The Miracles of Jesus
Jesus was a great miracle worker during his personal ministry. Multitudes were miraculously healed of all kinds of diseases (Matt. 4:23-24). No affliction was too difficult. Nobody was culled out because his malady was too difficult. Let us notice the various miracles of Jesus and observe that he had:
1. Power over diseases. He healed the blind (John 9:1-11), lepers (Mark 1:41-45), palsied (Matt. 9:1-8), deformity (Matt. 12:9-14), impediment of speech (Mark 7:31-37), lameness (Matt. 15:29-31), and many other things. These instantaneous miracles could be seen by all. Even the enemies of Jesus did not deny them. What a contrast with today’s so-called healing campaigns.
2. Power over demons. On different occasions Jesus cast out devils (demons). He cast out many demons in Capernaum (Matt. 8:16-17), out of a man in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28), cast out a legion of devils in the land of the Gadarenes and cast them into the swine (Luke 8:26-40), daughter of the Syrophenician woman (Mark 7:24-30) and others. None could resist him.
3. Power over death. Jesus raised Lazarus out of his tomb after he had been dead four days and his body had begun to decompose (John 11:17-46). The widow’s son at Nain was raised from the dead (Luke 7:11-17) and Jesus brought forth Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Matt. 9:18-25). These are not cases of resuscitations or similar to CPR. We hear a lot about healing churches. Why not start a dead raising church? I think we know the answer! It would be very difficult to fake a resurrection, although some have tried.
4. Power over material things. At two different times, Jesus fed multitudes of people with a few loaves and fish. On one occasion he took five barley loaves and two small fishes and provided food for 5000 men, besides women and children (John 6:5-13). Then, there was the time when Jesus fed 4000 men, besides women and children, with seven loaves and few little fishes (Matt. 15:32-38). Why not begin a bread-making church to feed the hungry? There would be no need of pantries and soup kitchens; just a handful of food that would be multiplied, miraculously, into perpetual feasts. Nobody is duplicating this practice. Again, we know why.
5. Power over nature. Jesus could supercede the laws of nature. He walked on water, and even allowed Peter to do the same (Matt. 14:22-33). You suppose Bennie Hinn or other self-acclaimed “miracle workers” could walk on water? Jesus stopped the wind and calmed the sea by just speaking, “Peace be still” (Mark 4:39). What amazing power!
My friends, Jesus worked these sundry miracles to establish his claims of being the Son of God. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:30-31). Peter stated on Pentecost to thousands of Jews, “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves know” (Acts 2:22).
Yes, Jesus worked miracles! His great works are called “miracles” indicating his power. They are called “signs” denoting the design or purpose of his miracles. They are called “wonders” showing the effect they had on the beholders. Indeed, he is God Almighty!
87 Ormond Dr., Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
Truth
Magazine Vol. XLIV: 10 p10
May 18,
2000