Austin Bible Church
Jesus Christ performed acts of healing and miracles to demonstrate who and what He was – the unique God-man, the Messiah. The miracles served to establish Jesus Christ’s identity and credentials as “the God who works wonders” is Psalms 77:14. By performing miracles, He gained a hearing for this vitally important message. John 10:36-38.
“You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.” (Psalms 77:14, NASB)
“do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father."” (John 10:36-38, NASB)
His power over the sea, over death, over sickness, and over demons was shown to prove who Jesus was and to give Him an audience for His message. The purpose of miracles was to:
1 - Establish credentials of Jesus Christ as the God-Man, the Messiah.
2 - Provide signs of His divine nature.
3 - Prove that God the Father had sent Him – that He was the Messiah.
4 - Prove His power over the physical world.
5 - Show the stamp of His character.
6 - Provide symbols to observers of His supernatural power.
7 - Prove His power over the miseries of the world that were caused by the fall of Adam in the Garden and for bringing sin into the world.
8 - Elicit confidence in Him and trust easily translated to faith in His work for salvation.
He did not heal just to alleviate suffering, but to call attention to His message. Otherwise, Jesus would have healed everyone in the world. His miracles were never done on demand because God does not bend to man’s will. The important thing was not how you feel in life, but where you will spend eternity. His greatest miracle was giving salvation to the human race, if they chose to accept it by faith.
Jesus gave His disciples authority to perform miracles in Matthew 10:8. They included “cleanse the lepers” which was different from healing the sick because it involved the leper reporting into the temple and going through the purification ceremony which alerted the priesthood to the fact that the Messiah was there. “Raise the dead” was resuscitation and “cast out demons” was necessary because demons were active trying to neutralize the Gospel message.
“"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8, NASB)
The power to heal and perform miracles was given to the disciples to indicate that they represented the Messiah. It gave their message the stamp of divine authority. This was special empowerment of the Holy Spirit to a select few for special jobs as typical in the dispensation of the Age of the Jews.
The modus operandi of miracles and healings in the Pre-Canon period of the Church Age was spiritual gifts. The disciples at this time were apostles to Israel. On the Day of Pentecost, they received the spiritual gift of Apostleship and became Apostles to the Church.
List of Miracles in Chronological Order
The following is a listing of the miracles performed by Our Lord during His incarnation. The list is not exhaustive as many miracles were performed that are not mentioned in the Word of God.
1-Turning Water Into Wine - Cana
A wedding was held in Cana of Galilee and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and His disciples were invited. This miracle showed that His mother knew her son was the God-man – the Messiah. There were six stone waterpots holding 20 or 30 gallons each or 120-180 gallons of water miraculously turned to likely the best wine ever produced. He supernaturally created wine from water. Even nature cannot do this without sugar, yeast, and time through fermentation. He instantly changed the chemical structure of the water to make wine. He showed His complete mastery over nature and chemistry. The alcoholic content was important to also show His mastery over fermentation. John 2:1-10.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." So they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." (John 2:1-10 NASB)
2-Healing the Nobleman’s Son - Capernaum
In John 4:46-54, Jesus Christ healed the man to show that He was the Messiah. The man showed humility by asking that Christ heal his son. The nobleman also showed his faith that Christ could heal. Christ tested that humility before healing his son.
Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and was imploring Him to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe." The royal official said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives"; and he himself believed and his whole household. This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. (John 4:46-54 NASB)
Christ wanted the official to focus on the work of the Messiah to come and belief that Jesus Christ IS God and the only source of eternal life. Jesus Christ was only interested in the royal official’s eternal destiny, not the health of his son. The healing miracle served to bring the official and his entire household to salvation with eternal repercussions.
The application here is that we are not to put our faith in miracles, but to use God’s grace resources to grow spiritually and fulfill His plan for our lives. Eternal salvation and spiritual growth are infinitely greater than any miracle that remains temporary and moves our focus away from Jesus Christ to something that yields nothing permanent. The greatest miracle ever performed was Jesus Christ’s unlimited atonement for sin on the Cross.
