THE ‘SIGN’ OF THE TIMES
THE 40 MIRACLES OF JESUS
What makes the miracles of Jesus so interesting, to so many, is they are real supernatural events going against the natural makeup of surrounding circumstances.
These are real-life miracles Jesus performed to prove that He was indeed the long, awaited Messiah the Old Testament scrolls had prophesied about.
In Old Testament times miracles pointed toward the arrival of a Messiah to God’s chosen people, the Jews. In New Testament times these miracles were given to a doubting world to prove Jesus is the promised Messiah, God’s anointed One, the Savior of the world.
Interestingly, the 400 years prior to Jesus’ birth there are no recorded miracles. After His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension very few miracles were recorded and then ceased altogether as far as being recorded in the Bible.
According to ‘Britannica’, miracle comes from the Greek ‘THAUMASION’ and the Latin ‘MIRACULUM’ meaning that which causes wonder and astonishment.
The significance of a miracle is not in the event itself but in the reality to which it points, in other words, the presence or activity of a divine power. Thus, a miracle is also called a ‘sign’ from the Greek ‘SEMEION’ or Hebrew ‘OTH’, which implies something which points to something else. A ‘sign’ is a miracle that is contrary to the natural order of things and is understood as something only God can do.
Miracles are proof God is in complete control, with His power on unmistakable display. Nothing falls apart in God’s economy. All falls into place, even if it is in a way we cannot explain or understand.
The source of miracles is always a divine spiritual supernatural power that becomes manifested in personal form. According to Merriam-Webster.com, the definition of ‘miracle’ is an extra-ordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.
Jesus attached spiritual and symbolic significance to the miracles, which were actually ‘signs.’ They were ‘signs’ of the triumph of the Spirit world over Satan’s empire and over all the powers of evil whether sin or disease. Jesus performed miracles over nature, demonic activity,
incurable illnesses, and death. A sure ‘sign’ he is who God had sent.
The purpose was to strengthen faith leading up to the overwhelming, miraculous event of His resurrection that would force decision. The miracles were meant to bring trust in God through Jesus and show how one cannot rely in their own strength and rituals but, must commit to His power alone.
Strong faith declares strong wonders. Miracles still happen! Jesus is indeed the Lord of restoration and reconciliation to the one, true, living God. The ‘signs’ are the proof!
But thanks be to God, who gives us the
victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 15:57
Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20
THE ‘sign’
Therefore, the Lord Himself
will give you a sign: The virgin
will conceive, have a son,
and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Jesus Christ, Yeshua, the Messiah, our Lord and Savior fulfilled this prophesy at the time of His birth to the virgin, Mary. In Hebrew, the meaning of Immanuel (Emanuel) is: “God with us” and is an Old Testament name (title) for the Messiah.
Keeping this verse within the proper context, Isaiah was addressing king Ahaz of Judah, promising the king that God would destroy his enemies. That is, if the king and the people of Judah would turn from their wicked ways. The people would need to quit rejecting God’s message concerning idolatry or divine judgment was certain.
God told Ahaz to ask for a sign to enhance his faith, but the king refused. All Ahaz had to do was tell the Lord what ‘miracle’ he would need to see so as a visible confirmation that Isaiah’s words were from God and his enemies would not defeat them.
Ahaz, as most, did not want to see proof of God’s word, as he preferred to remain in his sinful, idolatrous ways instead of himself and the people returning to the Lord. This worldly king, Ahaz, was unwilling to turn to God and thus save himself and his people. But, as prophesied in Isaiah, God would send the heavenly King of kings into the world to save His people through a young virgin. This then would fulfill the ‘sign’ the Lord had given to the prophet some 700 years earlier.
The birth of Jesus Christ came
about this way: After His mother
Mary had been engaged to
Joseph, it was discovered before
they came together that she was
pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18
After a long span of time, God was ready to reveal His intentions for His people and He chose a young, unknown girl to do this through. There had not been a prophet in Israel for four hundred years, yet this young girl appears to be part of a believing remnant expecting the coming of the Messiah, believing God was going to send a deliverer for His people, Israel.
