Jesus’ Miracles

Scriptures: Revelation 21:3-5, 1 Timothy 2:5

What are Thin Places?

To understand how miracles work, we first need to understand the seen and unseen realms. According to the Bible, one reality is ruled by God over two realms: 1) the spirit world, where God, divine beings (including angels), and departed people live right now, and 2) the physical world, where we as human beings live. 

Originally, these two realms were connected. The Garden of Eden in Genesis was literally Heaven on Earth, where the unseen and seen realms connected. This explains why Adam and Eve met with God there, were not shocked when a divine being showed up (Satan), and saw an angel keep them from the Tree of Life once they sinned. Miracles were constant until humanity sinned, and the realms were disconnected. So, upon death, the two parts of our being are also disconnected. Our body goes into the ground awaiting resurrection while our soul goes to be with God. 

When Jesus returns to earth, He will bring Heaven with Him to restore things as they were before sin entered the world and establish the eternal Kingdom of God (also referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven in the Bible). Those who love Jesus will be joined to their resurrection bodies to live forever on the New Earth, which is home to the Kingdom of God, while unbelievers will spend eternity in Hell. Far too many people think of Heaven only in terms of the intermediate spiritual state and not the earthly physical reality God has planned for all eternity. 

Until Jesus returns to bring the Kingdom once and forever, we have temporary Thin Places. Old Celtic Christians referred to the times when the unseen and seen realms intersected and God showed up in supernatural, miraculous ways, as Thin Places. When the two realms come together, miracles happen as the unseen realm invades and supersedes the seen realm. 

Thin Places prefigured the coming of Jesus Christ as the connecting point between God in Heaven and people on earth. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “…there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” In Jesus Christ, God became a man, and He became the Thin Place between Heaven and Earth. 

The Bible records around 127 miracles. (1) Along with this YouVersion plan, there are daily devotions, a study guide, and a corresponding sermon series that are devoted to looking at miracles in general and Jesus’ miracles in particular. As you learn about Jesus’ miracles as recorded in the Bible, it is helpful to remember that they fall into one of four categories: 

1. Ruling over nature 
2. Restoring health 
3. Removing demons 
4. Raising the dead (2) 

What miracles of Jesus come to mind as we start this study, and do you have a favorite?

Scriptures: Jeremiah 32:27, Ephesians 2:1-5, Matthew 13:58, Luke 18:1-7

Are You Spiritually Dead?

For those Christians who are reading this study on Jesus’ miracles and wondering why they have never seen a miracle, I want to encourage you. If you are a Christian, you HAVE experienced a miracle. The only way anyone can become a Christian is by God doing a miracle in your life. Ephesians 2:1-5 says that a non-Christian is “dead in the trespasses and sins…following the prince of the power of the air…by nature children of wrath…But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved…” 

There’s a story in the Bible where a man named Lazarus lay dead for multiple days. Jesus called Lazarus by name, and the dead man returned to life! That is obviously a miracle. What Jesus did for you spiritually is the same as what He did for Lazarus physically. You were spiritually dead and belonged to Satan, then Jesus called your name, and you were born again, given eternal life, and saved from your former life and the eternal wrath of God! Before you knew God, God knew you. Before you called out to God, God called out to you. For this reason, the testimony of every Christian is a miracle story. God showed up in your life to save you! 

The church Father Augustine (354 – 430 AD) believed, “the greatest miracle was the renovation of the heart, the healing of human desire from its corruption so that God is loved above all and one’s neighbor as oneself. While not denying ‘physical miracles,’ Augustine wrote in Expositions of the Psalms that these ‘miracles of the soul’ were the premier evidence of God’s ongoing creative work in the world.” (1) 

As we study Jesus’ miracles, we see Him answering miracle prayers. This should give you hope to pray in faith, knowing that He still hears and answers prayers today! Here are two things you can do: 

1. Pray for yourself in faith, believing God can hear and answer. 
2. Pray for others in faith, believing God can hear and answer. 

Matthew 13:58 reports that in Jesus’ hometown, “…he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” While we cannot make God answer our prayers, it does seem that having faith that God can hear and answer, even doing the miraculous, never hurts. Lastly, sometimes we need to continue praying in faith even if our request is not quickly answered. In Luke 18:1-7, Jesus tells a parable about the virtue of persevering in prayer in which a widow is granted justice by a judge after her persistent asking. 

As we study the miracles of Jesus together, my hope and prayer are that God will cause you to stand in wonder of His power and pray with faith and expectancy that the same God who did all the miracles in the Bible has not changed and is seeking, saving, healing, and delivering today. Thank you for the honor of helping you learn God’s Word about Jesus Christ. 

Take some time today to pray for any friends or family you have who don’t yet know the Lord.

Scripture: Matthew 11:4-5

The Miracle on Ice

When something amazing or unusual happens, it is common to hear someone call it a miracle. For example, when the U.S. Olympic hockey team, comprised of college players, defeated the four-time gold medalist Soviet team despite incredible odds before defeating Finland for the gold medal in 1980, it was called the “Miracle on Ice.” However, as incredible as that was, it was probably not a miracle.

