Discourse on The Miracles of Jesus (Yeshua) THE MIRACLES OF JESUS FACT OR FICTION?

People brought him [Jesus Christ] as shown at Matthew 8:16, "And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick:" (American Standard Version; ASV). And Mark 4:39 states, "And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (ASV). How do you view these statements? Do you believe that scribe actual, historical events, or do you feel that allegorical stories, mere myths? Some individuals today express serious doubts about the historicity , miracles. To these individuals this era of scientific technology and genetic engineering leaves little room for reports of miraculous works and devine experiences. These individuals consider accounts of miracles as hard to believe or fantastic. Other misguided individuals view Jesus' miracles as outright frauds. The false charge of deception is sometimes hurled at Jesus himself. Justin Martyr of the second century C.E., stated some detractors "even ventured to call him a magician and a deceiver of the people." Some falsely allege that Jesus "did not perform his miracles as a Jewish prophet, but as a magician, an initiate of the heathen temples," which is of course utter foolishness as we all well know that magicians can not perform miracles. Defining Impossibility You may feel that behind such doubts, there is a fundamental reason why people are reluctant to believe in miracles. They just find it difficult, even impossible, to accept the thought that supernatural forces could be at work. "Miracles just do not happen-period," said a young person who called himself an agnostic. He then quoted the words of 18th-century Scottish philosopher David Hume, who wrote: "A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature." However, many would be very cautious about asserting that a certain phenomenon is impossible. The World Book Encyclopedia calls a miracle " an event that cannot be explained through the known laws of nature." By that definition, space travel, wireless communication, and satellite navigation would have seemed to most to be "miracles" just a century ago. Surely it is unwise to assert that miracles are impossible simply because we cannot explain them based on present knowledge. If we examine some of the Scriptural evidence surrounding miracles ascribed to Jesus Christ, what will we find? Are Jesus' miracles fact or fiction? WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? You may be surprised to learn that the Bible accounts of Jesus' life on earth never use the original language word for "miracle." The Greek word (dy'na.mis) sometimes translated "miracle" literally means "power." Per Luke 8:46, " But Jesus said, Some one did touch me; for I perceived that power had gone forth from me." (ASV). It may also be rendered "ability" or "powerful worksm" as shown at Matthew 11:20;

25:15, " Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not." (ASV) and 25:15, " And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey." (ASV). According to one scholar, this Greek term "emphasizes the mighty work that has been done, and, in particular, the power by which it was accomplished. The event is described in terms of the power of God in action." Another Greek term (te'ras) is usually rendered "portent" or "wonder," John 4:48, " Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe," (ASV), and Acts 2:19, " And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:" (ASV). This expression highlights the effect on observers. Quite often, the crowd and the disciples were amazed and astounded at Jesus' powerful works as shown at Mark 2:12, "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Authorized King James Bible; AV); and Mark 4:41, "And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (AV); and Mark 6:51 "And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered." (AV); and Luke 9:43, "And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples," (AV). A third Greek term (se.mei'on) referring to Jesus' miracles denotes a "sign." It "focuses upon the deeper meaning of the miracle," says scholar Robert Deffinbaugh. He adds: "A sign is a miracle which conveys a truth about our Lord Jesus." Illusion or God-Given Power? The Bible does not describe Jesus' miracles as tricks or illusions designed to entertain people. They were manifestations of "the majestic power of God," as in the case of a boy from whom Jesus expelled a demon per Luke 9:37-44, "And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. 38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. 39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. 40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. 42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples," (AV). Would such powerful works be impossible for Almighty God-the One who is described as having at Isaiah 40:26, "Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and for that he is strong in power, not one is lacking." (ASV) clearly showing God's (YHWH's) force or power.

The Gospel accounts refer to some 35 miracles of Jesus. But the total number of his miracles is not revealed. For instance, Matthew 14:14 states: "And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick." (ASV). He [Jesus (Yeshua)] saw a great crowd; and he felt pity for them, and he cured their sick ones." However, we are not told how many sick people he cured on that occasion. Such powerful works were central to Jesus' (Yeshua) claim that he was the Son of God, the promised Messiah. The Scriptures did indeed show that God-given power enabled Jesus to perform miracles. The apostle Peter referred to Jesus (Yeshua) at Acts 2:22, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:" (AV). On another occasion, Peter pointed out at Acts 10:37-38 that, " that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (ASV). The miracles of Jesus were intertwined with his message. Mark 1:21-27 reveals the reaction of the crowd to Jesus' (Yeshua) teaching and to one of his miracles as follows, "And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching: For he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." (ASV). Both Jesus' (Yeshua's) powerful works and his message provided proof that he was the promised Messiah. Jesus did not merely claim that he was the Messiah; along with his words and other deeds, the God-given power displayed in his miracles furnished evidence of his Messiahship. When questions about his role and commission arose, Jesus boldly replied at John 5:36 "But the witness which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me." (ASV). Authenticity Indicators: Marks of Authenticity, why can we be certain that Jesus' miracles were real, authentic? Now let's consider some of the marks or proofs of authenticity. In performing his powerful works, Jesus (Yeshua) did not seek to get attention for himself. Jesus (Yeshua) made sure that the result of any miracle he performed gave glory to his Father, God (YHWH), and that he received all the credit and the glory. One time before curing a blind man Jesus strongly stressed that the healing would take place as recorded at John 9:1-3, "And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from

