Miracles, responses to

Miracles often depend upon faith on the part of those who will benefit from them. Human responses to miracles take various forms. Some respond in faith and obedience, whilst others are confirmed in their unbelief and rebellion.

Faith and obedience required in the working of miracles

1 Kings 17:13–15 The widow gave Elijah her last meal before she could be miraculously provided for. See also Exodus 14:16, Exodus 14:21; Numbers 21:8–9; Joshua 3:13–17; 1 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 4:41, 2 Kings 5:10–14; Matthew 9:6–7 parallels Mark 2:10–12, Luke 5:24–25; Matthew 9:22 parallels Mark 5:34, Luke 8:48; Luke 1:38; Hebrews 11:29–30

“Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household.

Miracles limited by lack of faith

Matthew 13:58 parallel Mark 6:5–6 See also 2 Kings 4:3–6 The number of jars limited the miraculous supply of oil; Matthew 14:28–31, Matthew 17:14–20

And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.

Positive responses to miracles

Faith

Exodus 14:31 See also Exodus 4:30–31; John 7:31; Acts 9:33–35, Acts 9:40–42, Acts 13:12

When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

Amazement

Matthew 15:31 parallel Mark 7:37 See also Daniel 3:24; Acts 3:10, Acts 8:13, Acts 12:16

The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Praise and worship

He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

A closer attention paid to the word of God

Acts 8:6 See also 1 Kings 17:24

The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.

Temporary faith as a response to miracles

John 2:23–24 See also Exodus 15:20–24, Exodus 16:1–3, Exodus 17:3; Numbers 20:3–5; Luke 17:17–18; John 6:49

While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name. But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all.

Negative responses to miracles

Fear

Mark 5:15–17 parallel Luke 8:36–37; Acts 5:5, Acts 5:11, Acts 19:17

Disbelief

Acts 12:14–15 See also Genesis 17:17–18, Genesis 18:12–13; Luke 1:18, Luke 1:20

When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!” “You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

Hardness of heart

Exodus 8:19 See also Exodus 7:3–4, Exodus 11:10; Psalm 78:32; Matthew 11:20–22 parallel Luke 10:13–14; John 9:18, John 9:28–29, John 10:25–26, John 12:37, John 15:24

“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.

Opposition

John 11:47–48; Acts 6:8–9, Acts 16:19–21

Disobedience

Psalm 106:7 See also Numbers 14:11, Numbers 14:22–23; Psalm 78:11–22, Psalm 78:42–43

Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp Your wonders or remember Your abundant kindness; but they rebelled by the sea, there at the Red Sea.

Jealousy

Acts 8:13, Acts 8:18–19