A Mover And Shaker! (Part 1)
And when He comes [The Messiah], then the eyes of the blind will be opened. And the ears of those who cannot hear will be opened.
Then those who cannot walk will jump like a deer. And the tongue of those who cannot speak will call out for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6 – New Life Version)
. . . Jesus . . . asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" . . . He then asked them, "But who do you say I am?".
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”
(Matthew 16:13, 15-16 – God’s Word Translation)
God is God and only He can do things that mere humans cannot do. Jesus Himself claimed to be God.
So, if Jesus was God, naturally He would have been able to perform miracles. And Jesus did just that.
He healed the sick, walked on water and even raised the dead.
These miracles helped to support his claim that He was the one true God come to earth to save mankind. (Chuck Swindoll)
WHY JESUS PERFORMED MIRACLES
Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of his followers that are not written in this book.
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, by believing, you may have life through his name.
(John 20:30-31 – New Century Version)
Validation
To prove that He was God
Education
To teach us about the purposes of God
Fortification
To strengthen our faith in God
Demonstration
To express the love of God
You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power. (Psalm 77:14 – Living Bible)
MIRACLE 1: Turning Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11)
Jesus wants to give us the best life possible
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:10 – The Message)
MIRACLE 2: Feeding Thousands Of People (John 6:1-14)
Jesus wants to meet all of our needs
The true Bread is a Person—the one sent by God from heaven, and he gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day of our lives!”
Jesus replied, “I am the Bread of Life. No one coming to me will ever be hungry again. Those believing in me will never thirst. (John 6:33-35 – Living Bible)
MIRACLE 3: Raising Lazarus From The Dead (John 11:1-45)
Jesus wants to bring us hope
Jesus told her, “I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again.
He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?
“Yes, Master,” she told him. “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God. (John 11:25-27 – The Message)
MIRACLE 4: Calming The Storm (Mark 4:35-40)
Jesus wants to calm us during the storms of life
I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27 – Living Bible)
MIRACLES: WHAT WE NEED TO REMEMBER
Miracles are the exception, not the rule
Miracles always serve a greater purpose
Miracles still happen today, but only as God wills
We should never seek miracles, but seek the miracle worker
Every miracle has a message Every message has a meaning Every meaning has relevance for our lives today!
Let’s Pray