Before we can know if a miracle has happened, we need to first define what a miracle is. Philosophers say that “a miracle (from the Latin mirari, to wonder) [is] an event that is not explicable by natural causes alone. A reported miracle excites wonder because it appears to require, as its cause, something beyond the reach of human action and natural causes.” (1)

To keep things simple, we will use the following definition: A miracle is an event where a spiritual being supersedes the laws of nature. In this definition, there is the possibility that not only God but also angels and other divine beings (e.g., divine council, sons of God, the gods, the assembly of the holy ones, the council of the holy ones, hosts, the seat of the gods, the mount of assembly, the watchers, the court in judgment, and the Heavenly host) can do miracles. This definition also recognizes that fallen, sinful divine beings like Satan and demons can also perform counterfeit miracles. Simply stated, a miracle is extraordinary, unlike the rest of life, which is ordinary.

Based on our established definition of what a miracle is, have you experienced a miracle in your own life?

Scriptures: Job 5:8-9, Deuteronomy 18:18, Acts 2:43, Romans 15:19, 2 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28-29

What are the Seven Functions of Miracles?

The Bible is the perfect resource for people to turn to so that they can rightly understand supernatural issues. The Bible opens with a miracle: God created everyone and everything out of nothing. The pages of the Bible record a parade of miracles until the ultimate miracle occurs, God becoming a man. Then, Jesus Christ performs miracles, including rising from death after atoning for the sin of the world in the greatest miracle of all time. 

The four Gospels that report Jesus’ miracles each do so with a different emphasis. 

Mark’s Gospel treats miracles as symbolic demonstrations of the kingdom of God rather than validations of Jesus and the gospel…Matthew’s Gospel uses miracles to portray Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to raise up a prophet like Moses (Deut 18:18)…Luke’s Gospel and Acts refer to the miracles of Jesus and the early Christ-followers as validating signs and wonders (e.g., Acts 2:43)…John’s Gospel describes Jesus’ miracles as explanatory signs…the text never calls them ‘miracles’… [In addition,] Miraculous signs and wonders are confirmations of Paul’s apostleship and valuable evangelistic tools (Rom 15:19; 2 Cor 12:12). Paul considers the ability to perform miracles a spiritual gift (1 Cor 12:10, 28–29). (1) 

The functions of those miracles include the following: 

M – Majesty. God shows up to reveal His divine attributes and demonstrate sovereign power. (Example: Sparing Daniel and his friends from death sentences in a fiery furnace and lions’ den.) 

I – Increase Faith. God shows up in power to reinvigorate the waning faith of His people. (Example: The disciples went from cowards to courageous once they saw Jesus rise from death.) 

R – Revelation. God speaks a message. (Example: Writing the 10 Commandments on stone, the handwriting on the wall in Daniel, and Jesus speaking to Moses through the burning bush.) 

A – Anger. God crushes demonic false gods and other enemies, showing His sovereign power. (Example: Destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the nation of Egypt and their false gods, or bringing down fire for Elijah.) 

C – Care. God provides for the needs of His people. (Example: Feeding His people in the wilderness during the Exodus or Jesus multiplying the little boy’s lunch.) 

L – Liberation. God spares His people from devastation. (Example: Parting the Red Sea or removing demonic forces for people to live in full freedom.) 

E – Evangelism. God shows up in power to prove He is the One True God, which results in people believing in Him. (Example: When some Egyptians left their nation with God’s people after He supernaturally delivered them, or miracles followed by numerous salvations throughout the book of Acts.) 

Which of these functions of miracles is your favorite? Which of these miracle stories mentioned in the Bible do you love the most?

Scriptures: Mark 16:17, 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 4:11, Matthew 12:22-31

What Do Christians Believe About Miracles?

The New Testament has numerous lists of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 12:28–30; Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:11). There has been no shortage of controversy regarding the so-called “sign gifts” – tongues, miracles, and prophecy – and whether they are to be practiced by the Church today. The following chart outlines the basic positions without getting into great detail. For more than three decades in the pulpit, I have held the continuationist position, or what is commonly referred to as being “Charismatic.” 

Cessationist

Supernatural gifts, especially the speaking gifts (tongues, miracles, and prophecy), functioned only in the early Church and are not to be practiced today. God speaks today, but only in Scripture. Contemporary “revelations” do not come from God. 

Functional Cessationist

Supernatural gifts are given to every generation, and God may continue to speak, but the abuses are so rampant that it is better to avoid them. It is safer to rely solely on the Bible and Spirit-empowered wisdom. 

Continuationist (or Charismatic)

Supernatural gifts are given to every generation. Contemporary revelations are valued but always secondary to Scripture. Supernatural manifestations are sought but must show the fruit of the Spirit. 

Word-Faith

Supernatural gifts are given to every generation. God’s Kingdom is a present reality with immediate healing and prosperity for anyone who exercises a faith confession. Contemporary revelations are highly valued. 

The problem with cessationism is that it’s based upon worldly skepticism about spiritual things, leaning heavily in the direction of atheist David Hume. In Matthew 12:22-31, Jesus heals and delivers a man who was blind and mute because of demonic oppression. The religious leaders accused Jesus of doing these miracles by “Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” Jesus condemned them for “blasphemy against the Spirit.” Christians who are doggedly against the supernatural are open to doing the same thing by denouncing miracles done by God. 

