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#3.
The Twelve Miracles that precede Rejection
(Matt. 8: - 12:).
pp. 74 - 78
Twelve separate miracles are recorded by Matthew. Eight separate signs are recorded
by John. Evidently therefore the writers of these "gospels" made a choice of the event to
suit the purpose of their respective narratives.
We know that twelve is associated with Israel, and with government. Let us look at
these twelve miracles together, and notice anything that will help us to see what their
special purpose may be.
8: 2. The Leper cleansed.
8: 5. Centurion's servant. Asks for another.
8: 14. Peter's wife's mother.
8: 16. Collective miracles and O.T. quotation, "that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying, Himself took our
infirmities and bare our sicknesses" (Isa. 53: 4).
8: 24. The Storm.
8: 28. The Demons.
9: 2.
Sins forgiven. Brought by others. O.T. quotation, "Go ye and learn what that
meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice" (Hos. 6: 6).
9: 18. Ruler's daughter.
9: 22. Issue of blood.
9: 27. Blind men.
9: 32. Dumb demon. Brought by others.
9: 35. Collective miracles and O.T. quotation, "As sheep having no
shepherd" (Zech. 10: 2).
12: 13. Withered hand.
12: 15. Collective miracles, and O.T. quotation, "That it might fulfilled
which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying,
Behold my servant, Whom I have chosen, My beloved in Whom my
soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon Him and He shall shew
judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any
man hear His voice in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and
smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send for the judgment unto
victory. And in His name shall the Gentiles trust" (Isa. 42: 1).
12: 22. Blind and dumb demon
The people's enquiry, "Is not this the SON OF DAVID?"
The Pharisees' objection, "He casts out demons by Beelzebub."
The first three miracles touch the orders of human society which would make a direct
appeal to the Jew.
The leper, representing Israel, their uncleanness removed.
The centurion's servant, representing the Gentiles, healed at a distance.
Peter's wife's mother. A woman. Very little esteemed so far as spiritual things were
concerned.