The Miracles of Jesus Introduction to Miracles Definition

The Miracles of Jesus Introduction to Miracles

Definition of Miracles MIRACLE: “An event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God. . . It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power. ” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

Definition of Miracles “Those things are called miracles which are done by divine agency beyond the order commonly observed in nature. ” -- Thomas Aquinas

Three “Miracle” Words Acts 2: 22; Hebrews 2: 4 Power (dunamis) – The cause of a miracle is supernatural power. p Wonder (terasa) – The effect of a miracle is awe, amazement and wonder. p Sign (semeion) – The miracle conveys a message; it signifies something p

In order for there to be true miracles… There must be a God. p There must be a God who is willing to directly intervene in earthly affairs. p There must be a God who possesses the POWER to control and override natural law. p

Five Dimensions of True Miracles A true miracle has an UNNATURAL dimension. p A true miracle has a DIVINE dimension; it says something about the existence, power and purpose of GOD. p A true miracle is MORALLY right. p A true miracle has a PURPOSE. p A true miracle TEACHES. p

What Distinguishes a True Miracle? A true miracle is an exception to natural law. (Matthew 14: 26) p A true miracle produces immediate results (Mark 1: 31, 42; 2: 12; 5: 29, 42) p A true miracle brings glory to God. (Matthew 9: 8; 15: 31; Luke 7: 16) p

NT Teaching on “False Signs” Performed by those who practice lawlessness, by false prophets and by the man of sin (Matthew 7: 21; 24: 24; 2 Thessalonians 2: 8 -12) p Effective on those who “do not receive the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2: 8 -12; Deut. 13: 1 -5) p Symbolic of the powerful deception used by the promoters of pagan religion (Revelation 13: 11 -14; 16: 14; 19: 20) p

Sources of False Signs Tricks of Magic. (Acts 8: 9 -11) p Psychosomatic or natural cures. p Anomalies of Nature. p Special Providence (James 5: 17 -18) p Counterfeit Satanic signs (Mark 13: 22) p

Miracles as Evidence p Miracles & Fulfilled Prophecies serve as evidence for our faith (Acts 2: 22; John 5: 36; 2 Peter 1: 19) n p We should be prepared to defend our faith (Acts 26: 1 -2; Philippians 1: 7, 17; 1 Pet. 3: 15 -16) But miracles are not scientific proof n n n They cannot be tested by science. Science involves observing repeatable natural phenomena. Miracles are neither natural nor repeatable. “Genuine science cannot comment about miracles because they are not today observable…” -- Anthony Standon

Miracles as Evidence Old Testament Miracles Moses was given miraculous power to demonstrate that God had sent him (Exodus 3: 1 -7, 10; 4 -9) p The same point is demonstrated by Miriam’s leprosy, the punishment of Korah, Aaron’s rod that budded, etc. p Consider Joshua’s dividing of the Jordan, Gideon’s tests, Elijah’s trial on Mt. Carmel, etc. p

Miracles as Evidence New Testament Miracles p Miracles establish that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 2: 22; John 5: 36; 20: 30 -31) n p Jesus did more miracles than the Bible records (John 21: 25; Matthew 8: 16; 15: 30) Their value as evidence is bolstered by the following facts: n n n They were performed in many cities and towns in the presence of multitudes. A wide variety of miracles were constantly performed. They cannot be explained away. (John 11: 47)

Healings, Exorcisms & Resurrection Miracles of Jesus Recipient Matthew Mark Luke John Official's son 4: 46 -54 Possessed man 1: 21 -27 4: 33 -37 Peter's in-law 8: 14 -15 1: 29 -31 4: 38 -39 Many at sunset 8: 16 -17 1: 32 -39 4: 40 -41 Leper 8: 1 -4 1: 40 -45 5: 12 -15 Paralytic 9: 1 -8 2: 1 -12 5: 18 -26 Man at Bethesda 5: 1 -17 Withered hand 12: 9 -13 3: 1 -6 6: 6 -11 Crowd in Galilee 4: 23 -25 Centurion's son 8: 5 -13 7: 1 -10 Widow's son 7: 11 -17 2 demoniacs 8: 28 -34 5: 1 -20 8: 26 -39

Healings, Exorcisms & Resurrection Miracles of Jesus Recipient Matthew Mark Luke John Unclean woman 9: 20 -22 5: 24 -34 8: 49 -56 Jairus daughter-2 9: 23 -26 5: 35 -43 8: 49 -56 2 blind men 9: 27 -31 Dumb man 9: 32 -34 Touching clothes 14: 34 -36 6: 53 -56 Crowd in Galilee 9: 35 Few in Nazareth 6: 1 -6 Gentile's daughter 15: 21 -28 7: 24 -30 Deaf man 7: 31 -37 Multitude 15: 29 -31 Epileptic boy 17: 14 -21 9: 14 -29 9: 37 -42 Blind man 9: 1 -41

Healings, Exorcisms & Resurrection Miracles of Jesus Recipient Matthew Mark Luke John Man of Bethsaida 8: 22 -26 Stooped woman 13: 10 -17 Man with Dropsy 14: 1 -16 Lazarus raised 11: 1 -45 Ten Lepers 17: 11 -19 Crowds in Judea 19: 1 -2 Bartimaeus 20: 29 -34 10: 46 -52 18: 35 -43 Many in Jerusalem 21: 14 Ear of Malchus 22: 47 -53 18: 10 -11 Resurrection 28: 1 -10 16: 1 -20 24: 1 -53 20: 1 -31

Other Miracles of Jesus Event Matthe w Mark Luke John Water to wine 2: 111 1 st catch of fish 5: 111 Calms a sea 8: 2327 4: 3541 8: 2225 Feeds 5000 14: 13 6: 32 -21 44 9: 1017 6: 113 Walks on water 14: 22 6: 45 -33 51 6: 1521 Feeds 4000 15: 32 8: 1 -39 10 Money in fish 17: 24 -27

Historical References to Jesus’ Miracles Josephus – “Jesus…wrought surprising feats” p The Talmud – “They hanged Jesus” because “he practiced sorcery” p Justin Martyr – answered the claim that Jesus performed His mighty works by “magical arts” p

Miracles of the Apostles Proved their preaching was from God (Heb. 2: 3 -4) p Tongues (Acts 2) p Healing of Lame man (Acts 3: 6 -11) p Samaritans healed (Acts 8: 5 -17) p Aeneas healed at Lydda (Acts 9: 34 -35) p Dorcas raised at Joppa (Acts 0: 36 -42) p Elymas blinded on Cyprus (13: 4 -13) p Cripple healed in Lystra (14: 8 -10) p “Special” miracles in Ephesus (Acts 19: 11) p Paul shook off snake bite (Acts 28: 3 -6) p Father of Publius healed (Acts 28: 7 -8)