The primary Scripture used to justify cessationism is 1 Corinthians 13:8–12. 

Cessationism is correct in that there is a day chosen by God when many of the spiritual gifts will cease. Paul says this plainly, using the examples of “prophecies” and “knowledge” that will “pass away” and “tongues” that “will cease.” 

Continuationism is correct in that the day chosen by God when some spiritual gifts will “pass away” and “cease” is in the future and not the past. In context, the perfect is not the closing of the canon of the perfect Bible, but the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to fulfill all the prophecies of the Bible perfectly. 

The problem with functional cessationism is that there is a downplaying of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, a lack of teaching on both angels and demons, and though they’d say God can do whatever He wants, they’d say He’s unlikely to ever show up in miraculous power. The result is a low sense of expectation that results in a mundane prayer and worship life – much like a fan base that expects their team to lose, so they aren’t very excited at the pre-game tailgate. 

The problem with Word-Faith is that it says God must do miracles, and we can somehow push Him to do them. This is the opposite extreme of cessationism. This kind of behavior is much closer to non-Christian magic than Christian miracles. 

In the perfect Kingdom, we won’t need any revelation in the form of prophecy or tongues because “we shall know fully.” We won’t need the gift of healing because there will be no sickness or death; we won’t need the gift of evangelism because the elect will have been fully found with no more converts to reach; and we won’t have to cast demons out of anyone because everyone in the Kingdom will only be filled with the Spirit. Until Jesus returns, all the spiritual gifts are needed, as the continuationists teach, and their abuses need to be avoided, as the cessationists warn.

Of the four types of positions discussed above, which one are you most closely aligned with? Are there any beliefs that you need to adjust to be true to God’s Word?

Scriptures: John 10:25, John 10:32, John 10:36-38, John 21:25, John 5:36, Matthew 5:43, Mark 7:36, Mark 8:26, Acts 2:22, Acts 10:37-39

What Do Jesus’ Miracles Prove?

When looking at the miracles of Jesus, it’s surprising that we know so much about them for several reasons. One, Jesus often performed a miracle and then instructed the witnesses not to tell anyone. After Jesus healed a woman and a girl, Mark 5:43 says, “…he strictly charged them that no one should know this…” After healing a deaf man, Mark 7:36 says, “Jesus charged them to tell no one.” After healing a blind man, Jesus told him in Mark 8:26 to avoid crowds who would see him healed, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” Two, Jesus did far more miracles than those recorded in Scripture. 

Jesus’ miracles reported in the New Testament also demonstrate that God is with Jesus. Just as miracles confirmed the authority and anointing of the ancient prophets and Jesus’ apostles, the miracles of the Messiah are God’s way of giving His stamp of approval to the claims of Jesus. Jesus says this very thing repeatedly – that His power is proof that He is the Messiah. 

The preaching of the early Church also heralded the miracles of Jesus Christ as evidence of His unprecedented claims to be God and Lord. Jesus’ miracles were such a widely known historical fact that Peter said at the launch of the early Church in Acts 2:22, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know…” When the Church of Jesus Christ expanded from the Jews to the Gentiles, this same proof of Jesus verified as God through His miracles was preached by Peter in Acts 10:37-39 just before the Holy Spirit fell in divine power: 

“…you yourselves know what happened…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did…” Peter’s sermon then proclaims Jesus’ greatest miracle of all – rising from death! 

Christians are supposed to not just look at the miracles but also look at miracles as signs pointing us to something much bigger – King Jesus and His Kingdom. 

Why do you think Jesus told people not to tell anyone after He did a miracle for them?

Scriptures: Matthew 16:4, John 2, Matthew 9, John 2:11

Did Jesus Turn Water into Wine?

Each of Jesus’ miracles was a sign pointing to the Kingdom of God. For example, Matthew 9 is a list of miracles, with Jesus healing a paralytic, restoring a girl to life, healing a woman, healing two blind men, and healing a mute man who was unable to speak. He then explains the meaning of these miracles, saying, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction…” 

If you had to guess which was Jesus’ first miracle, what would your guess be? If you said turning water into wine at a wedding, you would have been correct! 

Ancient weddings were one of the few times a family could invite relatives and friends for a massive extended celebration, one they had saved for their entire lives. The parties could last from days up to a week, during which time the guests were supposed to be fed, housed, and cared for. To run out of provisions would have been a massive embarrassment for the new couple and their families. Unfortunately, this is precisely what happens – the wedding party runs out of wine. Possibly as a close friend or relative trying to resolve the crisis, Jesus’ mother, Mary, approaches Him and requests that He do a miracle and make the problem go away (because she knew of His power), even though He has not yet done a public miracle. 

Nonetheless, Jesus takes “six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons,” fills them up, and miraculously turns the water into wine. Upon sampling it, the guests are astonished because the wine is of the finest quality. 

John 2:11 then says this was “…the first of his signs…” Like signs we see when we drive on the road, signs in the Bible are pointing us toward a destination. When Jesus performs a miracle, it is a “sign” pointing to the Kingdom of God. 