Mary, who was probably around fifteen years old at this time, grew up in Nazareth of Galilee, in a poor region of Israel. Even though her life appears humble and unassuming she had a very impressive family tree. Her and her intended husband, Joseph, both had an enviable bloodline, including royalty. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are listed in each of their genealogies, as are Rahab and Ruth who were both Gentiles, indicating the coming Messiah would be Savior to both Jews and Gentiles. Both Mary and Joseph are listed as being related to Zerubbabel (Matt. 1:12; Lk. 3:26).
The couple were both descendants of king David. Mary was related to David through his son Nathan. Joseph was his relative through his son Solomon. Nathan and Solomon were both sons of David by Bathsheba. Mary being the mother of Jesus and Joseph the stepfather, fulfilled the ‘sign’ that the Messiah would be of the lineage of David, establishing that his house and kingdom would endure before God forever. (2 Sam.7 :16).
Mary and Joseph would have been very familiar with where the Messiah would be born according to the Old Testament scrolls. They may have been somewhat confused and had several discussions concerning the birth of Mary’s baby. They were residing in Nazareth but according to the scrolls He was to be born in Bethlehem. Were they supposed to travel, visit, or move to Bethlehem? Her due date was closing in on them and they were still in Nazareth, more than likely waiting on the Lord’s instruction.
Then in God’s perfect timing, a decree went out that the whole empire was to be registered, each in his own town. Joseph and Mary, being in the line of David would need to go to Bethlehem. Mary now knew her Son would be born in Bethlehem just as the scrolls had revealed. (Micah 5:2). And yet, another ‘sign’ was about to be fulfilled.
Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you;
He is Christ the Lord. This will
be a sign to you: You will find
a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manager.
Luke 2:11, 12 (NIV)
This birth had been prophesied centuries before by Isaiah. (Is. 9:6). Now angels were announcing the birth of the long, awaited Messiah to shepherds in a nearby field. Some believe these shepherds were caring for the lambs that were to be sacrificed during the time of Passover. Little could they have known that the Baby they were to see at the direction of the angels would some thirty years into the future be the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God.
The conception of God in flesh form and the birth of the Son of the Most High are supernatural events (miracle/sign) beyond human logic, understanding, or reasoning of any kind known to man. (Lk. 1:32). None-the-less, it did occur but took angels, God’s messengers, to make the announcement to shepherds, who in turn went forth spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Immanuel, “God with us”, was now a reality beyond all expectations. God’s plan of salvation for all of mankind was now made manifest. Every baby born is a miracle. Jesus, meaning Savior, being God in the flesh is the miracle, the ‘sign’ from eternity past to eternity present to eternity future.
For God so loved the world that
He gave His One and Only
Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but
have eternal life.
John 3:16
TURNING WATER TO WINE
John 2:1-11
A ‘sign’
On the third day a wedding
took place in Cana of Galilee.
Jesus’ mother was there, and
Jesus and His disciples were
invited to the wedding as
well. When the wine ran out,
Jesus’ mother told Him,
“They don’t have any wine.”
John 2:1-3
The first miracle, or ‘sign’ as it is called, was in Cana of Galilee. Cana was near Nazareth, but the exact location is unknown. It was performed at a wedding, a festive occasion, a joyful celebration, a marriage, the coming together of two. The details of the wedding and just who it was that was getting married is not recorded.
Nathanael was from Cana making it possible it was his wedding or that of a relative of his. (Jn. 21:2). It has also been bantered around that it was one of Jesus’ half-brother’s or half-sister’s wedding and that was the reason for Mary turning to Jesus for help when the wine ran out.
Since Joseph is not mentioned, it is believed Mary was a widow by this time, leaving Jesus, the oldest of Mary’s children, the head of the family. If Joseph had indeed died prior to this time, Jesus would now be the one responsible for the embarrassment that would come upon them. It is just simply not recorded and thus unknown. It also leaves the impression of that not being the important part of the miracle.
To run out of wine would have been an embarrassment at best and an opening for a lawsuit from the bride’s family at worst. What Mary’s role at the wedding might have been is unknown but she apparently felt the need for the bridegroom to not suffer shame by running out of wine.
Wedding feasts in that day and culture could last upwards of seven days. The groom would bring his bride to his home or to the home of his father. There would be a feast and celebration during this time and before the consummation of the marriage.
