1418 miracles, responses to

Miracles often depend upon faith on the part of those who will benefit from them. Human responses to miracles take various forms. Some respond in faith and obedience, whilst others are confirmed in their unbelief and rebellion.

Faith and obedience required in the working of miracles

1Ki 17:13-15 The widow gave Elijah her last meal before she could be miraculously provided for. See also Ex 14:16,21; Nu 21:8-9; Jos 3:13-17; 1Ki 17:5; 2Ki 4:41; 2Ki 5:10-14; Mt 9:6-7 pp Mk 2:10-12 pp Lk 5:24-25; Mt 9:22 pp Mk 5:34 pp Lk 8:48; Lk 1:38; Heb 11:29-30

Miracles limited by lack of faith

Mt 13:58 pp Mk 6:5-6 See also 2Ki 4:3-6 The number of jars limited the miraculous supply of oil; Mt 14:28-31; Mt 17:14-20

Positive responses to miracles

Faith Ex 14:31 See also Ex 4:30-31; Jn 7:31; Ac 9:33-35,40-42; Ac 13:12

Amazement Mt 15:31 pp Mk 7:37 See also Da 3:24; Ac 3:10; Ac 8:13; Ac 12:16

Praise and worship Ac 3:8 See also Ex 15:11,21; Ps 9:1; Da 3:28; Da 4:2-3; Da 6:26-27; Mt 15:31; Lk 19:37; Ac 4:21-22

A closer attention paid to the word of God Ac 8:6 See also 1Ki 17:24

Temporary faith as a response to miracles

Jn 2:23-24 See also Ex 15:20-24; Ex 16:1-3; Ex 17:3; Nu 20:3-5; Lk 17:17-18; Jn 6:49

Negative responses to miracles

Fear Mk 5:15-17 pp Lk 8:36-37; Ac 5:5,11; Ac 19:17

Disbelief Ac 12:14-15 See also Ge 17:17-18; Ge 18:12-13; Lk 1:18,20

Hardness of heart Ex 8:19 See also Ex 7:3-4; Ex 11:10; Ps 78:32; Mt 11:20-22 pp Lk 10:13-14; Jn 9:18,28-29; Jn 10:25-26; Jn 12:37; Jn 15:24

Opposition Jn 11:47-48; Ac 6:8-9; Ac 16:19-21

Disobedience Ps 106:7 See also Nu 14:11,22-23; Ps 78:11-22,42-43

Jealousy Ac 8:13,18-19

See also