Too many people seek miracles and not God. God’s people should not be chasing signs and wonders. God’s people should be chasing God. When we chase God, we can expect a few miracles to follow us as we follow Jesus. I believe that if we seek Jesus first, signs and wonders will naturally follow. 

Have you ever found yourself seeking signs and wonders more than Jesus?

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, 1 John 4:1-6, Deuteronomy 32:17, Psalms 106:37, 1 Corinthians 10:18-22, Galatians 4:8

Are There Counterfeit Miracles?

To be faithful to Christ, Christians need to avoid what missionaries call “syncretism.” Syncretism is what happens when people seek to combine non-Christian beliefs and behaviors and try to add to them Christianity. The result is a diluted and polluted spirituality that is not faithful to God. Many religions and spiritualities, including demonic occultic practices, have such things as counterfeits of Christian tongues (like ecstatic utterances) and counterfeits of God’s power (like healings and powerful miracles). The point is simple: what God creates, Satan counterfeits. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 

Paul also teaches this vital truth, speaking in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NLT) of “…the work of Satan…[with] counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception…” The Christian is not to be vaguely spiritual but very Spirit-filled. 

Spotting demonic counterfeits requires discernment and the ability to distinguish what God creates and what Satan counterfeits. 

Demons (fallen spirit beings) may also pose as gods and elicit worship, possibly even through counterfeit signs, wonders, and miracles. This happens throughout the book of Exodus, where the Kingdom of God and Satan’s kingdom of the “gods” are vying for supremacy in a cosmic showdown. (Deut. 32:17; Ps. 106:37; 1 Cor. 10:18–22; Gal. 4:8). 

These “gods” of other religions are very powerful demons who rebelled against God. They revile the real God and want to replace Him with multiple gods. False gods are behind false religions led by false teachers who perform false miracles – all schemes to lead people astray from the real God. 

Anytime something spiritual happens, even if it seems good (like a healing, miracle, angel, or answer to prayer), we cannot overlook the possibility of demonic deception. This tragic reality explains why many non-Christian religions include miracles. We must be discerning when we experience or witness supernatural activity. Our goal is to live in faith, praying for God to move in power and testing any supernatural activity to confirm that it agrees with Scripture and is from the Holy Spirit. 

Has there been a time in your life when you got confused by a spiritual counterfeit?

Scriptures: Colossians 1:13, Matthew 16:22-23, Galatians 5:19-21, Acts 26:18, Ephesians 1:13-14, James 4:7

Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?

Now that we’ve been talking about signs/wonders and demonic deception, you may be wondering, can a Christian be demon-possessed? My answer is based on a book called Win Your War that I wrote with my wife, Grace, and you can pick up a copy at RealFaith.com for further study. On this issue, as they say, the devil is in the details. The Oxford English Dictionary gives the following as the first three definitions of the word possess: 

1. Have as belonging to one; own. 

2. Have possession of as distinct from ownership. 

3. Have as an ability, quality, or characteristic. 

Definition #1 

In the first sense, a Christian cannot belong to Satan; he cannot own us. Colossians 1:13 says, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…” Salvation is a miracle of God where we “…turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God…” (Acts 26:18). A Christian is forever “sealed” with the Holy Spirit as the “guarantee” of eternal life. (Ephesians 1:13-14) 

Definition #2 

In the second sense of the word “possess,” a Christian can be internally influenced by the demonic without ownership of their soul transferring to the devil. Think of your life like your home since you live in both. You are the legal resident of your home, and no one else has the right to move in unless you give them permission. Now, let’s say that some bad people come to your house. You open the door to welcome them in, and they decide to stay and make your life miserable. They possess no legal right to be there, but they are willing to squat until you exercise your legal authority and demand that they vacate your home. On rare occasions, through habitual sin, deep unbelief, dark addiction, or occult activity, a Christian can open the door to internal demonic influence that does not have any legal authority and can be evicted in Jesus’ name. 

Definition #3 

In the third sense of the word “possess,” a Christian can manifest a demonic character or say things with demonic origins. As Jesus was teaching about His death, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’” In response, Jesus “turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” (Matthew 16:22-23) 

Peter was a believer, but, in that instance, he echoed what Satan was saying and rebuked the Lord as if Jesus were sinning. Jesus identified Satan as the ultimate origin of what Peter was doing and saying. 

In summary, a Christian can be lied to, tempted by, and attacked by Satan just as Jesus Christ was. However, a demon can’t own a believer as its possession. 

It’s important to remember that becoming a Christian is both receiving Jesus and rejecting Satan. The key to living free from demonic influence as a Christian is twofold. One, you must receive Jesus Christ and His defeat of the demonic. Two, you must renounce any ground you give to the demonic through such things as sin, rebellion, unbelief, pride, and the other matters we discuss throughout this book. This is precisely what James 4:7 means when it says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God [receive]. Resist the devil [renounce], and he will flee from you.” 

Read Galatians 5:19-21 and simply list each thing that has been a habitual sin for you. Repent of it and renounce any demonic work in your life.

Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Luke 4:18, Isaiah 11:2

Do Demons Attend Church?

