By Jordan Even
John 6:11
Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted…
John 6:35
Jesus said to [the disciples], “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst..”
Miracles that break the rules of the physical world captivate me. While casting out demons absolutely demonstrates that Jesus is God, I take these spiritual miracles for granted because of the Divine: because of God’s sovereignty and defeat of the devil, demons must obey Jesus.
While breaking the rules of physics also clearly shows Christ’s divinity, it’s something I struggle to comprehend more than spiritual miracles. I wonder: How can there be something from nothing? Where did the atoms come from? How can everything I see in the universe also never have existed? It’s a mystery! I believe in creation out of nothing, but I don’t understand “how.” Maybe I will completely understand someday in heaven!
During Advent, Pastor Vince talked about the “hypostatic union.” This doctrine explains that Jesus is both FULLY God and FULLY man – two distinct and complete natures, united solitarily in Christ. Theological terms are scary, but we need them to understand who God is. While the Bible is rife with angels and apostles wrapped in spiritual warfare, creative miracles are much scarcer. Besides Christ, only Elisha multiplied matter (oil and bread), but he attributed it to the Lord’s power, not His own. Jesus, however, reveals His unique, mysterious nature by creating food for at least five thousand people while teaching that He IS the bread of life – clearly claiming to be God. Elisha’s food eventually ran out, but Jesus’ food never will. While I know I only see these mysteries in part, Christ’s miraculous provision for the five thousand gives great certainty to faith: He isn’t just from God or part God; He is fully God and fully man.
Pray with me…
Father, we thank You for Your Son’s signs and miracles, even if we do not completely understand how He did them. Please continue to use the Biblical miracles to reveal Yourself to us today. Amen.