3-First Miraculous Catch of Fish – Sea of Galilee
Jesus Christ provided an illustration to His disciples to be, Peter, James and John, of how to trust in His grace provision for their future ministries to make them fishers of men through the Gospel. They were so amazed that they left their jobs, their homes and everything and began to follow their Messiah. They had believed He was God and their Savior. Luke 5:1-11.
"Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets." When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." (Luke 5:1-11, NASB)
4-Healing the Demoniac in a Synagogue - Capernaum
Mark 1:23-26 and Luke 4:33-36 describe Jesus Christ casting out a demon in Capernaum.
“Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!" And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.” (Mark 1:23-26, NASB)
5-Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law - Capernaum
Peter’s mother-in-law was in a coma with a high fever. This was a private miracle. Why? The thoroughness of the miracle from a coma to vigorous restoration and was a picture of immediate regeneration upon belief in Jesus Christ. This was the same lesson of spiritual death to spiritual life instantly as was given to Nicodemus. Matt. 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-30; Luke 4:38-39.
When Jesus came into Peter's home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. (Matthew 8:14-15 NASB)
“And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.” (Mark 1:29-30, NASB)
“Then He got up and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's home. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. And standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she immediately got up and waited on them.” (Luke 4:38-39, NASB)
6-Healing The Many Demon Possessed - Nazareth
Jesus wanted a maximum number of people in His home town to know of Him. Healing all who came to Him is a picture of Unlimited Atonement. Our Lord fulfilled the Isaiah 53:4 prophecy by taking away the universal affliction of mankind - sin. Matt. 8:16-17.
Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4 NASB)
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES." (Matthew 8:16-17 NASB)
7-Cleanses the Leper - Galilee
The Jews believed that leprosy was a judgment from God for uncleanness and separation. The perceived apostasy for the infected people led to severe separation. This was the worst uncleanness. Just touching a leper would render you permanently unclean and was a life-threatening act. Matt. 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16.
“And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."” (Matthew 8:2-4, NASB)
While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately the leprosy left him. And He ordered him to tell no one, "But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. (Luke 5:12-16 NASB)
The Mosaic Law has detailed procedures for leprosy. When symptoms appeared, the priest would inspect the person. To make a diagnosis, they would refer to Leviticus 13 and 14. Details also indicated how to isolate the leper – torn cloths, disheveled hair as a sign of defilement. They were forced to live outside the city in unprotected areas. They were required to yell, “unclean!, unclean!” to anyone that got near them. Separation and uncleanness ritual purification was a picture of defilement caused by sin.
The priests treated the lepers cruelly. They did not want to be downwind of a leper. They added to the Old Testament in their legalism and distorted the Old Testament Scripture. They stoned lepers if they came too close. They would not perform the ritual purification on them. The priests were self-righteous in their religious zeal. The priests were spiritual lepers in their souls and didn’t even know it.
Jesus Christ healed the leper completely and instantly. The leper asked for a disease cure and called Him Lord indicating he was already a believer. The purpose of the miracle was to demonstrate the power of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Everyone else ran from the leper while our Lord stayed and touched him which was a life-threatening act.
This was a picture of Jesus Christ’s life to be given to redeem mankind. Jesus Christ’s actions were the exact opposite of what everyone else in society did. He superseded the law of sin and disease by redeeming mankind of sin by His substitutionary spiritual death on the Cross.
The application is that Jesus Christ would pay for all sin no matter how horrible they were. The work of Christ on the Cross would heal all instantly that believed. The miracle demonstrated the power of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. This was a picture of Jesus Christ’s life that would be given to redeem mankind.
8-Healing of Paralytic – Capernaum
Matt 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26.
“And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."” (Matthew 9:2, NASB)
“"But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—then He said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home." And he got up and went home.” (Matthew 9:6-7, NASB)
9-Healing the Sick Man at Pool of Bethesda - Jerusalem
John 5:2-17.
“A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, "Do you wish to get well?" The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your pallet and walk."” (John 5:5-8, NASB)
10-Healing of Withered Hand – Galilee
Matt. 12:9-13; Mark 3:1-5; Luke 6:6-11.
