Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Prior to the start of Jesus' public ministry, there is a question about whether he performed miracles during his childhood. While some stories suggest that Jesus performed miracles as a child, these accounts come from sources outside the biblical canon accepted by most mainstream Christian denominations.

The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal text written in the early to mid-second century by an unknown author, includes tales of young Jesus performing miracles. These include resurrecting a boy and healing a young St. James. In one story, he elongates a piece of wood to assist St. Joseph with carpentry. However, this gospel also contains less comforting stories where Jesus allegedly caused harm to others.

The canonical Gospels do not provide evidence that Jesus performed miracles as a child. The Gospel of Luke portrays him as thoughtful and obedient but does not describe any miraculous acts during his youth. It is suggested that if such events had occurred, Mary would have shared them with St. Luke when recounting her experiences.

There is significant evidence suggesting that Jesus did not perform miracles before his public ministry began. According to John 2:11, "Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee," indicating that the miracle at Cana was his first act revealing his glory.

While some argue this could mean it was his first public miracle rather than his first miracle ever, those familiar with Jesus during his upbringing were skeptical when he began his ministry. This skepticism suggests they had not witnessed any miraculous acts from him as a child.

The belief that Jesus did not perform childhood miracles is supported by scriptural evidence and reflects the perspective of those who knew him growing up. Mary's faith in Jesus at the Wedding Feast of Cana is seen as stemming from her reflections on past events rather than witnessing earlier miracles.