Tag: Jesus’ Miracles

Tainted Love

Jesus’ prayer for Lazarus, offered publicly just before He called Lazarus from the tomb, was intentional and direct. It wasn’t a show of personal piety but a clear call to witness God’s power so that “they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:42). Jesus demonstrated that public faith—done for the right reasons—can have a profound impact. Like a light set on a hill, some faith acts are meant to be seen, leading others toward the hope we have in God.

This concept isn’t new in Scripture. Daniel famously prayed in front of an open window despite a law against it, standing firm in his dedication to God regardless of who saw or what consequences he faced (Daniel 6:10). His actions, like Jesus’ prayer, pointed beyond himself to the God who is worthy of trust even in hostile circumstances. Public faith like this shines in humility, not self-promotion, serving to inspire courage and commitment in others.

Yet, we’re also cautioned about letting public expressions of faith become tainted love—acts done for personal validation rather than God’s glory. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for practicing righteousness to be “seen by men” (Matthew 6:1), aiming not to glorify God but to elevate their own image. Their so-called love for God was tainted by a desire for recognition, and Jesus makes it clear that this approach leads nowhere.

For us, the challenge is simple yet profound: we can and should live our faith openly, but only if the aim is to lead others to God rather than elevating ourselves. True love for God will be untainted by pride, focused on glorifying Him in all we do. So, the next time we feel led to act in faith publicly, let’s pause and consider—are we motivated by a pure heart that longs to point others to Christ, or is there a hint of tainted love? Ultimately, there’s only one name worth exalting.

What Happens When Signs Overshadow the Savior?

In the Gospels, we often see Jesus performing miracles, but what’s strange is that after He heals, delivers, or raises the dead, He frequently instructs those involved to tell no one about it. This pattern, known as the Messianic Secret, raises a compelling question: why would Jesus not want people to spread the news about these incredible works?

One possible reason is timing. Jesus knew that His mission to the cross was central to His work on earth, and drawing too much attention to the miracles could lead to premature confrontation with the authorities. If the crowds focused on Him as merely a miracle worker or political messiah, it might derail the real purpose of His coming—to suffer, die, and be resurrected for our sins.

But beyond the timing issue, there is something deeper. Miracles, as extraordinary as they are, were never meant to be the main event in Jesus’ ministry. Miracles are signs, pointers to something greater: the message of the Kingdom of God. This is where the tension arises. In modern church movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), there’s often an emphasis on signs and wonders. Churches like Bethel in Redding, California, have drawn crowds by emphasizing supernatural manifestations. While these events can be powerful, there’s always the danger of the miracles becoming the focus rather than the deeper spiritual realities to which they point.

Jesus never wanted the works He performed to distract from the real mission. In fact, He consistently framed His miracles within the context of repentance and faith. The people He healed, the demons He cast out, and the dead He raised all pointed to His divine authority to forgive sin and usher in the Kingdom of God. The miracles alone weren’t the point—the real message was the Good News that the Kingdom was breaking in.

Consider how this might apply to us today. Are we more interested in the “show” of Christianity—seeking blessings, miracles, and experiences—or in the substance of the Gospel? Jesus is concerned with transforming hearts, not just with external displays of power. His desire is for us to follow Him, not because He can perform miracles, but because He is the Savior.

So what about us? When we hear stories of healing or deliverance, do we praise the miracle, or do we worship the God behind it? Do we get caught up in the excitement of signs, or are we allowing those signs to lead us deeper into a relationship with Christ? Jesus’ call is clear—seek first His Kingdom. Miracles, signs, and wonders can only take us so far; it’s the Gospel of repentance and faith that changes our hearts and brings eternal life.

In modern Christian culture, there is a subtle danger of becoming spectators, seeking out experiences that make us feel closer to God while avoiding the hard truths of surrender and repentance. The Messianic Secret reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to build a spectacle—He came to save us from sin. And sometimes, that means quietly following Him, not for what He does for us, but for who He is.