The Bible records four occasions where Jesus delivered someone from the demonic. These divine deliverances reveal Jesus healing men and women, adults and children, and doing so both indoors at religious meeting places and outdoors in the wilderness. In short, Jesus can and does deliver anyone from the demonic anywhere. 

We will start our study with a man in the church who has a demon. We do not know if he’s a believer or an unbeliever, but either way, he has somehow allowed demonic influence into his life. 

To set the backdrop, Jesus was in Capernaum because He had been rejected in His hometown of Nazareth, so He left. He was teaching the Scriptures on the Sabbath with authority from the Holy Spirit, which left the people stunned. Luke 4:18 (quoting Isaiah 11:2) reveals that Jesus’ teaching was by the anointed power of the Holy Spirit: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news…” 

In what was the equivalent of an Old Covenant church during a service, a man was present with an “unclean demon.” This shows that just because someone is in church does not mean they are in Christ. Furthermore, demons apparently attend church and cause disruption through people, something happening to this very day in every church. 

This demon, like the other demons who encounter Jesus, knows exactly who He is, but they do not love Him. Unlike the disciples, who seem to continually struggle to fully understand that Jesus is God, the demon says, “I know who you are – the Holy One of God.” Furthermore, the demon fully accepts the authority of Jesus and knows what the Bible says about their eternal damnation, saying, “Have you come to destroy us?” 

Can you imagine what the people in attendance were thinking? This had to be a wild day at church, one that had the entire congregation buzzing after the demon flung the man to the ground in the middle of the service. Jesus rebuked the demon, refused to allow it to speak and blaspheme God or lie, exercised His authority simply and calmly, and the man was delivered. 

Have you, or anyone you’ve known, been delivered from demonic forces? What happened, and how did God show up in power?

Scriptures: Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-40, Luke 2:32, Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8, Mark 5:13

A Wild Beast Among the Tombs

Unlike most Jews who did not venture into Gentile country, Jesus did that very thing in Luke 2:32. As soon as Jesus’ foot stepped out of the boat and onto the land, He was confronted by a demonic man who had established his dominion as the highest territorial demonic spirit in that region. 

The man was living like a wild beast, seemingly naked and completely unkempt, and among the tombs, a place that the Jews considered unclean and to be avoided. Sadly, many people like him are beyond our help, and only Jesus Christ can deliver them and change their lives. His strength was superhuman because of the demonic powers controlling him. He had to be a terrifying sight – imagine a screaming naked man who has not bathed or groomed himself in a long time with superhuman strength running at you with long fingernails, crazy eyes, and no fear! None of this phased Jesus in the least. No one has authority equal to His, so He has nothing to fear. When the demoniac man fell down before Jesus, he was surrendering to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who rules over Satan and demons, and he recognized Him as “…Jesus, Son of the Most High God…” fully knowing that the demons were destined to “torment” him in eternal Hell. The authority here is clear – demons have authority over some people, but Jesus has authority over all demons. The demons in this man had so overtaken him that they had renamed him “Legion,” a military term referring to upwards of 6,000 soldiers. This may mean that he had 6,000 demons, or perhaps that was an overstatement and a lie, as demons are proud liars. 

Jesus calmly, but authoritatively, commands the demons to leave the man, and they obey because He is Lord over all. Jesus then commands the demons to enter some nearby pigs, which were unclean animals for the Jews (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:8), and these particular pigs were likely used in pagan religious practices. Mark 5:13 says there were 2,000 pigs, and so this was a great financial loss for their pagan owner, who cared for pigs but not the suffering man. 

The pagans in the region were astonished by Jesus’ miracle, but rather than converting, they cowered, asking Jesus to leave because they had fear of Him rather than faith in Him. Sadly, this scene reveals that just because someone sees a miracle from Jesus does not guarantee they will repent of their sin and receive Him as Savior and Lord. Not only was the demoniac man delivered, but he was also healed physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Once the demon left, the man’s total well-being was restored. In this instance, we learn that sometimes people cannot be helped by a doctor or a therapist because they need Jesus and deliverance. 

While the man is converted, the demons are conquered. What is amazing about Jesus’ deliverance ministry is that human beings and divine beings both have sinned against God. Jesus came as a man to live without sin, die, and rise for mankind. Jesus offers us the opportunity to be saved by turning from sin and trusting in Him. However, that same gift of grace is not given to Satan or any other demon. It is given to us, though, and we should rejoice in that fact. 

What are some unhealthy experiences or teachings you have had regarding the demonic? How can you have a more healthy, balanced, and biblical view of both the power of the Holy Spirit and the reality of unholy spirits?

Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30, Luke 13:11-16, Matthew 17:14-18, Mark 7:35, Matthew 9:22-23, Matthew 12:22

Does Jesus Break Down Social Barriers?

Because God made us with a body and a soul, it’s not surprising to learn that they affect one another both positively and negatively. Although modern medicine does not much believe in the healing power of prayer or that sickness and illness in our body can be caused by demonic torment, the Bible paints a very different picture. Specific demonic deliverance miracles Jesus performed through the Holy Spirit include healings from bleeding, epilepsy, deafness, muteness, and blindness (Luke 13:11–16; Matt. 17:14–18; Mark 7:35; Matt 9:22–23, 12:22). The Bible reports seven occasions that someone was healed by Jesus because of demonic deliverance. 

