Day 3

What Do Miracles Teach Us About Jesus?

from the The Miracles of Jesus reading plan


Colossians 1:15-20, Psalm 77:13-15, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 11:18-23, Matthew 8:14-17

BY Kaitlin Wernet

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20, Psalm 77:13-15, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 11:18-23, Matthew 8:14-17

I once became a vegetarian just because I wasn’t fluent in Spanish. Although I’d never before considered myself a picky eater, a few weeks of traveling in a foreign country taught me that these exotic dishes were a real game-changer.

One night, I’d decided to play it safe by ordering the catch of the day. What the menu didn’t specify, however, was that not much had been done since the fish had been caught that day, leaving me with a scaly, slippery dish and two beady eyes staring mockingly back at me.

The next night, I knew better. Using my handy translator’s dictionary, I learned the word for “eyes,” and walked into the restaurant with a newfound resilience.

“Ojos?” I asked with confidence, ordering the chicken this time.

“No, no,” the waiter responded, chuckling.

The dish arrived just as I’d ordered it—no eyes this time, but… there were feathers. Like I was just supposed to put them in my hat and carry on.

I’m the queen of asking the wrong questions.

I’ve always had lots of questions about miracles. And if I’m being completely transparent, most of the time it hurts to ask them. Because while learning about Jesus’ healing power and His heart for His people, my questions inevitably turn to, Will He do this for me? or Why didn’t He do this for me?

Hope does not come from belief in power; it comes from trust in a Person. When we don’t understand what Jesus is doing, we must seek to know Him more.

As C.S. Lewis said, “Christianity does not involve the belief that all things were made for man.” So our first question needs to change from “What does this say about me?” to “What does this teach me about Jesus?” Or, as Mark 4 says, miracles should cause us to ask, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (v.41).

Before we get any further into this miracle-studying business, let that be our default question: Who then is this Jesus?

He is the victorious Lord of all (Colossians 1:15).
He is Lord over creation (Mark 4:39).
He is the One who overcomes evil (Luke 11:18-23).
He is the Suffering Servant who bears our infirmities (Matthew 8:17).

Miracles are breadcrumbs that lead us to the One who answers our need. They themselves are not the prize or the point, because He is already actively both. Miracles teach us that Jesus is God’s glory purposed for redemption. He came to show us His power to heal, but more importantly, to show us we’ve already been healed in Him.

If and (inevitably) when I begin to ask the wrong questions, may I look to the fullness of Christ and find that my need for Him is a privilege. May I praise Him for His miracles, but not miss the biggest miracle of all: Jesus Himself.

“For God was pleased to have
all His fullness dwell in Him,
and through Him to reconcile
everything to Himself
by making peace
through the blood of His cross
whether things on earth or things in heaven.
– Colossians 1:19-20

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Post Comments (83)

83 thoughts on "What Do Miracles Teach Us About Jesus?"

  1. Christina says:

    Between the Scriptures and this beautifully written piece, I am so thankful! I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure about studying the Miracles of Jesus, but so far, this study is pointing me and fueling me in such a way as to be able to endure the change I see the Lord moving me toward in my daily life. This change will be uncomfortable and humbling, but God has my best in mind, and I have Jesus, the prize above all prizes.

    1. Amelia Mccall says:

      I feel the same way Christina!

  2. Sydney says:

    “May I look to the fullness of Christ and know my need for Him is a privilege.” This really changed my perspective. Right now I am struggling with hearing God speak and seeing the miracles of Jesus, I yearn for a deeper relationship but right now I just feel empty. But during this time, I am going to continue to focus on the fullness of Christ and “remember the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 77:11) .

    1. Samone says:

      Sydney, I sign songs. I am not a singer by any means. But when I sign christian songs I feel more “filled” with Him. Also, try praying out loud, while walking around. This might seem silly. But trying to change up how you praise Him, might in turn change the emptiness you are feeling. Praying for you my friend! During the emptiness we cry out to Him louder and yearn for more.

  3. Jessica says:

    I am so grateful for this study right now!!! I have been in a time of waiting for a few years now, and it’s so difficult to be unsure of the future. This study has made me realize that I need to let go of my fears and just lean in to Jesus. I know that my future is with the Lord, and that is all the I need!!!!

