Christian reading

Can we view miracles as proofs of the coming of the true Messiah? (ending)

The second episode is probably this one: «And John [the Baptist] calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he [Messiah] that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him [Jesus], they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me» (Lk 7:19-23; compare Mt 11:2-6).

Here Jesus point out the fulfilment of a prophesy in Isaiah: «The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound [LXX: recovering of sight to the blind]; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified» (Is 61:1-3).

As to the false Christs and false prophets, there were many in the ages past who claimed to be prophets and Christs (but were not so). And some of them even showed signs and performed miracles to entice the elect, that is, Christians. So, this prophesy of Jesus was most certainly fulfilled (Mt 24:24).

Jesus said the following about recognizing a false prophet: «Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them» (Mt 7:15-20).

The same could be applied to recognizing false Christs and the true Messiah (see also "Does Jesus fulfill the prophecies about Messiah?").

(to be continued)