“And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"—so that they might accuse Him.” (Matthew 12:10, NASB)
“Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand!" He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.” (Matthew 12:13, NASB)
11-Healing the Centurion’s Servant - Capernaum
This was the first miracle performed by Jesus Christ in-absentia. The centurion was a Gentile. Our Lord marveled at the centurion’s faith. He knew that Christ could heal his servant just by His words or thoughts and did not have to actually touch the servant. This showed Christ’s power to heal by thought only. Matt.8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10.
“And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus *said to him, "I will come and heal him."” (Matthew 8:5-7, NASB)
“Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” (Matthew 8:10, NASB)
“And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment.” (Matthew 8:13, NASB)
12-Raising the Widow’s Son - Nain
In Luke 7:11-17, Christ’s demonstrated His power over death. Jesus demonstrated true compassion to those mourning the dead man based on His love and grace. He wanted to alleviate their suffering because of His deep sympathy and sorrow for their suffering, an expression of unconditional love.
“Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” (Luke 7:12-15, NASB)
Grief would turn to joy just as we will receive a resurrection body at the return of Jesus Christ. The reaction of the mourners was unexpected. They were awestruck. They thought He was just a prophet. They did not recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus had just performed a miracle like Elijah and Elisha had done in the same location about 900 years earlier. 1 Kings 17:19-22; 2 Kings 4:32-35.
He said to her, "Give me your son." Then he took him from her bosom and carried him up to the upper room where he was living, and laid him on his own bed. He called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought calamity to the widow with whom I am staying, by causing her son to die?" Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray You, let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. (1 Kings 17:19-22 NASB)
When Elisha came into the house, behold the lad was dead and laid on his bed. So he entered and shut the door behind them both and prayed to the LORD. And he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth and his eyes on his eyes and his hands on his hands, and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh of the child became warm. Then he returned and walked in the house once back and forth, and went up and stretched himself on him; and the lad sneezed seven times and the lad opened his eyes. (2 Kings 4:32-35 NASB)
13-Casting Out Demon from Blind and Mute Man– Galilee
Matt. 12:22-32; Luke 11:14-23
“Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.” (Matthew 12:22, NASB)
“And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.” (Luke 11:14, NASB)
14-Calms the Storm – Sea of Galilee
Fear had gripped the disciples due to the storm and they were in fear of the boat foundering. While fear is a normal human emotion, cowardice is not. Cowardice is inability to think (apply doctrine from your soul) in a crisis or emergency situation. The disciples turned their fear into cowardice. They were thinking of self-preservation and had to wake Christ to plead with Him to help. They did not believe that Jesus Christ would keep them from drowning. Matt. 8:18-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25.
And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (Matthew 8:24-27 NASB)
They would get a lesson in trusting in the power of God and confidence in His ability to strengthen them via faith and grace provision. They still didn’t really trust Jesus Christ and His power. They had to learn to trust Jesus Christ and what He had said to them only a few hours earlier.
15-Heals the Gadarene Demoniacs - Gadara
No one could control the two demon-possessed men who were very violent. There was no human solution for them. The naked man cut himself and screamed constantly and had nearly unlimited strength. They were possessed by multiple demons called Legion. Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39.
When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. And they cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" Now there was a herd of many swine feeding at a distance from them. The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." And He said to them, "Go!" And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters. The herdsmen ran away, and went to the city and reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they implored Him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:28-34 NASB)
The demons recognized who Jesus Christ was and were deathly afraid of Him. One demon spoke on behalf of the others. Matt. 25:41.
"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; (Matthew 25:41 NASB)
The demons cannot win in a stand-up fight with Jesus Christ, so they deceive humans hoping to prevent the return of Christ. Mark 5:14-17.
Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the "legion"; and they became frightened. Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. And they began to implore Him to leave their region. (Mark 5:14-17 NASB)
The townspeople were furious that 2,000 pigs had killed themselves. They saw Jesus Christ as a threat to their businesses. They had absolutely no interest in Him as the Messiah. This demon-possessed man became a believer and was a great testimony to salvation by grace to the whole area and a very convincing witness for Jesus Christ.
