever. Jesus takes her hand and helps her up, the fever leaves, and straight away she begins to look after them.
The mother of Peter's wife is ill. Jesus takes her hand, and she gets up straight away.
What it shows
A small miracle at home. So Peter was married, and his house in Capernaum became Jesus' base in Galilee.
Healing
Through the roof
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
The house is so full that four friends cannot get their paralysed friend inside. They open up the roof and lower him down. Jesus first says: your sins are forgiven. Only when people grumble about that does He say: stand up, take your mat and go home.
Four friends make a hole in the roof to bring their sick friend to Jesus. He can walk again!
What it shows
Only God can forgive sins, say the scribes, and they are right about that. The healing is the proof that Jesus has that authority.
Healing
A withered hand
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
On the sabbath there is a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. Everyone watches to see whether Jesus will heal. He asks: is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath? Then He says: stretch out your hand, and it is healthy.
A man cannot use his hand. Jesus says: hold out your hand. And the hand is completely fine again.
What it shows
The sabbath was made for people. It is this very miracle that makes His opponents plot to kill Him.
Healing
A woman touches His cloak
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
A woman has suffered from bleeding for twelve years and has spent all her money on doctors. In the crush she secretly touches the hem of Jesus' cloak and is healed at once. Jesus stops and looks for her: daughter, your faith has made you well.
A sick woman very quietly touches Jesus' cloak, and she gets better. Jesus kindly calls her “daughter”.
What it shows
Because of her illness she counted as unclean (Leviticus 15:25). Jesus does not let her slip away unnoticed: He calls her “daughter” in front of everyone.
Healing
Two blind men
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
Two blind men follow Jesus and cry out: Son of David, have mercy on us! He asks: do you believe that I can do this? Yes, Lord. He touches their eyes, and they see.
Two blind men call for help. Jesus touches their eyes, and they can see.
What it shows
“Son of David” is a title for the Messiah. It is the blind who see who He is.
Healing
Ephphatha: be opened
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
In the Decapolis people bring a deaf man who can hardly speak. Jesus takes him aside, puts His fingers in his ears, looks up to heaven and sighs: Ephphatha, be opened. The man hears and speaks.
A man cannot hear. Jesus says: Ephphatha, which means be opened. And he hears everything!
What it shows
Mark keeps the Aramaic word that Jesus spoke. Isaiah promised: the ears of the deaf will be unstopped (Isaiah 35:5). In some churches “Ephphatha” is still heard at baptism.
Healing
Seeing in two steps
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
In Bethsaida people bring a blind man. Jesus leads him out of the village and lays His hands on him. The man sees people “like trees, walking”. After a second time he sees everything clearly.
At first the blind man sees everything blurry. Jesus touches him again, and then he sees everything clearly.
What it shows
It comes just before the moment when Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah, but does not yet understand that He must suffer. The disciples, too, see only halfway, and need a second touch.
Healing
Bartimaeus at Jericho
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
A blind beggar sits by the road near Jericho. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he shouts louder and louder, although people try to make him be quiet. Jesus asks: what do you want me to do for you? Rabbouni, let me see again.
Bartimaeus is blind and shouts as loud as he can: Jesus, help me! Jesus heals him, and he walks along with Him.
What it shows
In Mark he throws off his cloak, perhaps his only possession, and follows Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. He becomes a disciple.
- Sign 3 in John
Healing
At the pool of Bethesda
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
In Jerusalem a man has been ill for thirty-eight years, lying by a pool with five porticoes. Jesus asks: do you want to be made well? He has nobody to help him. Jesus says: stand up, take your mat and walk.
A man has been ill for a very long time and nobody helps him. Jesus says: stand up and walk. And he does!
What it shows
It happens on the sabbath, and Jesus says: my Father is still working, and I also am working. Archaeologists found the pool with its porticoes next to the Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem.
- Sign 6 in John
Healing
Born blind
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
The disciples ask who sinned, the man or his parents, that he was born blind. Neither, says Jesus. He makes mud, spreads it on his eyes and sends him to the pool of Siloam. The man comes back able to see.
A man has been blind since he was born. Jesus sends him to a pool to wash, and he can see!
What it shows
Jesus says: I am the light of the world (9:5). The man sees more and more who Jesus is, while those who claim to see turn out to be blind.
Healing
Ten lepers
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
Ten lepers call out from a distance: Jesus, have mercy on us. He sends them to the priests, and on the way they are made clean. But only one comes back to thank God, and he is a Samaritan.
Ten sick men get better. But only one comes back to say thank you.
What it shows
The one who comes back to give thanks hears more than healing: your faith has made you well. And once again it is an outsider who sees it.
Healing
A woman can stand up straight again
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
On the sabbath Jesus sees a woman in the synagogue who has been bent over for eighteen years. He calls her, lays His hands on her, and she stands up straight and praises God. The leader of the synagogue is angry.
A woman has walked bent over for a very long time. Jesus makes her well, and she can stand up straight again.
What it shows
Jesus calls her a “daughter of Abraham”. If you give your ox water on the sabbath, should this woman not be set free?
Healing
At a meal on the sabbath
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
Jesus is a guest of a leader of the Pharisees, and they are watching Him closely. There is a man with dropsy. Jesus asks whether it is lawful to heal on the sabbath, they stay silent, and He heals the man.