The big idea is that some physical suffering has a spiritual cause and can only be dealt with by exercising God-given spiritual authority, which brings physical healing. We will now study how demonic deliverance restored the health of both a boy and girl as part of Jesus’ ministry in Mark 7:24-30. One Bible commentary states: 

The woman asking Jesus for a miracle is an unlikely candidate. 

She is a born loser on three counts: She is a woman: social mores discouraged such contact between men and women. She is Greek: the focus here is on her religious status (Gentile). She is of Syrophoenician origin: this identifies her by race, linking her with the OT Canaanites and associating her with the “bastardized religion” of Tyre and Sidon since queen Jezebel’s time. (1) 

Jesus’ response is that His ministry was for the Jews, and He would later expand His miraculous work to non-Jews. Her humility and desperation are evident as she kneels before Jesus, begging Him to deliver her daughter. Breaking down long-standing barriers, Jesus brings this woman and her daughter into the Kingdom of God. Her faith is evident, as she fully trusts the power of Jesus to remove demons and restore health. Jesus’ power is manifested from a distance, as He does not travel to the girl but simply heals and delivers by the power of His words. In so doing, “Jesus crosses the many barriers in the way—nationality, religion, sex, tradition—and grants healing in response to faith.” (2) 

Just as Jesus extended love and grace to someone of a “lower” social status, who is an unlikely person in your own life that you can show the same compassion for?

Scriptures: Psalms 135:1-7, John 2:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15, Matthew 14:22-23, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:15-21, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 8:1-9, Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, John 21:1-14

Does God Rule Over Nature?

Because Jesus Christ is the God who is the Creator of all things, it makes sense that He would also have authority over all that He made. When we read in the opening pages of Genesis that God spoke everything into existence from nothing by the sheer power of His Word, it helps us understand that when Jesus Christ walked on the earth, creation also obeyed His commands – because it knew His voice and honored His sovereign authority. 

There are nine occasions reported in the Scriptures where Jesus performed miracles by ruling over nature: 

1. Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-11) 
2. Jesus causes a big catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11) 
3. Jesus calms a storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25) 
4. Jesus feeds the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) 
5. Jesus causes Peter to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21) 
6. Jesus feeds the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-9) 
7. Jesus takes a coin from a fish (Matthew 17:24-27) 
8. Jesus causes a fig tree to die (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14) 
9. Jesus causes a big catch of fish (John 21:1-14) 

As a general rule, we can categorize these miracles of Jesus ruling over nature as provision for people and protection of people. 

What aspect of nature makes you stand in awe of God’s miraculous power?

Scriptures: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15, John 6:11

The Kingdom Principle of Multiplication

The feeding of the 5,000 is among the most well-known of Jesus’ miracles and the only one reported in all four gospels. As Jesus started feeding the hungry and healing the sick, it’s no surprise that His popularity exploded. Before long, massive crowds were following Him wherever He went. On one occasion, 5,000 men, in addition to women and children, gathered to sit on the grass and hear Him preach. 

With the crowd growing hungry, there was no food for miles. So, a little boy gave his lunch to Jesus. The kid was poor, as he had only the cheap kind of bread (barley) and a few small fish that were likely closer to sardines than salmon. John 6:11 reports, “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated.” Have you wondered why Christians say grace before they eat a meal? Because that’s the example Jesus set. 

In this miracle, we learn that Jesus cares about both your physical and spiritual needs. As the “Bread of Life,” Jesus forgives sin and places the Holy Spirit in your soul so that you have spiritual life. Jesus also cares about your physical needs and teaches you to ask in prayer for your “daily bread.” Sometimes, we can feel awkward asking God to meet physical needs for such things as food, a job, or housing, but God cares about all of you. 

Jesus multiplied the little boy’s lunch so that everyone ate until they were full, and 12 baskets of leftovers remained! This is the Kingdom principle of multiplication. When you give what you can give, God does what God can do. To be sure, Jesus Christ could have simply fed the people without the little boy’s gift. Jesus had already turned water into wine, and, in the Old Testament, God gave His people manna every day. But Jesus chose to use the gift of the little boy to increase his faith and allow him the joy of being part of loving and serving people in need. It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter much how much you give but rather who you give it to because God can multiply what you give. 

Is there anything you need provision for? Take some time and pray for God to provide for what you need.

Scriptures: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21

What is the Bible’s Most Common Command?

Life is filled with storms – financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, etc. In a storm, you become exhausted and overwhelmed. In a storm, you can become so overwhelmed by the crisis that you lose sight of Christ. This is what happened to the disciples as a storm came, blew them off course, was beyond their ability to overcome, and made them afraid, which explains why Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.”

The bottom line in a storm is that you can either live by fear or faith. Fear is such a regular part of our lives that the command to “fear not” is repeated in our Bible more often than any other command. The solution to fear is faith – trusting that Jesus is coming into your storm just as He came to save the disciples in their storm.

Adrift all night in a sea, straining on the oars trying to survive, Jesus’ disciples are overwhelmed until Jesus arrives. Walking to them on the sea, Jesus relieves their fears, removes their storm, and restores their hope.

