Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 57:225 (Jan 1900)
Article: The Motive For The Miracles
Author: Jesse A. Chase

BSac 57:225 (Jan 1900) p. 154

The Motive For The Miracles

Jesse A. Chase

Minneapolis, Minn.

In a recent conversation, the interest taken in all plans for the elevation of the poorer classes,— socially and physically, as well as intellectually and spiritually,—was based by one upon the opinion that, among the miracles of Christ, many were performed as ends in themselves, as efforts to alleviate suffering for compassion’s sake simply; that a statement made by Professor Drummond in “The Greatest Thing in the World,” is literally true: “Have you ever noticed how much of Christ’s life was spent in doing kind things—in merely doing kind things? Run it over with that in view, and you will find that he spent a great proportion of his time simply in making people happy, in doing good turns to people.” Many agree with this, and the object of this note is to ascertain, if possible, if it be the true view of the case.

It is possible to get at truth from two standpoints: one, the accounts of the miracles themselves, with their explanations and applications; the other, the teaching of our Lord and his word regarding his work here, the purpose for which he came, and the details of that work as it was accomplished.

The stories of the miracles seem to come first, and we will therefore consider each separately, and as fully as possible.

1.1 The Water Turned into Wine (John 2:1-2).—So far as the simple narrative is concerned, no indication of a motive is given, if we except that natural unwillingness of a guest to refrain from ministering to the pleasure of the feast. So the result (verse n, R. V.) must be examined: “This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” This was then a “sign,” manifesting the glory of the incarnation (1:14), and produced an increase of faith on the part of his disciples.

2. The Nobleman’s Son Healed (John 4:46–54).—To the urgent beseeching of the father, our Lord replied (verse 48): “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe”; which can only mean that the works were regarded as faith-producing, though not sufficient in themselves. The father was too anxious for his son to consider the point, and

BSac 57:225 (Jan 1900) p. 155

simply asked again the needed help. He believed the reply of Christ, and went his way trusting, ...