“And he (Jesus) did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” – Matthew 13:58

For several years, I interpreted this scripture to mean that because these hometown family and friends didn’t have enough faith and belief in miracles and healing, then Jesus was limited in what He could do among them.  I had been taught and read many teachings about how our faith in healing and miracles was directly tied to whether or not we received what we asked for.  Did we speak in faith; did we claim it; did we envision it and hold onto it no matter?

This interpretation can feel kind of cruel now that I think of it though.  I’m sure there have been many people who have felt their level of faith didn’t “measure up” or please God because their healing never came in the way they expected.  I can literally remember being so confused at times when I witnessed many people join diligently and humbly in faith for a miracle, yet the child or young person died.  I knew there was not a lack of faith in God being able to heal in these situations…so what happened?

Now, when I read this passage of scripture and many others where Jesus healed someone, I interpret it so differently based on further study and teachings I have heard.  I now read it with an understanding that the ultimate intent of Jesus was belief in Him as the Son of the Living God.  Healings and miracles were secondary and were a sign and testimony pointing to Him.  Dr. Constable’s Notes on Matthew, 2019 Edition says, “Jesus did miracles in order to create and to strengthen faith in Himself.”  Acts 2:22 says, “…Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs,…”  To further support this interpretation, let’s read the scripture from Matthew 13 in its context with the preceding verses 53-57:

“When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked. ^‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?  Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offense at him.”

These Nazarenes could not believe that the boy they had watched grow up in the town, played with as a child, or taught as a young man could be the Messiah.  They were offended that He would even suggest such a thing, and they demonstrated a lack of faith in His identity.  Jesus would ask His disciples the question, “Who do you say that I am?”  The answer to this question is pivotal.  Faith in Jesus is ultimately the only faith that matters.  Faith focused on healings and miracles shifts the focus away from God.  We can get so caught up in a “name it and claim it theology” that places the outcome heavily on ourselves, and does not grow our relationship with and dependence on God and His will.

Do I believe God heals and performs miracles?  Absolutely and I have witnessed it!  But I now know that it is not dependent upon my faith (trust or confidence) hitting a certain mark on a spiritual faith meter.  Thank God for this!  My faith is in a God who loves me and who knows what is best in my life.  He is God Almighty and His ability and power to heal are not dependent upon me declaring absolute faith in a needed healing or miracle.  Our faith needs to be forever rooted and settled in the identity of Christ and our salvation through Him.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” -Colossians 2:6-7