God assigns you a mission where you will have the greatest impact – where people know you. Your mission will be suitable to your talents, location, etc. You must be patient for God’s assignment and be ready for any opportunity.
16-Healing the Hemorrhaging Woman - Capernaum
The chronically ill woman was a believer – before she had met Jesus Christ. She had such faith that she believed that Jesus Christ would heal her by simply touching His cloak. Do you have the faith in Jesus Christ that He will take care of you no matter how sick you feel? Matt. 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48.
“And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well." But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." At once the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20-22, NASB)
A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse-- after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, "If I just touch His garments, I will get well." Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My garments?" And His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'" And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction." (Mark 5:25-34 NASB)
17-Raises Synagogue Official’s (Jairus) Daughter - Capernaum
Jairus had believed in Jesus Christ as Savior before he met Him. Mourners were skeptics and unbelievers and showed a stark contrast to those with faith. Jesus Christ stated that physical death was not permanent. The girl’s soul had left her body so she was physically dead. Mourners ridiculed the idea of faith in something that was not observable and logical (known cause and effect). They only believed in what they could see, feel, touch, smell, or hear – sensory or empirical. Matt. 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43; Luke 8:41-56.
And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus' feet, and began to implore Him to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him. (Luke 8:41-42 NASB)
While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, "Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore." But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, "Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well." When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl's father and mother. Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep." And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Child, arise!" And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 8:49-56 NASB)
Jesus Christ demonstrated His power over death and the illnesses of the human body by ordering the girl’s soul to rejoin her body and completely healing her at the same time. She had been resuscitated just as Lazarus had been. She would later die as we all do. She was not resurrected. That will happen at the Rapture or Exit Resurrection when we will receive a resurrection body like the one Jesus Christ received at His resurrection.
The application is that the power of belief in Jesus Christ is the issue – not only for salvation, but for deliverance every day. Unbelief limits what God can do for you and the rate that you can grow spiritually.
Mourners spiritually and physically rejected Jesus Christ. Thus, leaving only God’s condemnation for their unbelief – not their sins. Their own decisions limited God’s options – eternity in the Lake of Fire.
18-Healing of Two Blind Men - Capernaum
“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "It shall be done to you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: "See that no one knows about this!" But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout all that land.” (Matthew 9:27-31, NASB)
19-Healing of Man Unable to Speak - Capernaum
“As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him. After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."” (Matthew 9:32-33, NASB)
20-Feeding 5,000 People – Near Bethsaida
There was a very large crowd of more than 5,000 people – mostly Jewish people as this was a Jewish area. Jesus Christ’s motivation was to show His power as Messiah by providing sustenance where there was no way to feed so many. This was a big deal because many would be caught out in the wilderness all night with no food. The people would have had a very long way to go to get home with no food. Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14.
When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, "This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!" They said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." And He said, "Bring them here to Me." Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:15-21 NASB)
The disciples had no belief that Jesus Christ was God or they would have suggested that He do something like He had done at the wedding with the wine. From five loaves and two fish, He created so much food that everyone ate all they could. More was left over than they had started with – 12 baskets full. The application is how much do you expect from God? Do you depend on Him to provide what you need or do you do what you feel like and then cry to Him when it doesn’t work out?
21-Jesus Christ Walks on Water – Sea of Galilee
Our Lord performed this miracle immediately after feeding the 5,000. Matt. 14:24-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21.
“Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6:16-21, NASB)
Jesus Christ was walking out a long distance to the boat in the middle of a storm. The disciples’ first reaction was fear. They thought they were seeing a ghost – not Jesus Christ. Obviously, they did not yet believe that He was true God – even after so many miracles and teaching.
Peter had the most faith by stepping out onto the sea from the boat. However, he allowed his senses to betray his faith and cried out for Jesus Christ to help him from drowning. In application, Jesus Christ helped Peter as He does us when we need it - even before we cry out for His help. We are just as thick-headed as the disciples in our own areas of weakness. We need time to learn and to allow the Holy Spirit to change our thinking from within our souls.
22-Casting Out Demon From the Syrophoenician’s Daughter - Phoenicia
Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.
