Empowered Witness Week 14: "Where Have All the Miracles Gone? Rediscovering God's Power Today"

Acts 5:12–16 ESV

12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Jesus had a battle to face, the unbelief of his people.

1. The Pharisees and Sadducees

The Pharisees and Sadducees were Jewish religious leaders who often challenged Jesus and His teachings. They were skeptical of His claims to be the Messiah and frequently sought to discredit Him.

John 7:47–49 ESV

47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”

2. The People of Nazareth

Jesus' own townspeople in Nazareth struggled to believe that He was the Messiah. They had known Him since He was a child and found it difficult to reconcile His ordinary upbringing with His extraordinary claims.

Mark 6:1–6 ESV

1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Jesus could do no mighty work there: this is from their lack of faith.

3. Jesus' Own Family

Even Jesus' own family members had moments of doubt about His identity and mission.

John 7:3–5 ESV

3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him.

4. The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, two of His disciples were walking to Emmaus, discussing the recent events. They did not recognize Jesus when He appeared to them and expressed their disappointment that He had not fulfilled their expectations of the Messiah. (Luke 24:13-27)

5. Thomas the Apostle

Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, famously doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes.

John 20:25 ESV

25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

6. The Jewish Leaders

The Jewish leaders, including the chief priests and scribes, actively opposed Jesus and plotted to kill Him because they did not believe He was the Messiah and felt threatened by His teachings.

Matthew 26:3–4 ESV

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.

The Purpose of Miracles in the Early Church

To Demonstrate His Love for His People

Intimate. private settings

Raising of Jairus' Daughter:

Jesus performed the miracle of raising Jairus' daughter from the dead with only a select few present. (Mark 5:37-42)

Healing of the Deaf and Mute Man: (Mark 7:32-35)

Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida

Jesus performed this miracle outside the village and only with the blind man and possibly his companions.

Healing of Peter's Mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31)

Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law in her house, which was a more private setting.

Public Miracles by Jesus

Feeding the 5,000

This miracle was performed in front of a large crowd.

Raising of Lazarus

This miracle was performed in front of a large group of mourners.

We also know that the Apostles.

Miracles, wonders and signs were crucial in the early church for many reasons:

1. Authentication of Jesus and His Message

Miracles served a crucial role in the early church: they authenticated Jesus and His message. In a time when the Gospel was spreading, these signs were a divine endorsement of Jesus as the Messiah. The miracles validated His teachings, proving that He was indeed sent by God.

2. Validation of the Apostles' Authority

The apostles, as chosen messengers of Christ, were endowed with the ability to perform miracles. This was not merely to awe the crowds but to validate their authority as God's representatives. When Peter and John healed the lame man in Acts 3, it was clear that they were operating under divine authority, thus solidifying their leadership within the church.

3. Demonstration of God's Power and Presence

Miracles were a tangible demonstration of God's power and presence among His people. They were not random acts but intentional displays of God’s sovereignty, showing that He was actively involved in the affairs of men. These signs instilled a sense of awe and reverence, drawing people closer to the divine.

4. Encouragement and Growth of the Early Church

Miracles played a significant role in the encouragement and growth of the early church. They were a source of comfort and hope, showing that God's power was available to meet the needs of His people. The healing of the sick and casting out of unclean spirits were not only acts of compassion but also served to attract new believers, thereby expanding the church.

Is Faith a Requirement for miracles, Wonders and Signs?

Faith is a crucial element in the occurrence of miracles, signs and wonders throughout the bible. Faith plays a significant role on our miracles are experienced and recieved.

1. Faith as a Requirement for Miracles

Healing of the Bleeding Woman

Scripture:

Matthew 9:20–22 ESV

20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.

This passage highlights how the woman's faith in Jesus' power to heal was directly linked to her miracle. Jesus explicitly states that her faith has made her well.

Healing of Blind Bartimaeus

Scripture:

Mark 10:46-52 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way."

Explanation:

Bartimaeus' persistent faith and his belief in Jesus' ability to heal him were key factors in his healing. Jesus affirms that his faith was instrumental in receiving the miracle.

2. Faith and Unbelief Impacting Miracles

Limited Miracles in Nazareth

Scripture:

Mark 6:5–6 ESV

5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Explanation:

In Jesus' hometown of Nazareth, the lack of faith among the people hindered the extent of miracles He performed. This demonstrates that unbelief can limit the manifestation of miracles.

