Jesus also revealed power over nature by calming the storm, feeding five thousand and four thousand with basically one-person picnic lunches, walking on the water and supplying a huge catch of fish that nearly swamped the disciples’ boats. Jesus proved his power by healing everything from leprosy to the severed ear of Malchus in Gethsemane.

Jesus made clear that he is God with his dazzling displays over death. He raised to life the daughter of Jairus, the young man at Nain and also Lazarus. Jesus himself was raised from the dead. The little baby born in virtual obscurity in Bethlehem grew up to carry out his purpose—to save poor, miserable sinners like us. In Romans 1:4, St. Paul reveals what Christ’s resurrection means for us, “He through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”

It’s one thing to say something and another to back up those words with evidence. The miracle performed by Jesus in healing the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:1-8) reveals the power he has over us. Even before addressing the man’s obvious physical need, Jesus struck at the heart of his problem first. “Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven.” (Matt 9:2b) When that marvelous message met with doubt from some of the teachers of the law, Jesus asked, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (9:5) Of course it’s easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven.” You can’t “see” whether sins are forgiven. No wonder Jesus proceeds to “reveal” His authority as God. “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…Get up, take your mat and go home.” The crippled man got up and went home. Jesus’ miracles reveal the power of God’s Word.

There may be occasions when you need to show some identification (ID) that you are who you say you are. Writing a check may require you to show your driver’s license with picture and address. Jesus’ miracles are His ID. He identifies himself as true God with power to take away the sin of the world.

Epiphany is the season of the church year “making known” the divine nature of the One who takes away the sin of the world. Each time you hear the miracles of Jesus read, it is proof of his power to take your sins away and prepare a place for you in heaven. Miracles are little windows through which we can peer and see that Jesus is God. The miracles point us to God’s Word and it’s powerful promise. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). What a marvelous miracle!

Jonathan Madson … Serves as pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Okauchee, Wisconsin