Lesson 14: His Miracles (1)

Click/tap to download the handout

With this lesson, we shift our focus from the Lord’s teaching to his miracles. There are 104 accounts of Jesus performing 37 miracles in the four gospels. This represents only a fraction of the total (John 20:30-31; 21:25). Before we consider some of the miracles individually, let us consider some general information.

THE NATURE OF THE LORD’S MIRACLES

1. There are four words in the New Testament that denote the miraculous work of Jesus. These words overlap in usage, but they also carry some nuance, too.
   1. Teras – translated “wonder” (Acts 2:22), refers to something outside the usual course of events.
   2. Dunamis – translated “mighty works” or “powers” (Luke 4:36), stresses the power that accomplishes the deed.
   3. Paradoxos – translated “strange thing” (Luke 5:26), stresses the contradictory nature of the act.
   4. Semeion – translated “sign” (John 20:30), refers to a miracle that points to an underlying spiritual truth.
2. A miraculous act is the “divine, direct affecting of either mind or matter in a way that is obvious to men upon observation, reflection, or revelation” (Weylan Deaver, “Nature and Supernature”).

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LORD’S MIRACLES

1. The gospel writers relate 17 miracles that proved that Jesus had power over physical illness (Matt. 9:35; 15:30-31).
2. The gospel writers relate 9 miracles over the forces of nature (Matt. 8:26-27; 14:25; John 2:1-11).
3. The gospel writers relate 6 cures of demon possession (Mark 5:1-17; Luke 9:38-42)
4. The gospel writers relate 3 resurrections from the dead (Matt. 9:18-26; Luke 7:11-16; John 11:10-46).
5. Often overlooked are the accounts of Jesus performing miracles of insight or knowledge (John 2:24-25; 4:17-19; Luke 19:29-44; 22:7-13).
6. The miracles of Jesus had many witnesses (John 2:1-11; Mark 2:1-12; Matt. 14:21).
7. Jesus’ miracles were undeniable (Matt. 12:24; Mark 3:1-5; 9:43).

PURPOSES OF THE LORD’S MIRACLES

1. To prove his identity (John 3:2; 7:31; 20:30-31)
2. To prove his authority (Mark 2:10-11)
3. To show compassion (Matt. 14:14)
4. To produce faith (John 11:41-45)