Why did Jesus do so many extraordinary miracles? Matthew summarised the healing ministry of Jesus in a few words; Jesus had power over the feverish illness of Peter's mother-in-law and over the demons who caused havoc in people's minds and bodies. His touch stopped the fever and His word arrested evil. Was it a show of compassion? Yes, but more than that. Was it to demonstrate that He had power? Yes, but more than that.

These healing miracles in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5) might give the impression that Jesus' ministry was all about healing everybody. But Jesus refused to do miracles in Nazareth (Luke 4:23-27): He said that miracles were not to provide a Health Service to God's people (or a spectacular show to intrigue people) but they showed the world that God is in command and invited people to trust in Him. So the purpose of the healings was not just do good to people, but to demonstrate the identity of Jesus as God in a human body. However much the religious authorities delighted to see the miracles, they refused to see their significance (John 10:31-33) and tried to kill Jesus by stoning.

Matthew's conclusion comes from Isaiah 53:4 at the beginning of a chapter (Isaiah 53:1-12) which clearly predicts the sufferings of Jesus Christ, explaining why He had to die for the sins of the world. If you have never read it, take time to absorb the amazing detail in which Isaiah described the crucifixion of Jesus over 700 years before it happened. The healing miracles were a clear demonstration that Jesus was the Messiah, because they fulfilled the prophecy.

God can do anything and He always has a good reason for every action. Miracles validated the prophets as God's appointed messengers, Jesus as God's Son and appointed Saviour, and the apostles as Christ's appointed eye-witnesses. Wonders and signs from God are just that. They are amazingly wonderful but their purpose is to be signposts to something greater. They all point towards the sovereignty of God, His grace in providing a way back from sinfulness to holiness, and the responsibility of every human being to respond to His grace. Do not seek miracles, but seek the Lord. Desire to see the Lord express His sovereignty as He chooses: then He will be glorified and we will be satisfied.