At a dinner there is a sick man. Jesus makes him better, even though it is the day of rest.
What it shows
The sabbath again. Anyone who pulls a child or an ox out of a well on the sabbath understands why Jesus heals.
Healing
An ear at the arrest
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
When Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Olives, one of the disciples cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus says: no more of this, touches the ear and heals the man.
Someone wants to take Jesus prisoner, and a friend strikes him with a sword. Jesus makes his ear whole again.
What it shows
The last healing miracle before the cross, for an opponent. John gives the servant's name: Malchus (John 18:10).
Deliverance
In the synagogue at Capernaum
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
Jesus teaches in the synagogue with authority, not like the scribes. A man with an unclean spirit cries out: I know who you are, the Holy One of God. Jesus says: be silent, and come out of him. And the spirit leaves.
Something evil holds a man captive. Jesus says: go away! And the man is free.
What it shows
In Mark this is the first miracle. Evil recognises Jesus before people do. You can read more about deliverance today on a page of its own.
Deliverance
The man among the tombs
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
On the other side of the lake a man lives among the tombs, so wild that no chain can hold him. His name is Legion, “for we are many”. Jesus sets him free; the spirits go into a herd of pigs that rushes into the lake. Later the man sits calmly by Jesus, clothed.
A man is very unhappy and lives among the graves. Jesus sets him free, and he goes home happy.
What it shows
Matthew mentions two. The freed man wants to go with Jesus, but is sent home to tell what God has done: the first preacher among the non-Jews.
Deliverance
A mother who does not give up
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: does not tell it
A non-Jewish woman begs Jesus to free her daughter. He answers that the bread is for the children first. She says: but the little dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. Because of that answer Jesus heals her daughter.
A mother keeps asking Jesus to help her sick daughter. Jesus is glad she trusts Him, and He helps.
What it shows
A difficult conversation, and the woman gets the last word. She is the only one in Mark who “wins” an argument with Jesus, and Matthew has Jesus say: great is your faith.
Deliverance
A father and his son
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
The disciples could not help a boy who had seizures. The father says to Jesus: if you are able to do anything, help us. Jesus: all things can be done for the one who believes. The father cries out: I believe; help my unbelief! Jesus sets the boy free.
A dad says: I believe, but help me to trust more. And Jesus makes his son better.
What it shows
One of the most honest prayers in the Bible. Jesus does not turn the father away for his doubt.
Deliverance
A mute man speaks
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
People bring Jesus a man who cannot speak because of an evil spirit. He sets him free and the man speaks. Some say: He drives out demons by Beelzebul, their ruler.
A man cannot talk. Jesus sets him free, and he starts to speak.
What it shows
Jesus answers: a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
Back from death
The little daughter of Jairus
- Matt.: tells it
- Mark: tells it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, begs Jesus to help his dying twelve-year-old daughter. On the way the news comes: she has died. Jesus says: do not fear, only believe. He takes her hand: Talitha cum, little girl, get up. And she gets up.
A girl has died. Jesus takes her hand and says: little girl, get up. And she gets up!
What it shows
Mark keeps the Aramaic words. Jesus says that the child is sleeping: for Him death is not the last word. Then He says: give her something to eat.
Back from death
The son of a widow
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: tells it
- John: does not tell it
At the gate of Nain a funeral procession comes out: the only son of a widow. Jesus has compassion on her: do not weep. He touches the bier, says: young man, I say to you, rise, and gives him back to his mother.
A mum is crying because her son has died. Jesus makes him alive again and gives him back to his mother.
What it shows
Without a husband and a son, a widow in those days stood alone. The people cry out: a great prophet has risen among us, just as Elijah once gave a widow back her son (1 Kings 17:23).
- Sign 7 in John
Back from death
Lazarus, come out
- Matt.: does not tell it
- Mark: does not tell it
- Luke: does not tell it
- John: tells it
Lazarus, Jesus' friend, has already been in the tomb for four days when Jesus arrives in Bethany. He says to Martha: I am the resurrection and the life. Jesus weeps at the tomb. Then He cries out: Lazarus, come out! And the dead man comes out.
Jesus' friend Lazarus has died. Jesus calls out: Lazarus, come out! And Lazarus comes out of the tomb alive.
What it shows
The seventh and greatest sign. It is because of this that the leaders decide Jesus must die (11:53). The one who gives Lazarus his life back will give His own life.
How do we look at miracles today?
Christians believe Jesus really did miracles. About miracles today they differ, and whoever doubts asks an honest question too.
They really happened
The faith of the church, from the first century until now
If God created the world, He can also act in it. The Gospels tell the miracles soberly, with names and places, and even opponents did not deny that Jesus did something: they said He did it by the devil.
And today?
Where churches differ
Pentecostal and charismatic churches expect healing now too, in answer to prayer. The Catholic Church examines healings very critically, among other ways with doctors at Lourdes. Other Protestants believe that God still heals, but see the great signs mainly at the beginning of the church.
Is that even possible?
The honest question of those who doubt
If you assume that miracles are impossible, you read these stories as legend or metaphor. Christians answer that this is not the outcome of research, but a starting point. You can read more about faith and science on a page of its own.
Do you remember?
Five short questions about the miracles.
Question 1 of 5
Which miracle do all four Gospels tell?