  4. Em says:

    I’m in my twenties and I struggle with stuttering, which has been a struggle pretty much my whole life. I thought that as I get older it will go away. But being in my twenties it is kind of embarrassing. I pray everyday that God would be with me as I speak and that He would take this away from me. Everyday I fear of stuttering. But, when I pray, I have this peace. Sure I may stutter a little throughout the day. As I may want for God the take this away, I believe that there is a miracle that He gives every time I pray: the miracle of peace. Sure I may be fearful, but when I pray, I feel this peace. The kind that says: Why do you worry? I am with you! No need to be afraid!
    The persistent widow kept coming everyday to the judge to ask for justice. The judge kept saying no, but she kept coming. Finally, he gave it to her. Jesus says that those who come to Him continually, will receive what they come to Him for. (Luke 18: 1-8)

    1. Rachel says:

      This really helped changed my perspective! Thank you for sharing :)

    2. Hemonk says:

      Hi! I just wanted to share with you that I know someone who stutters who is so brilliant and such an inspiration to me. I am currently pursing my doctorate, and one of my major professors who has been very successful in his field has a significant stutter. I have been his student for several years, and God has really used him to show me that I can be a successful teacher even though I am shy and terrified of public speaking! God may or may not take away your stutter, but He can use it to inspire others!

    3. Edith says:

      I have a nephew in his twenties who has struggled with stuttering all his life. He also had a stomach illness that made him very ill, but no matter what, he would get up early on Sunday mornings to play his guitar in the worship team. He is a very talented guitarist. He has not allowed the stuttering to stop his call to serve the Lord. He auditioned for a Christian band and was chosen to be part of this ministry. He has been blessed to have been playing guitar with a well known Christian band for three years now. Besides playing his guitar, he also sings backup for the band. He has traveled all around the county and has moved to Nashville, TN. He has grown in amazing ways but his trust has always been on the Lord. Don’t give up and never give up hope and be strong in the Lord and He too will bless you and guide you!

      1. Allison says:

        Hi em,

        I myself have had a speech impediment by entire life. I am 26 & It has caused me to change jobs & daily get on my knees. It’s one of the most humbling things I’ve ever experienced. I imagine that you are compassionate and kind and are always trying to understand other people more because it’s at times difficult for you to express yourself. You are strong and beautiful and every word you say is dependent upon the lord. That is a gift, even even if doesn’t feel that way. I understand you. & praying for you.

  5. Stacy says:

    “Hope does not come from belief in power; it comes from trust in a Person. When we don’t understand what Jesus is doing, we must seek to know Him more.”

    I write scriptures on my bathroom mirror sometimes weekly, sometimes it changes daily, sometimes it wont change for months. This is my next one, I will be writing it as soon as a close my laptop tonight. This is a concept I struggle with almost daily, and need to remind myself daily that I don’t know the reason for all things, and may never know, and should not necessarily know as long as I am seeking the Lord. I have recently resigned from my job because of so many unspoken struggles. I feel I had lost myself, my beliefs, and my morals. I was compromising so much of what I know daily. I sometimes believed that I was put in these positions so that I could find my way back to Him. I know I has so drifted from Him, and His word, and it was a way to really strip myself of all distractions and really find my way back to Him.

    I am finally starting to see that it may not have been so much of a “curse” and much more of a blessing. I have re-ignitied the flame in my heart of Christ, and my church, and quite honestly have not felt this at peace with myself and my life ever.

    I thank God for the miracle that I had seen as a curse until really diving into this bible study, and an amazing group of women that I can take this adventure with!

    1. Emily B. says:

      Wow. That’s awesome! I pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to you.

  6. Holly Stabler says:

    Thank you for this study, I will be praying for those of you that shared the struggles you are going thru with finances and health, and would like to ask that you pray for me to be able to release anxiety that I am experiencing at this time. I know the Lord has a lesson for me to learn as I get through this anxiety that’s has come over me. Thank you

    1. Emily B. says:

      God’s got you, Holly. Anxiety has no place in your heart–see 2 Tim. 1:7. It’s one of my absolute favorites.

  7. Rachel says:

    “Hope does not come from belief in power; it comes from trust in a Person. When we don’t understand what Jesus is doing, we must seek to know Him more.”

    I love the above quote; it’s exactly what I need to hear right now. Throughout my adult life, I have often wondered what on earth Jesus is doing with my life. There are so many things that have happened that I just don’t understand. This is a good reminder that I don’t necessarily need to understand what’s going on, so long as I continue to seek Him. I might not understand what God was doing until I get to meet Him face to face…and that’s okay. It really is. Right now, I think I’m still just telling myself that, but it’s something that I’m trying to accept as Truth, that I might not get bogged down by the daily stuff of life.