Faith of the Centurion

Scripture:

Matthew 8:5–10 ESV

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

Matthew 8:13 ESV

13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Explanation:

The centurion’s faith in Jesus' authority and power, even from a distance, resulted in the miraculous healing of his servant. Jesus commended his great faith and performed the miracle based on it.

3. Faith and the Apostles’ Miracles

Peter and John Healing the Lame Man

Scripture:

Acts 3:6–8 ESV

6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Acts 3:16 ESV

16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Explanation:

Peter emphasizes that faith in the name of Jesus was crucial for the healing of the lame man. The apostles’ faith, as well as the man's response, played roles in the miracle.

4. General Principle of Faith and Miracles

Jesus Teaching on Faith and Miracles

Scripture:

Matthew 17:20 ESV

20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Mark 11:22–24 ESV

22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Explanation:

Jesus teaches that even a small amount of genuine faith can result in miraculous outcomes. The principle here is that faith is a key component in witnessing the power of God through

So, faith is a requirement for miracles. but what happened to our faith?

1. Cultural Influences

Secularism and Materialism

Explanation

Material success over spirituality

Scientific rationalism over spiritual beliefs

Christianity not relevant

No difference in the mind of the Christian and the mind of the wold.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 6:24 ESV

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

2. Misunderstanding of Faith

Intellectual Assent vs. Trusting Faith

Explanation:

Many Christians may understand faith intellectually but struggle to trust God deeply in their daily lives. Faith is often seen as belief in doctrines rather than a relational trust in God.

Scriptural Insight:

James 2:19 ESV

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

3. Spiritual Complacency

Comfort and Lack of Dependence

Explanation:

Lost our dependence on God

.Scriptural Insight:

Revelation 3:15-17 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."

4. Lack of Robust Discipleship

Superficial Teaching and Discipleship

Explanation:

Entertainment over Discipleship

Hebrews 5:12–14 ESV

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

5. Spiritual Warfare

Opposition and Distraction

Explanation:

Spiritual warfare can also play a role in weakening faith. The enemy seeks to distract, deceive, and discourage believers from trusting fully in God.

Scriptural Insight:

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

6. Individualism and Isolation

Lack of Community Support

Explanation:

Modern society often emphasizes individualism, which can lead to isolation. Faith is strengthened in community, but many Christians may not have strong, supportive communities to help nurture their faith.Scriptural Insight:

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

As we reflect on our journey of faith, let us ask ourselves a profound and challenging question:

"Do I have enough faith for God to use me for a miracle?" This is not merely a question of intellectual belief or superficial commitment but one that probes the depths of our trust in God, our willingness to surrender to His will, and our openness to His extraordinary work in and through our lives.

Faith, as we have seen, is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It is the means by which we access His grace, witness His power, and participate in His divine purposes.

The Scriptures are replete with examples of ordinary people who, through extraordinary faith, became vessels of God's miraculous power. From Moses parting the Red Sea to Peter walking on water, each miracle was not just an act of divine intervention but a testament to human trust and obedience.

Today, in our modern world, we might often feel distant from the miraculous. The noise of secularism, the lure of materialism, and the comfort of routine can dull our spiritual senses. Yet, the same God who performed miracles in biblical times is the same God we worship today. His power has not diminished, and His desire to work through His people remains steadfast.

So, I challenge each one of us to consider our level of faith. Are we truly open to being used by God in miraculous ways? Do we believe that He can use us, despite our weaknesses and limitations, to bring about His divine purposes? Are we ready to step out in faith, even when it defies logic and comfort?

Take a moment to reflect and pray. Ask God to increase your faith, to remove any doubts or fears, and to fill you with a boldness that is rooted in His promises. Let us become a community of believers who, like the early church, are known for our unwavering faith and our readiness to be instruments of God's miraculous power.

Remember, it is not the size of our faith but the object of our faith that matters. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains when placed in the hands of our Almighty God. So, let us rise in faith, expectant and ready for God to do the impossible through us. The world needs to see His power, and He has chosen to reveal it through His people.

Let us be those people of unshakeable faith, ready and willing for God to use us for His miracles. Amen.