By Jennifer Taylor

 Christians often say you shouldn’t look for “proof” of God’s power, but instead should take it on faith. We point to John 20:29 in which Jesus gently chastises “Doubting Thomas” and reminds him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

It’s true we are called to have faith, but one reason we can believe in Christ today is the miracles he performed during his time on earth. For the people in that day these “signs” were even more important; they backed up Jesus’ claims to be the Son of God.

The Burden of Proof

Having this kind of proof was important—Jesus was a poor, unknown man from an undesirable city making some big claims. So it’s interesting that his first miracle took place at a party in a little neighboring town. If I had a huge message to proclaim I would book Madison Square Garden, work the talk show circuit, and launch a website. But not Jesus. Instead, he helped an embarrassed family by providing enough wine for their wedding guests.

We don’t even know if the other guests, the master of ceremonies, or the bridegroom even knew what happened. But the disciples did. Until that time they had been following Jesus as a good teacher, but after witnessing this miracle John says “the disciples put their faith in him.”

Retelling the Story

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see,” wrote C.S. Lewis.

Although we no longer have the human Jesus walking among us, the miracles he performed continue to validate his claims to be the promised Messiah who is able to forgive sins and give us eternal life. As we get to know the Author who is writing the epic story of human history, these “small letter” events remind us he is a God who is merciful, powerful, and concerned about all aspects of our lives—even the celebrations.

Jennifer Taylor is a freelance writer and editor in Nashville, Tennessee.