Miracles of Jesus

Jesus Brings God's Love through Miracles

Overview of Miracles

  • Definition of Miracle:

    • The term miracle originates from the Latin 'miraculum', which means "to marvel".

    • From the Latin 'mirari', which means "to wonder".

  • Purpose of Miracles:

    • Miracles are about experiencing wonder or marvel.

    • They represent a sign of the Kingdom of God in action.

    • Miracles are manifestations of Jesus' power over all creation.

Types of Miracles Performed by Jesus

Different Categories

  • Healing Miracles:

    • Jesus relieves various forms of physical suffering and illnesses of individuals.

  • Nature Miracles:

    • Demonstrates Jesus' control over the forces of nature.

  • Exorcisms:

    • Jesus drives out evil spirits from individuals.

  • Resurrection Miracles:

    • Jesus restores life to the dead, bringing them back to life.

Examples of Miracles

  • Healing of the Two Blind Men

  • Healing of the Paralytic

  • Calming of the Storm at Sea

  • Feeding of the Multitude

  • Wedding at Cana

  • Healing of the Gerasene Demoniacs

  • Raising of the Widow's Son

  • Raising of Lazarus

Components of a Miracle Story

Five Parts of a Miracle Story

  1. Condition:

    • Identifies what needs healing.

  2. Dialogue:

    • The expression of need for healing occurs.

  3. Gesture:

    • Actions taken by Jesus or involved individuals.

  4. Testimony:

    • Words of Jesus or the expression of faith from the person being healed.

  5. Response:

    • The reaction from witnesses, presentation of the healed individual, or reminders from Jesus.

Example: Healing of the Two Blind Men

Breakdown of the Miracle

  1. Condition:

    • Reference: Matthew 9:27

    • Jesus travels on, and two blind men follow him, crying out loudly.

  2. Dialogue:

    • Reference: Matthew 9:27-28

    • They plead, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"

    • Upon entering a house, Jesus asks them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They affirm, "Yes, Lord."

  3. Gesture:

    • Reference: Matthew 9:29

    • Jesus touches their eyes with the words of affirmation.

  4. Testimony:

    • Reference: Matthew 9:29-30

    • Jesus says, "According to your faith let it be done to you." Their eyes are opened.

  5. Response:

    • Reference: Matthew 9:30-31

    • Jesus cautions them to tell no one about it, but they spread the news about him throughout the region.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Miracles Today

  • Questions for contemplation:

    • Do you think that people in today’s complex world still believe in miracles? Why or why not?

    • Do miracles really happen? Why or why not?