Did Mary expect a miracle from Jesus when she said to Him, “They don’t have any wine?” Probably not. She more than likely told Him of the circumstance in hope of Him solving the problem in some conventional way. Of course, Jesus in His sovereignty, already knew the ‘problem’ was about to occur and how He would fix it.
It is amazing to watch how He allows people to be part of the solution to the problem. As mentioned before, “Jesus performed this first ‘sign’ in Cana of Galilee.” This was the beginning of His earthly ministry, and He was thought to be thirty years of age at this time. Since it is noted, this was His first sign, this would indicate Mary had not witnessed Him performing miracles up to this time and so did not expect such.
Now six stone water jars had
been set there for Jewish
purification. Each contained
20 or 30 gallons.
John 2:6
These six stone jars were strictly used for Jewish purification rites before and after each meal and generally were placed outside. The six water jars were for ceremonial cleansing, not for drinking. Possible defilement associated with touching anything profane had to be addressed before eating, especially bread. The water was not for drinking or just for cleaning dirty hands but for ceremonial rinsing.
The purification process consisted of filling a cup with water and pouring it two to three times over the right hand. Then refilling a cup and pouring it the same number of times over the left hand. If a person happened to be left-handed, then the order needed to be reversed. The water needed to cover the entire hand up to the wrist with each pour. The fingers were to be slightly separate allowing the water to run thru them.
Hand washing rules included:
- After sleeping, in the morning or after napping.
- After going to the bathroom.
- After leaving a grave site.
- Before a meal, especially if bread was involved.
- After a meal, if the ‘salt of Sodom’ was used.
According to Jewish law people became ceremonially unclean by touching everyday items of life. Water needed to be poured over the hands to rid defilement of what may have been touched.
Six is thought to be the number for imperfect man since man was created on the sixth day. This being the case the six stone water pots are believed to represent the natural man.
“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus
told them. So, they filled them
to the brim. Then He said to them,
“Now draw some out and take it
to the chief servant.” And they
did. When the chief servant
tasted the water (after it had
become wine), he did not know
where it came from – though
the servants who had drawn
the water knew.
John 2:7-9
The miracle of water to wine was known only to a handful of those at the wedding in Cana. His disciples, some servants, and probably His mother, Mary, were the only ones this had been revealed to.
The disciples who were with Jesus and Mary were: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. (Jn. 1). Also, the unnamed disciple who would have been John. (Jn. 1:35). John is the only Gospel writer to record this event thus it is believed he was a first-hand witness. John records this miracle as a ‘sign’. The meaning of the word ‘sign’ is an event whose occurrence indicates the probable occurrence of something else.
The ‘sign’ was that the old stone religious urns were now representation of new vessels filled with new life. The stone-cold urns represented the old Jewish Law and customs with hearts made of stone whereas, after the water being changed to wine, life would now be infused into a heart made of flesh.
I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit within
you; I will remove your heart
of stone and give you a
heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
The six jars of water represented death. Changing water to wine indicates death to life. The water was man’s way of purifying himself with the ritual of washing themselves. It was an outward cleansing that did not stop death from occurring. Jesus, on the other hand, cleanses from the inside out, changing death into life eternally.
He called the groom and told
him, “Everybody sets out the
fine wine first, then, after
people have drunk freely, the
inferior. But you have kept
the fine wine until now.”
John 2:10
Water represented the Old Covenant which could not meet Israel’s spiritual needs. To the Jewish mind wine symbolized joy. The water being changed into wine showed there would be a new source for spiritual cleansing, and that would come from Jesus, Himself, who supplies all needs.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation, old things
have passed away, and look,
new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
The man in charge of the wedding festivities would have been unaware that the wine was now being served out of purification jars, as the servants would have dipped the wine out and taken it indoors to where the celebration was being held. For a Jew to drink from a purification jug would have been unthinkable as this would have left them in an unclean state. The wine the servants now brought to the festive occasion was suddenly found to be superior to what the guests had been drinking.
The lesson to this ‘sign’ is God had kept the best for last. God had given the Law to Israel for their good and His glory. But now He made manifest His Son for Jew and Gentile to be reconciled to Himself. The contrast made is grace given through nothing we do versus the Law given through nothing we can do.
