1
Confirmation of Jesus’ Message through Miracles & Jesus’ Self Belief
According to Habermas, miracles confirm Jesus' message by validating his claims and
teachings. He asserts that these teachings were significantly reinforced by the miracles that he
appeared capable of performing.1 Miracles serve as divine signs that authenticate Jesus' authority
and validate the truth of his teachings. Habermas presents several arguments regarding how
miracles serve to validate Jesus' teachings. Firstly, he highlights the inherent nature of miracles,
emphasizing their often-inexplicable qualities and the profound sense of wonder they evoke.
Such phenomena naturally direct attention beyond the mere physical realm, suggesting a deeper
significance.2
Secondly, Habermas points to the Gospel accounts wherein Jesus himself explicitly
connects his miracles to the authentication of his message. For instance, when confronted with
accusations of blasphemy, Jesus responded by performing a miraculous healing, affirming that
this act demonstrated his authority to forgive sins.3 To reinforce His power and message, Jesus
said to the paralytic man “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins” (Mark 2:10 ESV). He spoke to the man commanding that he would get up, grab his
mat, and go home. When the once paralytic man rode up, grabbed his mat, and walked. The
scripture says, “This amazed everyone, and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen
anything like this!” (Mark 2:12 ESV). Therefore, according to Habermas, the belief that Jesus
regarded his miracles as affirmations of his message is acknowledged by a significant number of
critical scholars.4
1 Gary R. Habermas, The Risen Jesus & Future Hope (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers,
2003), 89.
2 Ibid., 90.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid., 91.
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Lastly, Habermas underscores the testimony of early believers, including those who
directly witnessed Jesus' ministry. These individuals, influenced by the impact of Jesus' miracles,
came to recognize and affirm the truth of his teachings. Habermas contends that according to the
initial sermon presented in the Book of Acts, Peter proclaimed that Jesus's miracles, particularly
his resurrection, served as the primary evidence of God's endorsement of Jesus's teachings (Acts
2:23–32). Furthermore, it is mentioned that Paul similarly relied on the resurrection to validate
Jesus's teachings, urging the Greek philosophers to repent (Acts 17:30–31).5 The Gospels
document numerous instances where people believed in Jesus as a result of witnessing his
miraculous deeds, indicating the persuasive power of these extraordinary events.
In essence, Habermas contends that miracles played a crucial role in confirming the
authenticity and authority of Jesus' teachings, both in the eyes of the witnesses of his time and
subsequent believers. Moreover, Jesus' belief about Himself centered on his identity as the Son
of God and the Messiah. Habermas asserts that according to the synoptic Gospels, Jesus
conveyed a distinctive connection with God, evident in instances where he referred to himself as
the "Son" while addressing God as "Father."6 He proclaimed himself as the fulfillment of Old
Testament prophecies and claimed to have a unique relationship with God the Father. Habermas
asserts that “he did so in a manner indicating that this designation should be taken in a special,
filial sense of intimacy with his heavenly Father, which was shared directly by him alone.”7
Jesus’ Central Teaching and Supporting Evidence
Based on the reading from Habermas, Jesus' central teaching revolved around the
kingdom of God. Habermas contends that contemporary scholars widely acknowledge Jesus's
5 Ibid., 91.
6 Ibid., 97.
7 Ibid., 100.
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primary message to be centered on the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the requisite response for
individuals to enter the Kingdom and partake in its blessings.8 Jesus emphasized the imminent
arrival of God's kingdom and called people to repentance and faith in preparation for its coming.
Habermas supports this conclusion by highlighting Jesus' frequent references to the kingdom in
his teachings and parables, as well as his focus on spiritual transformation and the reign of God
in the hearts of believers.
Habermas’ Evidence, Convincing or not?
Regarding the evidence presented by Habermas, opinions may vary. Some may find his
evidence convincing due to its alignment with biblical accounts, historical context, and logical
coherence. Others may have reservations, questioning the reliability of ancient texts,
interpretation biases, or the supernatural nature of miracles. Ultimately, the persuasiveness of
Habermas' evidence depends on individual perspectives and beliefs.
Habermas' evidence regarding Jesus' central teaching resonated with me due to its
alignment with the teachings found in the scriptures. The emphasis on the Kingdom of God as
the core message of Jesus, along with the requirement for individuals to respond appropriately
for entry and participation in its blessings, reflects consistent themes throughout the Gospels.
Jesus's own words, recorded in the scriptures, reinforce the significance of the Kingdom of God
and the conditions for its realization in the lives of believers. Therefore, I found Habermas'
evidence compelling and convincing, as it harmonizes with the foundational teachings of Jesus
as presented in the biblical texts.
Elements of Miracles Drawn from the Gospel of Matthew
Reflecting on the questions posed and drawing insights from the Gospel of Matthew, it
becomes evident that miracles play a significant role in Jesus' ministry as depicted in the biblical
8 Ibid., 123.
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narrative. Throughout Matthew's Gospel, various miraculous events, such as healings, exorcisms,
and nature miracles, are presented as evidence of Jesus' divine authority and the inauguration of
God's kingdom. These miracles not only confirm Jesus' message but also serve as signs pointing
to his identity as the promised Messiah. Jesus during a confrontation with the Pharisees said,
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon
you” Matthew 12:28 ESV). After casting out a demon, the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out
demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. In response, Jesus refutes their
accusation by explaining that it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that he performs miracles.
In his response, Jesus emphasizes that His acts of casting out demons are evidence of the arrival
of God's kingdom. In other words, the power and authority by which Jesus operates demonstrate
the presence and activity of God's kingdom among them. This statement underscores the spiritual
significance of Jesus' actions and serves as a reminder of the divine authority behind his
ministry.
Moreover, Habermas argued that Jesus’s message, and especially his central teaching
regarding the Kingdom, was confirmed by his resurrection. Since Jesus specifically declared that
even he did not know when the final phase of God’s Kingdom would begin, the precise time
factor is not the crucial portion of his message. He said His disciples, “But concerning that day
and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only”
(Matthew 24:36 ESV). As we contemplate Habermas' arguments in light of the Gospel of
Matthew, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of miracles on Jesus' ministry
and the proclamation of the kingdom of God.
Bibliography
Habermas, Gary R. The Risen Jesus & Future Hope. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield
Publishers, 2003.
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