CHRIST HIS MIRACLES (Sermon) 1. Definition of miracles. a. A miracle is an occurrence that can only be explained by the supernatural. b. It was a signal from Christ within the natural world to call man s attention and faith to the realities in the spiritual world. c. It is a mighty work which transcends the ability of man or nature to duplicate. d. When Peter was preaching to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, he said that Jesus was: a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you. (Acts 2:22) e. When the Sadducees were trying to trick Jesus in regard to the resurrection, he said: (Matthew 22:29) Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 2. What was the purpose of miracles? a. One purpose was to make believers. (1) When Jesus went to the burial place of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha: 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. (John 11:39-46) 1
(2) Because Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead and many of the people heard and believed, but some were more faithful to the Pharisees than they were to God. (3) The same is true today, for most follow men rather than God. b. Miracles were performed to establish Christ s divinity. (1) When John was in prison, he heard of the works of Jesus and sent two of his disciples to ask him if he was the Messiah. 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. (Luke 7:20-22) (a) John the Baptist had been imprisoned because he had admonished Herod for committing adultery with his brother s wife. (b) John knew that Jesus was the Christ, so why did he send his disciples to ask if he was indeed the Savior? (c) We are not told the answer, but we can assume that John realized that his fate would be death; therefore, he might have been concerned about his disciples and their faith and wanted them to see Jesus and have affirmation of his divinity. (2) After Jesus temptation in the wilderness, he began preaching in Galilee and returned to Nazareth, where he proclaimed his divinity by the scriptures to those in the synagogue. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4:16-21) 2
(3) Jesus performed his first miracle in Cana of Galilee. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11) are not written in this book: (4) But only a few of Jesus miracles were recorded. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:30-31) c. Miracles were performed to confirm the word that was preached. (1) After Jesus resurrection, he appeared unto the eleven apostles and commissioned them to take the gospel to the whole world and to use miracles to show that what they spoke came from God through the Holy Spirit. every creature. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:15-20) (2) The Hebrew writer pointed out that angel s words were steadfast, but even more so are Christ s, and his works were proof that his words came from God. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:4) 3. Scope of miracles. a. Miracles had power over the body. 3
46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. 52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. (John 4:46-53) b. Miracles had power over the mind. (1) After Jesus had been criticized by the Pharisees for his disciples plucking corn on the sabbath, he said: the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:8) (2) Then he went into the synagogue, 10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. (Matthew 12:10-13) (3) Jesus not only healed the man s hand, but he used the power of miracles to affect the people s thinking about the sabbath. c. Miracles had power over death. (1) Jesus had not only brought Lazarus back to life, but when he was answering questions from John s disciples about fasting. 4
18 behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. (Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26) (2) Jesus had healed a centurion s servant, 11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. (Luke 7:11-15) d. Miracles had power over nature, as seen when Jesus was at Capernaum and got on a ship with his disciples. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:24-27) e. Miracles had power over time. (1) John 2:1-11 records Jesus first miracle, which was performed at a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee when the wine ran out and he changed water into wine. (a) Wine normally takes a lot of time to make. (b) The water has to get into the grapes and they have to be picked and processed into the wine. 5
(c) This process was shortened considerably by Jesus in a miraculous manner. (2) In Mark 14:12-16, we find Jesus and his disciples preparing to eat the passover and observe the feast of unleavened bread. (a) The disciples wanted to know where they would eat the Passover. (b) Jesus told two disciples: pitcher of water: follow him. 13 Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a 14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. 16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. (Mark 14:13-16) (c) Jesus knew what was going to happen before it happened. (d) He also knew when it would happen. (3) Before Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he knew what was to happen and told his disciples what to do and when to do it. 30 Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. 32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him. 35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. (Luke 19:30-36) f. Miracles had power over distance and Jesus was able to heal a centurion s servant from afar without seeing the servant. beseeching him, 5 when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 6
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. (Matthew 8:5-13) g. Miracles had power over spirits, as seen when Jesus took a ship with his disciples across the sea of Galilee from Capernaum. 28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. (Matthew 8:28-32) 4. Evidences of miracles. a. Many were done in public. (1) The miracles involving the nobleman s son and Lazarus (previously mentioned). (2) Feeding of 5000. (a) About 5000 people had come the mountain where Jesus was because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (John 6:2) 7
(b) They didn t have enough money to buy food for such a large group; but as stated in John 6:8-14, Jesus fed them from five barley loaves and two small fish and they had twelve baskets of pieces of barley loaves left over. (3) On another occasion, about 4000 people were with Jesus for three days and he wanted to feed them before they departed so, according to Mark 8:5-9, he fed them from seven loaves and a few small fish and had seven baskets left over. b. Even Jesus enemies knew that he performed miracles. (1) Jesus healed a man who was blind; but, according to John 9:18-38, the Jews did not believe it until they questioned his parents and found out that he had been blind from birth. (a) Then the Jews called the man and told him to give God the praise because they had agreed that anyone who called Jesus the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. (b) When Jesus found out what had happened, he asked the man if he believed that he was the Son of God and he said that he did and worshipped him. (2) The chief priests admitted that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, for after he was made alive again: the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. (John 12:10-11) (3) Luke 13:10-17 tells of a woman in the synagogue on the sabbath who had been bent over for eighteen years. (a) Jesus healed her so that she was able to straighten. her on the sabbath. (b) The ruler of the synagogue saw what Jesus did, but chastised him for healing (c) 15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? 16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. (Luke 13:15-17) (4) As stated in Luke 14:1-6, Jesus went into the house of a chief Pharisee to eat on the sabbath and there was a man there who had the dropsy. 8
parts of the body, and was generally incurable. (a) Dropsy was a disease where water accumulated under the skin in various (a) Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees who were present to watch him if it was lawful for him to cure the man. (b) They didn t respond and Jesus healed him. c. The miraculous power of Christ was general knowledge. (1) On Pentecost, Peter knew that the Jews who were present knew of miracles that Christ had performed. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; 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 also know. (Acts 2:22) (2) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:1-2) (3) 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. (John 11:47-48) (4) 17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. (John 12:17-19) (5) Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. (Luke 23:8) 5. Christ performed miracles that were seen by thousands, friends and enemies, and only with the approval of God could he have done such marvelous works. Truly, his miracles are one of the proofs that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 9
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