How many miracles did Jesus perform as recorded in the Bible?

The miracles of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible, are among the most compelling aspects of His life and ministry. They serve as powerful testimonies to His divine authority and His compassion for humanity. While the exact number of miracles Jesus performed is not definitively listed in the Bible, the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—provide detailed accounts of many of His miraculous deeds. Each of these miracles not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also reveals profound spiritual truths about His mission and the nature of the Kingdom of God.

In examining the Gospels, we find that there are approximately 37 distinct miracles attributed to Jesus. These miracles can be categorized into several types: healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and resurrections. Each Gospel writer presents these miracles in a unique way, emphasizing different aspects of Jesus' ministry and message.

Healings

One of the most frequent types of miracles Jesus performed was healing the sick. This not only demonstrated His compassion but also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. For example, Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesies that the Messiah would heal the blind, the deaf, the lame, and the mute.

• Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10): A Roman centurion approached Jesus, asking Him to heal his servant. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith and healed the servant from a distance.
• Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39): Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, demonstrating His power over illness.
• Healing of the Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26): Jesus healed a paralyzed man, also forgiving his sins, which caused controversy among the religious leaders.
• Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48): A woman suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years was healed when she touched Jesus’ cloak.
• Healing of the Blind Man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26): Jesus restored the sight of a blind man in stages, demonstrating His unique method of healing.
• Healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19): Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him, highlighting themes of gratitude and faith.

Exorcisms

Jesus also performed numerous exorcisms, casting out demons from those who were possessed. These acts not only freed individuals from spiritual bondage but also demonstrated Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm.

• Exorcism in the Synagogue in Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37): Jesus cast out an unclean spirit from a man during a synagogue service, astounding the onlookers with His authority.
• Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39): Jesus cast out a legion of demons from a man, sending them into a herd of pigs that then ran into the sea.
• Exorcism of the Syrophoenician Woman’s Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30): Jesus cast a demon out of a Gentile woman’s daughter, praising her faith.

Control Over Nature

Jesus' miracles also extended to control over the natural world, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation itself.

• Turning Water into Wine (John 2:1-11): At a wedding in Cana, Jesus performed His first recorded miracle by turning water into wine, revealing His glory and prompting His disciples to believe in Him.
• Calming the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25): Jesus calmed a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His authority over the elements and reassuring His disciples.
• Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14): Jesus miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, illustrating His provision and foreshadowing the Eucharist.
• Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21): Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee to reach His disciples, further demonstrating His mastery over nature and encouraging Peter to step out in faith.

Resurrections

Perhaps the most profound miracles Jesus performed were resurrections, bringing the dead back to life. These miracles not only showcased His power over death but also pointed to His own resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

• Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56): Jesus brought a synagogue leader’s daughter back to life, comforting her grieving parents and demonstrating His power over death.
• Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17): Jesus raised a widow’s only son from the dead during his funeral procession, showing His compassion and authority.
• Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): Perhaps the most famous resurrection miracle, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, declaring Himself the “resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

Other Notable Miracles

There are additional miracles that defy simple categorization but are equally significant.

• Catching a Large Number of Fish (Luke 5:1-11, John 21:1-14): On two occasions, Jesus directed His disciples to cast their nets, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. These events symbolized the disciples’ future role as “fishers of men.”
• Cursing the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, 20-25): Jesus cursed a barren fig tree, causing it to wither, symbolizing judgment on unfruitfulness and the importance of genuine faith.

The Purpose and Significance of Jesus' Miracles

The miracles of Jesus served multiple purposes. They were acts of compassion, meeting the immediate physical and spiritual needs of individuals. They were also signs that authenticated Jesus’ divine identity and His message. In John’s Gospel, the miracles are referred to as “signs” (John 20:30-31), indicating that they point beyond themselves to deeper spiritual truths.

Moreover, the miracles fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. For instance, Isaiah 61:1-2, which Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), speaks of the Messiah bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives.

The miracles also served to reveal the nature of the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom, there is no sickness, no demonic oppression, no hunger, and no death. Each miracle was a foretaste of the restoration and wholeness that the Kingdom of God brings.

The Limitations of the Gospel Accounts

While the Gospels record many miracles, they do not provide an exhaustive list of all the miracles Jesus performed. John explicitly states that Jesus did many other signs that are not recorded in his book (John 20:30). He even goes so far as to say that if every one of them were written down, the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written (John 21:25).

Conclusion

The miracles of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible, number around 37 distinct events, each with its own significance and message. These miracles encompass healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and resurrections, all of which reveal Jesus' divine authority and His compassionate heart. They serve as signs pointing to deeper spiritual realities and the coming Kingdom of God. While the Gospel accounts provide a rich tapestry of Jesus' miraculous works, they also remind us that there is much more to His ministry than what is written, inviting us to explore and experience the fullness of His power and love.