“And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed."” (Matthew 15:22, NASB)
“But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus said to her, "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once.” (Matthew 15:27-28, NASB)
23-Healing Many Lame, Blind and Mute – Sea of Galilee
“And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31, NASB)
24-Healing of a Deaf Man with Speech Difficulty - Decapolis
Mar 7:31-37.
“They brought to Him one who was deaf and spoke with difficulty, and they implored Him to lay His hand on him. Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly.” (Mark 7:32-35, NASB)
25-Feeds 4,000 People - Decapolis
This crowd was over 4,000 of mostly Gentiles as this was a Gentile area. The disciples were astounded that Jesus Christ would do this for Gentiles. They had believed that the Jewish Messiah would be only for Jews – not for all of mankind. This is a picture of unlimited atonement for all mankind – not a select group. Matt. 15:29-38; Mark 8:1-9.
And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." The disciples said to Him, "Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?" And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few small fish." And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan. (Matthew 15:32-39 NASB)
26-Healing Blind Man of Bethsaida - Bethsaida
“And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around." Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. And He sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village."” (Mark 8:22-26, NASB)
27-Demon Cast Out of Lunatic Child – Mt. Tabor
Mat 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43.
“And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, "Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. "I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not." And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father.” (Luke 9:38-42, NASB)
28-Tribute Money From a Fish's Mouth - Capernaum
“When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?" He *said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" When Peter said, "From strangers," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are exempt. "However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."” (Matthew 17:24-27, NASB)
29-Heals Ten Lepers - Samaria
Luke 17:11-19.
“As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:12-14, NASB)
30-Healing a Man Born Blind - Jerusalem
John 9:1-41.
“As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3, NASB)
“When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing.” (John 9:6-7, NASB)
31-Resuscitates Lazarus - Bethany
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany who were good friends of Jesus Christ. Our Lord had stayed at their house with His disciples many times before. A messenger had been sent to have our Lord hurry to Bethany so He could heal him and prevent his death.
Jesus Christ purposely waited a few days before beginning the two-day journey to Bethany. This meant that He purposely did not try to heal Lazarus, but waited for him to die so He could perform the most profound miracle of His ministry – to show His power over death. This was to prove to all that He was God. He also used the situation to teach everyone to have faith in Him and to teach them about resurrection for all believers in Jesus Christ.
He resuscitated Lazarus who had been dead for 4 days and who was already in a state of decay. This miracle so excited the wrath of the religious Jewish leaders that they held a council soon thereafter and decided to kill Him to preserve their power in Israel and to prevent others from believing in Him. John 11:1-44.
“Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. "I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me." When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."” (John 11:39-44, NASB)
32-Healing of Woman with Disabling Spirit - Perea
Luke 13:10-17.
“And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God.” (Luke 13:11-13, NASB)
33-Cures a Man with Dropsy (Edema) - Perea
Luke 14:1-6.
“And there in front of Him was a man suffering from dropsy. And Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But they kept silent. And He took hold of him and healed him, and sent him away.” (Luke 14:2-4, NASB)
34-Healing Blind Two Blind Men (Bartimaeus + other) - Jericho
Matt. 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43.
“And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They *said to Him, "Lord, we want our eyes to be opened." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.” (Matthew 20:30-34, NASB)
“And answering him, Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!" And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” (Mark 10:51-52, NASB)
35-Cursing the Fig Tree - Jerusalem
Matt. 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14; Mark 11:20-24.
“As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered." And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:20-24, NASB)
36-Healing the Ear of Malchus - Jerusalem
“When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:49-51, NASB)
37-Second Miraculous Catch of Fish – Sea of Galilee
John 21:1-14.
“So Jesus said to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Him, "No." And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.” (John 21:5-6, NASB)
“This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.” (John 21:14, NASB)
Application Summary
Miracles are not what you should pray for in difficult times. Miracles do not advance you in the spiritual life. Reliance on God’s grace resources makes life’s circumstances irrelevant. For example, Paul and the thorn in his flesh. 2 Cor. 12:7-9.
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NASB)
A miracle was not in Paul’s best interest – reliance on the grace of God was. 1 Peter 5:10; Phil. 4:11-13.
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10 NASB)
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 NASB)