We must learn to understand Jesus' powerful deeds in the perspective of the cross. Paul (1 Co 1.2-4), Mark (Mk 15.39), Luke (Acts 4.8-20), and the other New Testament writings as well, do not try to prove Jesus' divinity from the miracles. They rather try to express the meaning of Jesus' miracles starting from the cross.
This is excellent. Some would like to simplify the meaning of miracles as confirmation of the divinity of Christ. R.E. Brown writes:
From the time that Quadratus made apologetic use of the Gospel miracles in his Apology to Hadrian (c. A.D 125) the interpretation of the miracles seems to have been inextricably bound up with the defense of the Christian faith. While the apologetic usefulness of the miracles has had the advantage of leading the best theological minds in the Church to study and comment on it, this constant apologetic coloring of the exegesis of the Gospel miracles has been a mixed blessing.
That is, while there is usefulness in looking at miracles through an apologetic lens, we get too wrapped up in that and miss the real point. One could argue from Scripture that miracles in and of themselves really mean nothing (Mt 7.22; 24.23-25). There were are plenty of others working miracles outside of Christ and His disciples. Miracles are not meant to prove but to reveal and to explain.
Additionally, on one hand, Jesus sees miracles as a sign and a call (Mt 11.2-6, 20-24) while on the other hand He tries to avoid publicity and refuse to perform the miracles expected of Him (Mt 4.1-11; 12.38-40, Mk 8.11-13).
So what's the deal? Start with the cross and look to the future. Miracles serve to reveal and explain. And praise God that He is the God that moves in space-time history.
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