Jesus’ ministry of water to wine is now shown to be a transformation of lives from judgment to joy, grief to grace and external to eternal. Our first birth is inferior in our human, created bodies, compared to our second birth which is the best, as it is everlasting.
God had revealed Himself through the Law, the Prophets and the Psalmists, but now He had saved the best for last, Himself in flesh form in the Person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This miracle was performed to bring glory to God the Father, faith in who Jesus, the Son is, all in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The result was “His disciples believed in Him.” They did not, at this time, understand all that His ministry would entail, but did see His power on display, and thus believed. In all that Jesus did and taught His disciples was for the purpose of revealing His Divine nature. These same disciples would, in the near future, be given a commission to “proclaim His name to all nations as witnesses of these things.” (Lk 24:47,48).
This particular miracle was not to recruit members of the wedding party or even the seeing servants, only a ‘sign’ for His disciples. In all that Jesus did concerning His earthly ministry was to reveal and convince the disciples as to who He really is. In this circumstance it now became time to reveal who He is and not so much what He did.
The Lord your God will raise
up for you a prophet like me
from among your own brothers.
You must listen to Him.
Deuteronomy 18:15
Moses was telling the Israelites there would one day come a Prophet like him. Moses was sent by God to rescue His people from the evil oppression of the Egyptians. The first plague Moses presented to the oppressor, Pharaoh, was under bleak circumstances and that caused the turning of water into blood. This was a ‘sign’ of God’s judgment to come. Moses’ rescue was a physical rescue from bondage from their enemy, Pharaoh.
It is interesting that the first miracle Jesus performed was at a joyful occasion. Jesus turned water into wine to indicate He is the giver of joy and celebration of a new life to come. Jesus’ rescue is a Spiritual rescue from our enemy, Satan.
Another note of interest is that there are two aspects of wine. It has benefits and it has curses. Jesus turning water to wine indicates a new way of life that is acceptable in God’s sight or an abhorrence if rejected. Wine can make the heart glad (Ps. 104:15) or cause the mind to blur and become confused (Is. 28:7). It can be associated with merriment (Eccl. 10:19) or with anger (Is. 5:11). As with wine, acceptance of Jesus can gladden the heart bringing about joy and merriment. As with abuse of wine, rejection of Jesus brings about anger, blurs the mind, and causes confusion on a grand scale.
Wine was a gift from God (Deut. 7:13; Ps. 104:15) and at the end of time, it will be provided in great abundance. (Jer. 31:12; Joel 3:18; Amos 9:13-15). Amos 9:13-15 indicates the importance of wine, as God’s promise of wine would have been a symbol of salvation to the Jews. Jesus showing His disciples this ‘sign’ indicated He was over nature, all creation, and He was the Salvation that was to come.
John begins this account with “On the third day.” Since he makes mention of the third day there is relevance in the statement. The Old Testament scrolls make mention of a third day in which Israel would be spiritually healed and returned to her Lord.
He will revive us after two days,
and on the third day He will raise
us up so we can live in His presence.
Hosea 6:2
Just as He changed water into wine, He is continuously, up to this day, changing old to new, death to life, sinners to saints.
It is interesting to note that Mary’s last recorded words were given to servants at the wedding in Cana. Those of us who are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ must hear and heed her words.
“Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5
HEALING OF AN OFFICIAL’S SON
John 4:46-54
A ‘sign’
Then He went again to Cana of
Galilee, where He had turned
the water into wine. There was
a certain royal official whose son
was ill at Capernaum. When this
man heard that Jesus had come
from Judea into Galilee, he went
to Him and pleaded with Him to
come down and heal his son,
for he was about to die.
John 4:46, 47
The royal official was more than likely an officer in the court of Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee. Capernaum was approximately twenty miles northeast of Cana and this would have been the distance the government official would have walked to see Jesus.
The father had probably exhausted all avenues for the healing of his son. This left him with no alternative but to desperately search Jesus out even though the official was in Capernaum some eight hours away. The official had no way of knowing if his son was even still alive as he approached Cana to look for Jesus. It appears he felt this was his last and only hope to save his son. This is a father anxiously pleading for his son’s life.