his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (ASV); and in the healing of Lazarus of Bethany as testified to at John 11:1-4, "Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby." (ASV). This is quite unlike the fakers, magicians, and faith healers, Jesus (Yeshua) never used hypnotism, trickery, spectacular displays, magic spells, or emotional rituals. He did not resort to superstition or the use of relics as some clergy do. He accomplished all in an unassuming way in which Jesus healed two blind men as recorded at Matthew 20:29-34, "And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him." (ASV). No hockos pokes, showy display, ritual, etc. was involved. Jesus (Yeshua) performed his miraculous works in the open, usually before numerous eye witnesses. Jesus (Yeshua) used no special props, lighting, etc. as recorded at Mark 5:24-29, " And he went with him; and a great multitude followed him, and they thronged him. 25 And a woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came in the crowd behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I touch but his garments, I shall be made whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague." (ASV), and Luke 7:11-15, " And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude. 12 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother." (ASV); ; whereas, modern-day so called miracles often defy documentation. Sometimes Jesus (Yeshua) acknowledged the faith of those he healed, but in other cases he did not as the individuals did not believe until he cured them. In Capernaum in Galilee, many brought sick and demonpossessed individuals to him and he cured the sick and expelled demons from the possessed ones as shown by Matthew 8:16, " And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick: " (ASV).

Jesus (Yeshua) did not perform miracles to satisfy curiosity, but to meet the actual physical needs of the people as shown by Mark 10:45-52, " And they come to Jericho: and as he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the way side. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and said, Call ye him. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said unto him, Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And straightway he received his sight, and followed him in the way.' (ASV); and Luke 23:8, " Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him." (ASV). Also, unlike the so called healers of today, he NEVER took any money and/or benefited in any personal way as shown at Matthew 4:2-4, " And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. 3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (ASV), and Matthew 10:8, " Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give."(ASV). What Were the Gospel Accounts? The four Gospels have transmitted to us the facts about Jesus' miracles. What are the reasons we can rely on these accounts as we examine the authenticity of the miracles attributed to Jesus. As previously noted, Jesus' miracles were performed in public, before many eye witnesses. The earliest Gospels were penned at a time when most of those eye witnesses were still alive. Regarding the honesty of the Gospel writers, the book, "The Miracles and the Resurrection," states, "To accuse the gospel evangelists of indiscriminately submerging historical fact in a flood of miracle-mongering to serve the interests of theological propaganda would be outright injustice. . . . They meant to be honest recorders." In fact, the Jewish opponents of true Christianity never challenged the powerful works described in the four Gospels. They questioned only the power by which these were performed as clearly testified to at Mark 3:22-26, " And the scribes that came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and, By the prince of the demons casteth he out the demons. 23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan hath rise up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end." (ASV). Neither could later detractors successfully deny the miracles that Jesus (Yeshua) performed. On the contrary, during the first and second centuries AD., there were references to miraculous works performed by Jesus. Thus, we have every reason to view the Gospel accounts of his miracles as authentic.

The Man Behind the Miracles: An examination of Jesus' miracles would be incomplete were it to be limited only to the logical arguments about their authenticity. The Gospels reveal a man of deep feelings and unrivaled compassion, with a keen interest in the welfare of fellow humans. Consider the case of a leper who approached Jesus with the desperate plea recorded at Mark 1:40-42, " And there cometh to him a leper, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And being moved with compassion, he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou made clean. 42 And straightway the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean." (ASV). By this act, Jesus (Yeshua) demonstrated his empathy that moved him to use his God given power to perform miracles. Another good example of his empathy was when Jesus (Yeshua) met up with a funeral procession coming out of the city of Nain; What happened then? The deceased young man was the only son of a widow. "Moved with compassion" for the woman, Jesus approached her and said, as recorded at Luke 7:11-18, " And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude. 12 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. 16 And fear took hold on all: and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people. 17 And this report went forth concerning him in the whole of Judaea, and all the region round about. 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things.' (ASV). This example, permits us to be comforted by how we see Jesus (Yeshua) acting in performing miracles, i.e., he was "moved with compasion" and as always he sought to help people. Such miracles are not simply history. Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever," says Hebrews 13:8, " Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and to-day, [yea] and for ever." (ASV). However, He now rules as heavenly King, ready and able to use his God given powers, and has been made the only mediator between his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) and mankind as stated at 1 Timothy 2:5, " For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus," (ASV), so he can use his God (YHWH) given miraculous powers in a far grander way than he did when he was on earth as a human. Now to know the truth, go to: 1) 2) 3) http://religioustruths.yuku.com/ http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/ http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

If you wish more information and/or wish to ask a question or what ever, contact me by leaving a PM (personal message) at http://religioustruths.yuku.com/ Your Friend in Christ Iris89 Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today!