Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, miracles serve as divine acts that reveal God's power and authority. However, the desire to witness miracles is not always rooted in faith or reverence. The Scriptures provide several instances where the wicked express a desire to see miracles, often with ulterior motives or a lack of genuine belief.Pharaoh's Hardened Heart One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Moses and Pharaoh. Despite witnessing numerous miracles performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. His desire to see more signs was not born out of faith but rather a challenge to God's authority. In Exodus 7:9, God instructs Moses, "When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent." Pharaoh's demand for a miracle was a test, not a submission to God's will. The Israelites in the Wilderness The Israelites, during their journey in the wilderness, also exhibited a desire for miracles that was not always rooted in faith. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, they frequently doubted God's power and demanded more signs. In Psalm 78:18-19, it is written, "They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?'" Their desire for miracles was often accompanied by rebellion and disbelief. The Pharisees and Sadducees In the New Testament, the Pharisees and Sadducees frequently sought signs from Jesus, not out of faith, but to test Him. In Matthew 16:1, it is recorded, "Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven." Their request was not a genuine pursuit of truth but an attempt to trap Jesus and undermine His authority. Jesus responded by rebuking their lack of faith, saying, "A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah" (Matthew 16:4). Herod Antipas Herod Antipas also exemplifies the wicked desire to see miracles. When Jesus was brought before him, Herod was eager to witness a miracle, not out of belief, but out of curiosity and entertainment. Luke 23:8 states, "When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had wanted to see Him perform a sign." Herod's desire was superficial, lacking any true spiritual seeking. The Rich Man and Lazarus In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus illustrates the futility of seeking miracles without faith. The rich man, suffering in Hades, pleads for Lazarus to be sent back to warn his brothers. Abraham responds, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). This underscores the principle that miracles alone do not produce faith in the wicked. Throughout Scripture, the desire of the wicked to see miracles is consistently portrayed as a superficial pursuit, lacking genuine faith and often accompanied by a challenge to divine authority. The biblical narrative emphasizes that true belief is not contingent upon witnessing miracles but is rooted in faith and obedience to God's word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 27:42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 11:29 Luke 23:8 Library Christ Teaching by Miracles Matt. xxvii. 11, 12 Not with Outward Show Matt. xxvii. 62-64. section iii. Augustine 354-430 -- the Recovery of Sight by the Blind Matt. xxii. 34-36. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ... Index of Subjects. The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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