How Many Miracles in Matthew?
Quick Summary
The Gospel of Matthew records twenty miracles of Jesus, showcasing His authority over sickness, nature, evil spirits, and even death. These miracles highlight Jesus as the promised Messiah and compassionate Savior, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and inviting faith from both Jews and Gentiles. This article outlines each miracle in Matthew, explores its significance, and offers insights into the broader purpose of miracles in the Gospel narrative.
Introduction: Miracles in the Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and prophecy. One of the primary ways Matthew makes this case is through Jesus’ miracles. These events are not merely displays of supernatural power—they are signs of the kingdom of heaven breaking into the world.
Matthew records 20 miracles performed by Jesus, with many shared across the Synoptic Gospels and some recounted with unique details that reflect Matthew’s theological emphasis. These miracles fall into several categories: healings, exorcisms, nature miracles, and resurrections. Each one contributes to the gospel’s portrait of Jesus as the one with authority from God.
Complete List of Miracles in Matthew
Rather than placing them in a table, here's a bullet-form list of the miracles with chapter and verse citations for ease of interlinking later:
Healing of a man with leprosy – Matthew 8:1–4
Healing of the centurion’s servant – Matthew 8:5–13
Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14–15
Healing many sick and demon-possessed – Matthew 8:16–17
Calming the storm – Matthew 8:23–27
Healing the Gadarene demoniacs – Matthew 8:28–34
Healing a paralyzed man – Matthew 9:1–8
Raising Jairus’s daughter – Matthew 9:18–26
Healing the woman with the issue of blood – Matthew 9:20–22
Healing two blind men – Matthew 9:27–31
Healing a mute demon-possessed man – Matthew 9:32–34
Healing a man with a withered hand – Matthew 12:9–14
Healing a demon-possessed, blind, and mute man – Matthew 12:22–23
Feeding the five thousand – Matthew 14:13–21
Walking on water – Matthew 14:22–33
Healing many at Gennesaret – Matthew 14:34–36
Healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter – Matthew 15:21–28
Healing many on a mountainside – Matthew 15:29–31
Feeding the four thousand – Matthew 15:32–39
Healing a boy possessed by a demon – Matthew 17:14–18
Healing two blind men near Jericho – Matthew 20:29–34
These miracles span across most of the gospel and culminate in Jesus’ own resurrection, the greatest miracle of all (Matthew 28:1–10).
Themes and Purposes of Matthew’s Miracles
Matthew’s miracles are not haphazard or merely included for dramatic effect. They are woven into the fabric of the gospel’s theological message. Here are a few prominent themes:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew frequently ties Jesus’ actions to Old Testament prophecy. For example, after Jesus heals many in Matthew 8:16–17, the author cites Isaiah 53:4 (“He took our infirmities and bore our diseases”) to show that healing is part of the Messiah’s mission.
2. Authority of Jesus
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ authority is repeatedly emphasized. He teaches with authority (Matthew 7:29), forgives sins (Matthew 9:6), and commands nature, sickness, and demons. The miracles validate His divine authority and distinguish Him from other teachers.
3. Compassion for the Suffering
Jesus does not perform miracles as publicity stunts. Time and again, Matthew shows His compassion. In Matthew 14:14, before feeding the 5,000, “He had compassion for them and cured their sick.” This tenderheartedness is central to His ministry.
4. Discipleship and Faith
Many miracles are interactive, requiring faith from those seeking healing. The centurion (Matthew 8:10), the woman with the hemorrhage (Matthew 9:22), and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28) all demonstrate profound faith. These stories model the kind of trust Jesus desires from His followers.
5. Inclusion of Outsiders
Matthew includes stories like the healing of the centurion’s servant and the Canaanite woman’s daughter to show that the kingdom of God extends beyond Israel. These miracles challenge narrow ethnic or religious boundaries and anticipate the gospel’s universal mission.
Comparison with Other Gospels
Matthew shares many miracles with Mark and Luke but also shapes them to fit his themes. For example:
The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law is found in all Synoptic Gospels, but Matthew places it right after the Sermon on the Mount, showing that Jesus not only speaks with authority but also acts with compassion.
The feeding of the four thousand is often overshadowed by the feeding of the five thousand, but Matthew includes both, reinforcing the theme of abundant provision.
Matthew’s arrangement of miracle stories also reflects a deliberate structure, often pairing teachings with miraculous acts to show how Jesus’ words and deeds align.
Why These Miracles Still Matter
For modern readers, the miracles in Matthew continue to speak powerfully. They remind us that Jesus sees suffering and responds with mercy. They challenge us to trust His authority, even in the storms of our own lives. And they encourage us to believe that God’s kingdom is still breaking in through acts of healing, restoration, and provision.
These miracles are more than historical accounts—they are invitations to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miracles are recorded in the Gospel of Matthew?
Matthew records 20 distinct miracles, covering healings, exorcisms, nature miracles, and resurrections.
Which miracle is found in all four Gospels?
The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle (besides the resurrection) recorded in all four Gospels.
Why does Matthew emphasize miracles?
To demonstrate that Jesus fulfills prophecy, possesses divine authority, and embodies the compassion of God. Matthew’s miracles reveal who Jesus is and what the kingdom of God looks like.
Are the miracles in Matthew in chronological order?
Not always. Matthew sometimes arranges miracles thematically to illustrate broader theological points.
What makes Matthew’s miracle accounts unique?
Matthew often abbreviates stories found in Mark but adds editorial touches to highlight fulfillment of Scripture and Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