Some translations make mention of the official calling out to Jesus as ‘Lord’ while others use ‘sir’. None-the-less, the officer who had legal authority over Jesus chose humbly to put himself under Jesus’ authority.
Since the official approached Jesus in Cana he possibly had heard of water being turned into wine and centered on the idea of Him being some kind of miracle worker. There is no mention as to whether this person was Greek or Jew.
Him working as a royal official for the Roman ruling government the question arises of him possibly being of Greek descent and thus not approaching Jesus as the Messiah. Although, he may have been of Jewish descent as Jesus counts him among those desiring signs and wonders. It is just not recorded, so all is speculation as to his ethnicity.
The Galileans did not necessarily welcome Jesus as Messiah. For the most part they were unbelievers who were fascinated by signs and wonders. Miracles truly intrigued them. Jesus did not perform miracles so as to please crowds or draw attention to Himself. These signs were to prove Jesus to be who He said He is.
It was disturbing to Him that people were more interested in the side show of miracles than reconciliation with the one True God of the Universe. The miracle was to inspire people to faith. These were not meant to be crowd pleasing events.
Jesus told him, “Unless you people see
signs and wonders, you will not believe.”
John 4:48
The ‘you’ is plural indicating Jesus is not just speaking to the desperate father but to a crowd of curiosity seekers. The purpose of Jesus being in Galilee was to avoid crowds of people that would gather around Him wherever He was. Not because of who He is but what He could do.
Jesus was not being crude to the desperate man but instead was working with him in a way that would inspire faith. This official must have had some faith even though it was small simply because he does believe Jesus is capable of saving his son. He has walked a great distance, searched through the town and was now pleading with Him to save his son.
“Go,” Jesus told him, “Your son will
live.” The man believed what
Jesus said to him and departed.
John 4:50
In this circumstance, Jesus did not have to touch the boy or speak over him. At the word of Jesus, he was healed even though he was some twenty miles away, eight hours distance, proving Jesus is master over time and space.
Apparently, his faith grew with each, and every moment spent with Jesus. He obediently leaves to begin the eight-hour trek back to where his son lay ill. He seemingly believed his son would be made well, even though not knowing how since Jesus would not be returning with him as he had asked. He must have had a glimmer of hope when Jesus told him his son would not die. That statement indicated his son was still alive.
On the home front with their master gone the servants must have been frantic caring for the boy. What would they tell him when he returned if the boy died while he was away looking for a miracle? As it turns out the boy seems to recover rather suddenly. This pleases the servants to the point that some leave to meet their master on his return to tell him of the boy’s quick and miraculous recovery.
As the man’s faith was not full blown yet, it is hard to imagine his thinking on his trip home. Did he wonder if Jesus said his son would live just to get rid of him? He certainly wasn’t interested in returning with him to see or lay hands on his son. How could his son be healed just by Jesus saying it was so? As the servants greeted him with the good news concerning his son, it is a wonder what the official must have thought at first.
Trying to get his mind wrapped around Jesus saying, “your son will live” and the servants telling him “Your son will live”, he finally is able to ask what time his son became well. When the servants tell him the time, he recognizes it to be the exact time Jesus had told him his son would live.
The man would surely have been overjoyed to hear his son was alive and well. But the realization that a true miracle had occurred only by the word spoken by Jesus must have truly been overwhelming. The true miracle was the official and his whole household came to faith in this Jesus as Messiah, as Savior.
Jesus allows people to be involved with Him in the miracle making business. If Jesus had gone home with the official as he had begged, the servants may have just followed Him around looking for more signs and wonders. As it was, only the father of the sick child knew a miracle had occurred and chose to share his experience with his servants causing them to believe.
We are to trust His word, not continuously look for signs and wonders. What we learn from the frantic father is, Jesus can and does do miracles, it just might not look or happen as we might expect. This father was helpless and hopeless. He turned to the only hope source there is – Jesus Christ.
May Your faithful love rest on us,
Lord, for we put our hope in You.
Psalm 33:22
DRIVING OUT AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT
Mark 1:21-27; Luke 4:31-36
A ‘sign’
Then they went into Capernaum,
and right away He entered the
Synagogue on the Sabbath
and began to teach.
