If our view is focused on the earth, then miracles are optional. We might not have a problem with them, but they are optional in our context. If things are going well we don’t need them. I heard someone preach that the Holy Spirit is like a spotter when we’re weight-lifting. We do most of the work, and then he helps if we can’t make it on our own.

The view from heaven is that miracles are essential. They get us outside our understanding. They are a demonstration of the kingdom of heaven. If there is no demonstration, how will we know what we’re being invited into? Miracles arrest our attention and let us peek into the spiritual world.

Jesus wasn’t primarily trying to give people better lives here on earth. Those he healed probably got sick again. We know for sure they all died. Jesus wasn’t primarily showing his power so that people would believe his message. Jesus was demonstrating the kingdom of heaven. His works were his message. He spoke about a powerful spiritual reality and then he showed people what that looked like here and now. He spoke about authority, and then he cast out demons with a word. There’s a new king in town, and his kingdom is coming soon. Of course, Jesus was moved with compassion, and wept when Lazarus died. But in the biggest picture, he wants those people with him in heaven.

Miracles increase our faith, and faith is the gateway into heaven. This is why Jesus would give people something to do that risked something, like going to wash in a dirty pool. He’s looking for a faith response. If there’s no faith response, if people don’t end up one step closer to heaven, then the miracle is pointless. Maybe this is why Jesus was not able to do any miracles in his hometown: because of their lack of faith. 

My wife and I were having lunch with a young mom who was paralyzed with anxiety and depression. She desperately wanted to be free, and Heather was nudging me under the table to do something. I commented on how tasty the burritos were. I didn’t sense there was faith in God, she was just really not able to cope with her circumstances any longer. Later that day, after an evening worship service, we saw her again. This time she talked about wanting to be closer to God, even if she was never completely free. Faith! We prayed with her and she was set free, dancing in the parking lot.

Faith is the desired outcome of every miracle. It’s not a good day when we pray for someone and they’re healed. It’s a good day when that healing increases their trust and love of God. It’s even a good day when we pray for someone who isn’t healed, but they grow in their faith. This has eternal significance.