In this short account of Jesus walking on water, we see four things about Jesus that give us comfort for the storms in our lives. One, Jesus comes to those in a storm. The disciples did not have to find Jesus. Instead, Jesus found them. This is incredibly comforting. Two, Jesus is bigger than the storm. The storm was bigger than the disciples, but Jesus was bigger than their storm. The same is true for you. Three, the supernatural is bigger than the natural. The disciples faced a natural disaster of sorts that threatened to end their lives, but their supernatural God showed up and displayed His authority as Creator over His creation. How comforting is it to know that Jesus has supernatural power and can do anything that He wants without any power able to thwart His will? Four, Jesus can deliver from danger. Not only did Jesus arrive in the crisis, but He also brought an end to the storm and caused the boat to return safely to shore. This is the hope for our lives and all of human history for God’s people. To be sure, this world is one big storm that takes our energy, presses our anxiety, and blows us off course. The good news is that Jesus will get us to an eternally peaceful dock because He came to save us as He did the disciples at sea.

The story of Jesus walking on water appears in three of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, and John), but only in Matthew do we also learn that Peter also walked on water! How crazy must that have been to witness? Ever since Peter began to sink, some have criticized him. But I have yet to see any of his critics repeat his feat. Examining Peter walking on water in response to Jesus’ walking on water, we learn that as long as we keep looking to Jesus, we are alright, but once we get our eyes off Him, we are sure to start sinking.

Where are you experiencing fear in your life? Take some time and pray for Jesus’ comfort and strength to trust Him and continue to walk in faith.

Scriptures: Isaiah 61, Matthew 11:4-6, Luke 4:18-19, Luke 4:23, Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 8:16, Matthew 12:15, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 14:34-36, Matthew 19:2, Matthew 21:14, Luke 6:17-19, John 20:30, John 4:46-54, Matthew 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39, Matthew 8:2, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, John 5:1-16, Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 9:27-31, Mark 7:31-37, Mark 8:22-26, John 9:1-38, Luke 13:10-17, Luke 14:1-6, Luke 17:11-19, Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 22:49-51

Does Jesus Heal People Today?

Jesus began His public ministry by reading from Isaiah 61. 

He declared that the power of God the Holy Spirit would do His entire ministry. Luke, a doctor, also tells us in 4:23 that Jesus Christ is also a healing “Physician.” 

To begin with, Jesus was healed. He suffered and died on the cross and then rose to conquer sin, sickness, and death. When Jesus rose from death, some dead people also rose as a foreshadowing of the healing power of God’s Kingdom. Jesus also healed others. Roughly 27 times in the Gospels, we see Jesus heal an individual. Roughly 10 times, we see Jesus heal entire groups of people. (Matthew 4:23-25, 8:16, 12:15, 14:14,34-36, 19:2, 21:14; Luke 6:17-19) Jesus also performed other verified healings not recorded in the Bible. (John 20:30) 

Simply stated, miraculous healing is part of ministry, as the following list of Jesus’ healing miracles reveals: 

1. Jesus heals a nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54) 
2. Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–17; Mark 1:29–31; Luke 4:38-39) 
3. Jesus heals a leper (Matthew 8:2–4; Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16) 
4. Jesus heals a paralytic via the roof (Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26) 
5. Jesus heals a cripple by a pool (John 5:1-16) 
6. Jesus heals a withered hand (Matthew 12:9–14; Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11) 
7. Jesus heals a centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10) 
8. Jesus heals a bleeding woman (Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48 
9. Jesus heals two blind men (Matthew 9:27–31) 
10. Jesus heals the deaf and mute (Mark 7:31–37) 
11. Jesus heals a blind man (Mark 8:22–26) 
12. Jesus heals a man born blind (John 9:1-38) 
13. Jesus heals a stooped woman (Luke 13:10–17) 
14. Jesus heals a man with dropsy (Luke 14:1–6) 
15. Jesus heals ten lepers (Luke 17:11–19) 
16. Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus (Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43) 
17. Jesus heals Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:49–51) 

Choose one or two of the miracles listed above and read it. Make note of anything that stands out to you.

Scriptures: Matthew 4:23-24, Matthew 10:8, Acts 8:4-8

Let Healing Increase Your Faith

Once Jesus returned to Heaven following His healing from death, some wondered if God would continue to heal people. Doctor Luke wrote his follow-up book, Acts, which reports the supernatural acts of the Holy Spirit through Christians who continued the Spirit-filled ministry of Christ. 

The Book of Acts records roughly 14 healing miracles. 12 of the 28 chapters in Acts record a miraculous healing reported by Doctor Luke. This was to be expected as it’s what Jesus promised His first followers: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.” (Matthew 10:8) In obedience, we read of the early church: 

Now, those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ…they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8) 

As we study the miraculous healings of Jesus, our faith should grow that God can still heal. The result should be increased praying in faith for people who need healing and trusting God with the outcome. 

Do you need an increase in your faith to trust God to bring healing to your life or the life of someone you know? Take some time to pray and ask God to increase your faith.

