Jesus’ healings confirm that he has come to bring the joy of the gospel (Isaiah 61:1–62:12), starting already with the physical renewal of healing every disease and every affliction among the people
(Matthew 4:23). His miracles also confirm the truth of his message and the power of his light (see Matthew 4:16). Much greater than John’s message of condemnation is Jesus’ fuller message, that implies, from his physical healings, that he is the One who came to heal souls (see Matthew 8:17, Matthew 9:6).
Jesus’ ministry itself signifies that he is the promised messenger of joy, who came over the mountains of Galilee to bring the gospel to the people dwelling in darkness (Isaiah 61:1–62:12). He dispenses the reward of that kingdom by healing every disease and every affliction among the people
(Matthew 4:23).
His miraculous healings are meant to convict the people of the truth of his message and show how Jesus came to bring God’s restoration (see Matthew 4:16). That the healings serve as signs is apparent also from the fact that they are always, without exception, accompanied by teaching.1
Finally it must also be added that Jesus’ preaching of judgment and repentance was only the preliminary message, and that Jesus’ preaching would later be distinguished from that of John when he began to conduct miracles. John brought the message of condemnation, whereas Jesus heals, and these physical healings serve to confirm that he is the One who came to heal souls (see Matthew 8:17). The miracles of Jesus therefore needs to be understood as signs of his grace.2
23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.