Mark 1:21
The ‘they’ here are Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, fishermen Jesus had just recently called to follow Him as His ministry was beginning. Capernaum was a fishing village on the northern shore of Galilee, which housed a Roman garrison. Capernaum was a wealthy city with great sin and decadence, involving the inclusion of many pagan influences.
Because the citizens of Nazareth looked upon Jesus as a carpenter’s son, they chose to reject His teaching pertaining to the things of the Lord. Thus, He was compelled to move His headquarters to Capernaum. He spent more time there than any other city, but even so, as much as they were given, they failed to receive Him as they should. (Lk. 10:15).
Synagogues were where Jewish people would gather for worship, as the Temple in Jerusalem was too great a distance for them to travel. Synagogues did not have a permanent rabbi or teacher, consequently visiting teachers would speak. This is why Jesus often went to these places of worship in the towns where He visited so as to teach from the Old Testament Scrolls.
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He taught in synagogues. Later, because of the size of the crowds of people and the opposition from the Jewish leaders, He then proceeded to teach outdoors.
They were astonished at His
teaching because, unlike the
scribes, he was teaching them
as one having authority.
Mark 1:22
Jesus spoke the truth with authority. The people had been used to the synagogue teachings which consisted of many oral laws plus man-made laws attached to the Mosaic Law. Scribes were held in high regard as great scholars when in fact they only taught what they had read or heard from someone else. They were considered to have authority and power and enjoyed their seeming importance.
Another function of the synagogue was it being the social life of the community. As the scribes would enter the place of worship, people would stand, the best seats were reserved for them, and the people showed them great reverence calling them rabbi. Jesus was becoming a great threat to their social, religious, and comfortable lifestyles.
Interestingly, the content of what Jesus spoke that particular day in the synagogue was not dispelled, only that He spoke with such great authority.
Just then a man with an unclean
spirit was in their synagogue.
Mark 1:23
It is interesting to note where the man with the unclean spirit was. In the synagogue! The demon possessed man must have looked much like any of the other men who had congregated in the synagogue. It is doubtful the synagogue leaders would have allowed this man to be among them had they known of any possible demonic activity.
He cried out, “What do You
have to do with us, Jesus –
Nazarene? Have You come to
destroy us? I know who You
are – the Holy One of God!”
Mark 1:24
The pronoun ‘us’ indicates demonic forces recognizing Jesus for who He is and believing His existence, but most certainly does not put them in a heaven bound position.
Because of the sound of Jesus’ voice and His authoritative teaching this man becomes aroused and highly provoked while in the synagogue. He cries out in a loud voice while under the influence of an evil spirit that is fearful it is to be destroyed at this time. Using the man’s voice, the demon confronts Jesus. He demands the demon “be quiet” and “come out of the man.” The demon convulsed the man, shouts in a loud voice, and comes out of this poor soul.
The demon is fully aware as to who Jesus is and the power and authority He holds. The demon, unlike so many people, did acknowledge Jesus as the Holy One of God. In saying “Let us alone,” indicates there are others in the demonic realm fighting those belonging to the Kingdom of God.
The problem demons have is, in each and every instance where one confronts Jesus, they immediately lose all power. Jesus boldly confronted and defeated Satan and his forces just by the word of His mouth.
It is hard to imagine what the congregation is now thinking. This miracle was only the third recorded one Jesus had performed and His first one at removing demons, so it is probable these folks had not witnessed something quite like this before.
But Jesus rebuked him and said,
“Be quiet and come out of him!”
And the unclean spirit convulsed
him, shouted with a loud voice,
and came out of him.
Mark 1:25,26
The terms “unclean spirit” and “demon” are interchangeable in Scripture. The term unclean spirit appears in the New Testament over twenty times. In those passages it is clear unclean spirits can possess people, cause sickness, and be the factor of creating much harm. (Matt. 10:1; Lk. 6:18; Acts 5:16; 8:7).
His authority over the spirit world became apparent that He is the “Kingdom of God that now had come near”. (Mk. 1:15). Jesus would have continued conflict with demonic forces from that moment on.
His being able to expel a demon by word of command astonished all the people. This was astounding to them that the demonic realm was forced to obey Him. His power and authority over demons caused His reputation to spread throughout Galilee.
