What Happens After the Miracle?

As a church, over these past seven weeks, we have walked through the miracles of Jesus from the book of John. And we’ve met some new friends along the way – servants from a wedding, a father and his family, a paralyzed man at a public pool, thousands at a picnic, the disciples in a boat, a blind man and hundreds of witnesses, and Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead.

We got to share in the experience with these that were given a miracle. But have you ever stopped and wondered what happened to these people after the miracle? We aren’t privy to this information in Scripture (besides Lazarus), but what we do know is that Jesus performed these incredible miracles for a divine purpose.

What’s the purpose?

When Jesus began his public ministry, it often involved miracles. These miracles recorded in John were a progression toward reaching more and more people. Remember, a miracle is an unexpected outpouring of God’s power that defies our ordinary explanation, which occurs for the purpose of advancing God’s Kingdom.

The purpose of these miracles, yes fueled by Jesus’ compassion, was for the purpose of bringing heaven to earth. The only way that could happen was for Jesus to fulfill His purpose on earth to save…which required resurrection power…which required His death.

As we near Easter, I think we can miss the events leading up to that day of celebration.

So, for a moment, could we remember our new friends who experienced those miracles and walk in their ancient shoes? Maybe we will see something we once missed.

First, let’s think about the triumphal entry, or Palm Sunday, which we celebrated this past Sunday. This was the first day of the week where Jesus entered Jerusalem for the final time. Word spread quickly, and crowds began to gather to welcome Jesus into the city. All of the miracles of Jesus were leading up to this point in time.

John wrote this: “Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign.” (John 12:17-18)

In John’s narrative, the raising of Lazarus was the decisive “sign” that caused the crowds to celebrate Jesus as the King of Israel while He approached and entered Jerusalem.

Also, Luke describes the entry, “As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.” (Luke 19:36-37)
 
Now, I don’t know if our new friends were in that crowd of people celebrating Jesus – I want to believe so, but we do know the crowd had heard the stories of all the miracles performed. It was an exciting moment in time!

But little did that crowd know that Friday was coming… After everything they all experienced, this miracle worker was to be crucified only five days later.

You and I get to read the Easter story with the insight of hindsight…but our friends in that crowd, they did not.

How do you think they felt on that Friday? After witnessing/hearing the death of their miracle worker?

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go... It seemed like all was lost, and disappointment and doubt came rushing in.

Have you ever been there?

Have you ever experienced a miracle for yourself or witnessed a miracle for someone else – and months, maybe years have passed, and it seems like a distant memory?

But now you’re facing a new trial, and you’re doubting God sees you this time around?

You’re not alone.

Think of the disciples, think of that crowd – those who experienced miracle after miracle with Jesus…now it was over. They didn’t understand.

Sometimes we don’t understand. Sometimes our faith is shaken.

But, remember Martha, Lazarus’ sister, who said to Jesus in her sorrow, “Yet, even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (John 11:22)

Even now will you have faith?
 
Even now, in the middle of your trial, will you remember our miraculous Jesus?

I want to hope that our new friends held on to their miracle as they waited for Jesus’ final and most powerful miracle of all – His resurrection. I want to encourage you to do the same.

Our lives as believers are contingent on the death and resurrection of Jesus. Everything changed after this miracle.

So, as we approach Easter, will you remember that you’re not alone? Will you trust God is moving in your situation even in the darkness, even in the confusion?

His resurrection power is there for you!