Scriptures: Matthew 9:35-38, James 5:14, Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:21-28, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10, John 4:46-54, Luke 4:40, Matthew 9:18, Habakkuk 3:4, Acts 5:12, Acts 19:11, Mark 6:13, James 5:14-15, Hebrews 4:16

How Can I Help Those Who Are Sick?

To follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we must minister to the sick. There are at least four ways to do so. 

1. Pray from a distance. 

Jesus healed from a distance at least three times in the Gospels. (Mark 7:24-30 cf. Matthew 15:21-28; Matthew 8:5-13 cf. Luke 7:1-10; John 4:46-54) Sometimes, Jesus would travel to be present to heal someone. Other times, He would pray from a distance, and the person would be healed. This just goes to show that, whether we are present or not, if the Holy Spirit is present with the suffering person, there is a possibility of healing. 

2. Lay hands on people and pray. 

Laying hands on sick people to pray for them was part of Jesus’ earthly ministry (Luke 4:40; Matthew 9:18), and it is part of local church ministry. (James 5:14) One deliverance manual says, “Just as power lies in the hand of God (Hab. 3:4), it also lies in the hands of His servants (Acts 5:12; 19:11). There is tremendous power released through anointed, holy hands.” (1) 

3. Anoint people with oil. 

Jesus anointed people with oil and expects the Church to do the same. (Mark 6:13; James 5:14-15) Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who anoints us for ministry. By praying and anointing with oil, we are showing with our words and works that we invite God’s presence into the situation to minister to the hurting person. 

4. Minister in faith. 

If Jesus were walking on earth today, hurting people would flock to Him. Just because Jesus is in the Kingdom does not mean we cannot approach Him, since, by faith, we can and do approach Him to heal in our realm from His realm. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) 

In each of the following healing miracles, we will look at the rest of this week into next, we witness people interceding for others to Jesus Christ. We do the same when we pray for the sick in faith. 

Is there someone you know who is sick right now? Take some time to intercede on their behalf for healing and restoration.

Scriptures: John 11:25-26, Romans 6:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:20

Does Jesus Raise the Dead Today?

The greatest miracle in the history of the world is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. This miracle is history’s most famous, even among non-Christians. Confirming this, a “poll reflected voters’ belief that Jesus physically rose from the dead, by a margin of 68% to 13%.” (1) 

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is THE HOPE of the believer. Those who come into God’s family will be joined to Jesus in His death and resurrection life (Romans 6:3-5). Eternal life does not begin the day we die but rather the day we meet Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Jesus’ Resurrection is the precedent and pattern of our own: “…Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) As His body was resurrected in complete health, so too will we rise and never experience pain, injury, or death ever again. This is because, through the Resurrection, Jesus has put death to death. The believer’s eternity will be spent in a world much like the one enjoyed by our first parents in Eden because God reclaimed and restored the earth through Jesus’ Resurrection. 

Prior to His dying and rising, Jesus raised three people from death – a beloved son, a young girl, and His close friend Lazarus. Technically, these three miracles caused people to be revived but not resurrected. Someone who is revived from death continues to live until they later die again. These miracles pointed to Jesus’ greater miracle – resurrecting from death to eternal life, never to die again – which paves the way for the same resurrection of the dead, including believers living in a perfect body in Jesus’ Kingdom forever. 

Take some time to worship Jesus for the miracle of resurrection to eternal life.

Scriptures: John 11:1-46, Matthew 9:24, Mark 5:39, Acts 7:60, 1 Corinthians 15:6

Are Believers Dead or Only Sleeping?

Jesus was close friends with the siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He would often spend time with them in their home as He passed through their town. Lazarus had been sick and dying for days, and Jesus did not arrive to heal him, so he died. 

Family and friends were practicing the ministry of presence “in the house, consoling.” Out of their pain, with an accusatory tone, they wonder why Jesus, who can make the blind see, did not arrive to keep Lazarus alive. Like most families, the sisters have very different personalities. Martha is more of a practical thinker and doer. Mary is more of a feeler, more emotional and relational. 

Upon hearing about the death of His friend, Jesus was profoundly troubled, even weeping, even though He knew Lazarus would rise. Calling Lazarus by name, the man returned to life, even though he had been dead for days. The early church father Augustine said that had Jesus not spoken Lazarus’ name, the entire graveyard would have emptied. 

In this moving scene with grieving friends, Jesus forcefully declared Himself as the resurrection and the life (this is the final of seven “I AM” statements Jesus makes in John’s Gospel). This means that He alone has authority over life and death and that resurrection is in Him alone. Jesus further explains that access to life and resurrection is available to all who have faith in Him, and though they may die, it will not be their final state. 

This miracle sign points to the future resurrection of all of Jesus’ friends in the Kingdom of God. Lastly, Jesus uses the metaphor of sleep for death, and this is the language the Bible uses for God’s people (Matthew 9:24; Mark 5:39; Acts 7:60; I Corinthians 15:6). 

When believers die, it is like they are sleeping as their soul goes to be with the Lord, and their body goes into the ground, until the resurrection of the dead when the physical and spiritual aspects of our being are reunited and resurrected. What a glorious day that will be! 

What were the main things you learned studying Jesus’ miracles? What changed in your walk with Him as you studied?