Oddly, Jesus did not have any apparent power or authority as far as was recognized by man. He was not an earthly king with military or political power. He was not an earthly priest, nor even a scribe who supposedly held all knowledge of Jewish tradition.
His power and authority are in what He did and said according to the will of God. In other words, Jesus acted on God’s authority. Evil spirits love wickedness and work contaminating all of God’s creation. Some are eviler than others. (Lk. 11:26). All evil spirits are under God’s authority. Satan can do nothing on his own, he has no authority! (Job 1:12).
The most recorded demonic activity was when Jesus walked the earth. This was allowed so He could demonstrate His power and authority over demonic activity. Jesus speaking with such authority showed the demonic forces that He had complete control, power, and authority over their realm.
Jesus has not quit and is still waging war on demonic forces, protecting those who choose to take refuge in Him.
God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
As it was with the scribes, Jesus being a threat to their comfortable lives, sometimes He nudges us out of our comfort zones to walk side by side with Him through this journey called life.
HEALING PETER’S MOTHER-IN-LAW
Matthew 8:14,15; Mark 1:29,31; Luke 4:38,39
A ‘sign’
As soon as they left the
synagogue, they went into
Simon and Andrew’s
house with James and John.
Mark 1:29
Simon (Peter) and Andrew were brothers, sons of Jonah (Matt. 16:17), who Jesus called to follow Him as they fished along the Sea of Galilee. (Matt. 4:18). James and John were also brothers, sons of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21), who were also fishing at the time Jesus called them to be His disciples. (Matt. 4:22).
Peter and Andrew were from the village of Bethsaida as were James and John. They now resided in Capernaum as Jesus had now left Nazareth and set His headquarters there. This was done after Jesus was rejected by the people of Nazareth who saw Him only as a carpenter’s son. (Lk. 4:22). Jesus stated, “Only in his hometown is a prophet without honor.” (Mk. 6:4).
On this day, Jesus and His disciples, after leaving the synagogue in Capernaum where a demon had been expelled by Him, entered Peter and Andrew’s house. Here Peter’s wife and mother-in-law also lived. This had already proven to be somewhat of a different Sabbath at the synagogue. After a short walk to Peter and Andrew’s home they enter the house, more than likely, ready for food and rest.
Scripture is silent as to the character of Peter’s mother-in-law. It is presumed she was a middle-aged widow, since there is no mention of a father-in-law, and she is living in the home of her son-in-law. By all appearances, this is a typical Jewish family unit.
Simon’s mother-in-law
was suffering from a
high fever, and they
asked Him about her.
Luke 4:38
Peter’s mother-in-law having a high fever indicates this was a life-threatening matter needing immediate attention. Possibly there had been others in attendance, including her own daughter, who were trying to bring the fever down by any and all conventional methods. As Jesus entered the home all looked to Him for the answer.
His disciples had known of His healing of the official’s son recently and just that day He had healed a man by expelling a demon from him, so naturally they turned to Him concerning the health of this beloved mother.
Scripture is silent as to what caused this woman’s high fever. In the ancient world a fever could be a stand-alone illness with little to no remedy for the reduction of the fever. There appeared to be no human solution to the malady, so all present put their hope in Jesus. All seemed to have faith He could cure her no matter the seriousness of the situation or how high the debilitating fever had become.
So, He stood over her and
rebuked the fever, and it left
her. She got up immediately
and began to serve them.
Luke 4:39
Illnesses are a consequence of living in a fallen world. Jesus proves He has power and authority over all earthly disease. In Luke’s account, Jesus spoke to the fever, and it left her immediately. Generally, with high fevers, come lethargy, dehydration, poor appetite, weakness, and total exhaustion.
Immediately appears to be the key word here. Immediately the fever left her and immediately her full strength and energy were regained. Rarely, if ever, is there immediate restoration after any kind of illness. The healing was so instantaneous that she begins serving all those within the home as if she had never been sick. Jesus rebuking the fever, once again reaffirmed His sovereignty over all illness.
All healing, be it physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual should have the same reaction Peter’s mother-in-law felt and that was to serve our Lord and Savior. She showed how thoroughly she was healed and how thankful she was.
