Miracles in Matthew: List, Meaning, and Themes
Introduction: What Counts as a Miracle in Matthew
A miracle is a divine act that interrupts the natural order. In the Gospel of Matthew, miracles reveal Jesus’ authority over sickness, spirits, nature, and even death. They are not mere displays of power—they confirm His identity as the Messiah and invite faith from those who witness them.
Matthew structures his account carefully: miracles often follow key teachings, reinforcing Jesus’ authority (see Matthew 8–9, directly after the Sermon on the Mount). Compared to Mark and Luke, Matthew sometimes condenses events but heightens their theological significance.
How Many Miracles Are in Matthew?
Most scholars identify 20 distinct miracles in Matthew’s Gospel, though the number can vary slightly depending on how one groups overlapping stories. These include:
10 healing miracles
6 nature miracles
3 exorcisms
1 resurrection
Some miracles are shared with other Gospels, while others appear only in Matthew.
Stained glass often captures important stories, ideas, and symbolism found in the Holy Scriptures. The pages of Matthew brim with amazing accounts of Jesus bringing healing and wholeness.
What Is the First Miracle in Matthew?
Unlike John, which begins with turning water into wine, and Mark, which starts with a healing, Matthew’s first recorded miracle is the healing of a man with leprosy in Matthew 8:1–4. This healing follows Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and signals that His teaching is backed by divine power.
Complete List of Miracles in Matthew
Healing of a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:1–4): Jesus touches and heals a man considered ritually unclean, demonstrating both compassion and authority over disease.
Healing of the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13): Jesus heals a paralyzed servant from a distance, praising the centurion’s extraordinary faith.
Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–15): Jesus takes her by the hand and heals her fever instantly.
Healing of many and casting out demons (Matthew 8:16–17): A multitude is healed and set free, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah bearing our sicknesses.
Calming the storm (Matthew 8:23–27): Jesus commands wind and waves to be still, revealing His power over nature and chaos.
Healing of the demon-possessed men in the Gadarenes (Matthew 8:28–34): Jesus drives a legion of demons into a herd of pigs, freeing two men.
Healing of a paralyzed man (Matthew 9:1–8): Jesus forgives the man’s sins and then heals him, showing that He has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Raising of Jairus’s daughter (Matthew 9:18–26): Jesus restores life to a young girl, revealing His power over death.
Healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20–22): A woman is healed simply by touching Jesus’ garment—her faith makes her well.
Healing of two blind men (Matthew 9:27–31): Jesus restores their sight in response to their persistent faith.
Casting out a mute demon (Matthew 9:32–34): A man who cannot speak is healed after Jesus casts out the demon oppressing him.
Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13–21): With five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds a massive crowd and collects twelve baskets of leftovers.
Walking on water (Matthew 14:22–33): Jesus walks across the Sea of Galilee and briefly enables Peter to do the same, emphasizing trust.
Healing of many in Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34–36): People touch the fringe of Jesus’ cloak and are healed en masse.
Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter (Matthew 15:21–28): A Gentile mother’s bold persistence leads to her daughter’s deliverance from a demon.
Healing of many on the mountainside (Matthew 15:29–31): Jesus heals the lame, blind, crippled, and mute as crowds marvel.
Feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32–39): Seven loaves and a few small fish are more than enough for another large crowd, with leftovers remaining.
Healing of a boy with a demon (Matthew 17:14–21): Jesus rebukes an unclean spirit that the disciples were unable to cast out, teaching about faith and prayer.
Healing of two blind men near Jericho (Matthew 20:29–34): Moved by compassion, Jesus gives them sight after they cry out for mercy.
Withering of the fig tree (Matthew 21:18–22): Jesus curses a barren fig tree, which immediately withers—an acted parable about fruitlessness and faith.
The story of the withered fig tree has always intrigued me. Fruitfulness is expected.
Themes in Matthew’s Miracle Stories
Authority of Jesus – Over disease, demons, death, and nature.
Faith and Response – Miracles often respond to someone’s belief (or lack thereof).
Compassion of Jesus – He heals because He cares (see Matthew 14:14).
Fulfillment of Prophecy – Matthew consistently connects Jesus’ miracles to Old Testament prophecies.
The Kingdom of Heaven Breaking In – Every miracle is a foretaste of God’s reign.
Meaning for Today: Miracles in Matthew
Jesus’ miracles in Matthew aren’t just impressive acts—they are signs pointing to His identity, mission, and the nature of God’s kingdom. They invite us to trust in:
God’s compassion – Jesus doesn’t just tolerate need; He moves toward it.
God’s power – No situation is beyond Christ’s authority.
God’s timing – Sometimes Jesus heals immediately, other times He delays—but always purposefully.
Faith in action – Miracles often accompany persistent, bold faith.
FAQ: Miracles in Matthew
Q: How many miracles are recorded in Matthew?
A: There are around 20 distinct miracles recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Q: What is the first miracle in Matthew?
A: Jesus heals a man with leprosy in Matthew 8:1–4.
Q: Are all of Jesus’ miracles in Matthew healings?
A: No. While many are healings, others include exorcisms, raising the dead, calming storms, and multiplying food.
Q: Why does Matthew include miracles?
A: To reveal Jesus’ identity as Messiah, fulfill prophecy, and demonstrate the arrival of God’s kingdom.
Q: Where can I read about the miracles in Matthew 14?
A: Matthew 14 includes the Feeding of the 5,000 (vv. 13–21), Jesus walking on water (vv. 22–33), and widespread healing in Gennesaret (vv. 34–36).