    I pray that God opens my eyes to the little miracles. I know there are so many things that He has done that clearly show He is present in my life – it’s so easy for me to just take those things for granted though. I can easily get focused on the hard things instead of the good things. I want to be a thankful, grateful person instead of a complainer…something I struggle with daily.

    So thankful for this group of ladies, and for these daily Bible studies that help us all focus not on ourselves, but on Jesus.

  8. MW In Alabama says:

    My dear Sisters in this study… this is such a God ordained group for me to be in my heart is shaking and I hope you will read this testimony. Apologies in advance for the length. I carefully alluded on Day 1 that I was so troubled by a challenge in my current situation. I was so grateful to have kind messages it blessed me so. As a working traveling Single Mom globally- this was a real experiment for me as I’d never joined a Bible study like this. I stumbled seeking to join this study 2 weeks ago with some “tug of the heart” God called me to do it and find a community of women in the same space. So I did! I ordered my books and waited for launch. I am the SOLE provider for my 16 year old daughter with no help from her Dad. This regularly stresses me out like you all as I read your individual circumstances I am now reading and praying for you. Many of you attended public school like I did but our schools here have changed and are really poor in Alabama. Uncontrollable drugs. So I elected to send her to a private Christian school which I am committed to that supports her love for Jesus and which enriches her in ways I thank God for. It’s shaping the young woman she is. She is a mission working- works monthly in soup kitchens and intercity work- plays soccer representing her school in a Godly manner- and her school. I’ve struggled to pay the tuition but been able to maintain it as this and proud as this is her Christian community as an upcoming Junior. Yesterday- I learned my company purchased another company and I lost my job. I have a tiny bit of severance but not much. Her 2nd tuition payment is due in June. I am asking you all to pray God will create new opportunities for me between now and then to support me keeping her in her Christian school. Not for me/ but for me to pay her tuition in for her. These youth are so troubled in my community – and to have to uproot her woukd be tragic if I can not pay for it. She comes home regularly grateful to share the environment she is in with gratitude and the influence it has on her and the choices she makes. I will sell my car to keep her there as there is nothing more important than having our children live the legacy of this security in Jesus. But my reality is finances to pay in June. Of course/ I won’t tell her. I ask you all to pray a new job will come soon so I can continue this commitment to my daughter. Thank you with gratitude. I believe in Him.

    1. Sandy W. says:

      Praying for you and your daughter. May our Good Lord provide a way!

    2. Meri Kate M. says:

      I will be keeping both your daughter and you in my prayers!

    3. Gema Muniz says:

      Praying for you my sister, may God use this opportunity to bring you and your daughter closer to him. May you not focus on your situation and may you open your eyes to see what is Gods plan. God always has a plan for our lives, it may not be what we have planned but we must always remember that God works everything for our good. Please keep us updated and let us know if there is anything else we can pray for. God bless you and your daughter.

    4. She Reads Truth says:

      Dear sweet friend, thank you for your vulnerability in sharing this. In the short time you’ve been with SRT you’ve already had such a wonderful impact on the women in this community. Please know we are praying for you in this. Asking God to provide in ways you could not have imagined and to bring comfort in what is sure to be a time of fear and uncertainty. We are so, so grateful for you.

      – Stormye

    5. Diana says:

      Thank you for sharing your heart with us! I feel your pain, and from my own experiences, I know God is hearing your cry and He knows what your daughter needs. I am praying for you. May the God of comfort, peace, provision, and faithfulness wrap you around His precious arms. May you know He will always take care of you. We often don’t know how, but we trust who does know. Praying for God’s provision – for your daughter’s school and your job. His plan is always perfect.

    6. Callie says:

      Praying for you and your precious daughter. Personally, I have always found comfort in the truth that God will never give us challenges that are more than we can take because He never expects us to take on the challenges alone. The many struggles we go through in this life on earth are what reveal our desperate need for Him and His mercy. May you draw near to your Heavenly Father during this time and remember that He always has everything perfectly under control when you do not. Love and prayers!

    7. Lexi says:

      I’ll be praying for you and your sweet daughter. God rewards those who walk with Him steadfastly. God hears you and see your heart. I pray He will supply exactly what you need. Sending much love to you…you’re an amazing mother! ❤️

    8. Tina says:

      Dear MW.. Praying for you and your daughter.. Praying God be in all situations you find yourself In, that He show you in a real and tangible way that He walks with you and that He provides as you hold on to Him and His promises.
      You are an amazing mom and I pray that through this season you continue to know his grace and love…
      Holding you in my prayers.. Hugs to you both..xx

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