Learn of the Story of Jesus
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.6 — Signs of the Messiah
Signs of the Messiah: Miracles that caused people to ask, “Could Jesus be the promised Messiah?”
4.6 — Signs of the Messiah
The Miracles That Made People Ask, “Who Is Jesus?”
By this point in Jesus’ ministry, crowds had witnessed remarkable miracles.
The sick were healed.
The blind received sight.
Demons were cast out.
The dead were raised.
People throughout Galilee were asking questions.
Could Jesus be the promised Messiah?
Could He be the Son of David?
Could He be the Savior God’s people had been awaiting for centuries?
Some people believed.
Others remained uncertain.
Religious leaders became increasingly concerned.
As Jesus continued performing miracles, the question of His identity became impossible to ignore.
This lesson explores why certain miracles created such strong reactions and how they pointed people toward the Messiah.
Scripture References
Matthew 8–12
John 9
John 11
Isaiah 35:5–6
Isaiah 61:1–2
Luke 7:18–23
The Story
Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed many miracles.
He healed diseases.
He restored sight.
He cast out demons.
He calmed storms.
He raised the dead.
The crowds were amazed.
However, some miracles drew particular attention because they seemed connected to expectations about the coming Messiah.
As Jesus performed these signs, people increasingly asked:
“Could this be the Son of David?”
The miracles revealed God’s compassion and power.
They also forced people to decide how they would respond to Jesus.
While many embraced Him, others rejected Him.
The miracles became both invitations to faith and points of controversy.
Understanding the Story
Why Were Miracles Important?
The miracles demonstrated God’s power and compassion.
They also revealed Jesus’ authority and identity.
The miracles were signs pointing beyond themselves to who Jesus truly was.
Did Everyone Believe?
No.
Some people responded with faith.
Others demanded more evidence.
Still others refused to believe despite what they witnessed.
The miracles alone could not force faith.
People still had to decide how they would respond to Jesus.
Why Did Religious Leaders Object?
As Jesus’ influence grew, some leaders became increasingly opposed to Him.
The issue was not simply the miracles themselves.
The deeper question was:
What did the miracles reveal about Jesus?
Understanding Jesus
What Does “Messiah” Mean?
Messiah means “Anointed One.”
The Old Testament promised that God would send a Savior, Deliverer, and King.
For centuries, God’s people waited for His coming.
Why Did People Expect the Messiah?
The prophets spoke of a future ruler who would bring salvation, restoration, and God’s Kingdom.
Many expected a political king who would defeat Rome.
Jesus came first to deal with humanity’s deeper problem of sin and separation from God.
Why Were Certain Miracles Especially Significant?
Some miracles challenged expectations and drew unusual attention.
The healing of lepers, the casting out of a mute demon, the healing of a man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus all became important signs that caused people to ask whether Jesus might be the Messiah.
For a detailed study, see:
Old Testament Connections
The prophets foretold a coming age when:
the blind would see,
the lame would walk,
the oppressed would be set free,
and good news would be proclaimed.
When John the Baptist sent messengers asking if Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus pointed to His works:
“The blind receive sight and the lame walk…”
His miracles demonstrated that the promises of God were being fulfilled.
Missing Context Check
Does the Old Testament List Four Messianic Miracles?
No.
The Old Testament does not contain a single passage listing “The Four Messianic Miracles.”
This framework comes from later Jewish traditions, Messianic expectations, and observations about how people responded to certain miracles.
Why Is This Teaching Helpful?
The framework helps modern readers understand why some miracles created stronger reactions than others.
It explains why religious leaders often viewed certain events as especially significant.
Were the Miracles the Most Important Thing?
No.
The miracles pointed to Jesus.
The goal was never simply to amaze people.
The goal was to reveal who Jesus was.
A Deeper Look: The Four Messianic Miracles
Many Bible teachers connect the following miracles to Messianic expectations:
Healing a Jewish Leper
A miracle that required priests to investigate what had happened according to Leviticus 13–14.
Casting Out a Mute Demon
A miracle that some traditions associated with the authority of the Messiah.
Healing a Man Born Blind
A miracle that sparked intense investigation and debate.
Raising Lazarus
A public miracle demonstrating authority over death itself.
Learn more:
The Four Messianic Miracles
Key Themes
Jesus Fulfilled God’s Promises
The miracles pointed toward Old Testament prophecies.
Miracles Reveal Identity
The signs revealed who Jesus truly was.
Faith Requires Response
Every person had to decide what to do with the evidence before them.
Opposition Often Increases With Truth
The clearer Jesus’ identity became, the stronger some opposition grew.
Why This Lesson Matters
People still ask the same question today:
Who is Jesus?
The miracles invite readers to consider the evidence and respond in faith.
They remind believers that Jesus is more than a teacher or miracle worker.
Christians believe He is the promised Messiah, Son of God, and Savior of the world.
Connecting to Jesus
The miracles reveal Jesus as:
Messiah.
Son of David.
Son of God.
Healer.
Deliverer.
Savior.
King.
Every sign points back to Him.
Living the Message
This week:
Read one Gospel miracle account.
Ask what the miracle reveals about Jesus.
Reflect on areas where you need greater trust in God.
Share with someone what you have learned about Christ.
Remember that faith grows as we continue learning who Jesus is.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus perform miracles?
Possible answers:
To reveal God’s power, show compassion, and point people to His identity.
Why did some people believe while others rejected Jesus?
Possible answers:
People responded differently to the evidence and claims of Jesus.
What does Messiah mean?
Possible answers:
The Anointed One, the promised Savior and King.
Why are the Four Messianic Miracles important?
Possible answers:
They help explain why certain miracles drew special attention and pointed people toward Jesus.
What question do these miracles force readers to consider?
Possible answers:
Who is Jesus?
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus fulfilled God’s promises through His teaching and miracles.
Reasons We Believe
The miracles point to Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Obedience in Action
Spend time learning more about the life and ministry of Jesus.
Walk It Out
Ask God to deepen your faith as you grow in your understanding of who Jesus is.