Don’t worry about anything, but
in everything, through prayer and
petition with thanksgiving, let
your requests be known to God.
Philippians 4:6
HEALING SICK & DEMONIZED
Matthew 8:16,17; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:40,41
A ‘sign’
When evening came, after the
sun had set, they began
bringing to Him all those
who were sick and those
who were demon-possessed.
Mark 1:32
Jesus had been to the synagogue that Sabbath morning where He taught from the Old Testament scrolls plus healed a demonic. He had left there and upon entering the house of Peter and Andrew found Peter’s mother-in-law with a high fever. He rebuked the fever and it left immediately. There was only a handful of witnesses in the home when this ‘miracle’ occurred.
Up to this point the only healing Jesus had done was the official’s son who lived in Capernaum, but Jesus had been in Cana twenty miles away, at the time of that healing. He said the word and the son was healed “long distance”. In that ‘miracle’ the only person that really recognized it for what it happened to be was the official. No one in Cana went to Capernaum to check if he was truly healed. The servants saw him recover quickly from the illness but didn’t know how.
He had only that morning rebuked a demon, consequently driving it out of a man. Up to that point there is no mention of expelling demons from people. So, healing the sick and removing demons was a new and astounding ministry.
Word must have spread like wildfire concerning the expelling of the demon that Sabbath morning at the synagogue. Possibly Peter’s wife told friends of the amazing healing of her mother. Whatever the case people started converging on Peter’s house.
The Jewish new day began at sundown and since the sun was now setting that meant it was no longer the Sabbath and travel could resume. Interestingly, what determined sunset was the appearance of at least three stars in the sky. There were many restrictions concerning what one could and could not do on a Sabbath day. Traveling, carrying an invalid, and healing the sick fell in the “don’t” column.
As mentioned, “all” who had various diseases or demon possession were brought to Him. There was a Jewish presence in Capernaum as well as a large Roman habitation. It would appear He healed Jew and Gentile alike. With nothing mentioned in Scripture as to opposition of Gentiles being included in the healings the miracles must have been astonishing.
In that day, time, and culture, illness was thought to be a symptom of divine disfavor causing not only a person to be disabled but also them and their family to be ostracized. Jesus healing them not only gave them back their health, but their life was now restored also. And it was the same with the demon possessed. He healed all people with all different diseases who were brought to Him.
It is noteworthy that in this instance of mass healing and de-demonization nothing is mentioned of confession, repentance, faith, synagogue attendance, or the renouncing of pagan gods. Jesus did these healings and expulsion of demons for one reason, as a ‘sign’ that He is who He says He is.
The whole town was
assembled at the door.
Mark 1:33
As mentioned, word of all that was transpiring must have traveled quickly. The whole town being assembled at the door meant there could have been upwards of 1500 people outside the house and entry gate as that was believed to be the population of Capernaum at that time. This was no small gathering nor shortness of needs. There were the sick, the demon-possessed, and the wondering on-lookers.
The homes had a front door but also a surrounding wall or fence in or around the homes with a door or gate which, upon entering, would put a person inside what might be called a “front yard” area. This is the door the masses were more than likely gathered around.
Also, demons were coming
out of many, shouting and
saying, “You are the Son of
God!” But He rebuked them
and would not allow them
to speak, because they
knew He was the Messiah.
Luke 4:41
Imagine what a scene was going on with demons exiting people all the while shouting, “You are the Son of God!” It is not mentioned if the people could hear these demons or if only Jesus heard and rebuked them. None-the-less, this would have been an astounding visual even if there wasn’t sound to accompany it.
Jesus refused to let them speak or acknowledge who He is as He did not need demons, who reject the truth, making any kind of announcement on His behalf. The demons very well know who Jesus is simply because they have been before the throne of God. They were created in the heavenly realm but chose to leave that habitation. Thus, demons are fallen angels with no intention of doing anything but causing havoc and hate concerning the things of the Lord.
The demons were working at being a distraction to the miracles Jesus was performing. They cannot stand good, thus they tried to shut Jesus down from helping the infirmed and possessed. Satan is known as the “father of lies”, causing all his followers to be liars. Jesus did not need lying spirits to testify as to who He is. His miracles (signs) would do that for Him.
These healings and expulsions of demons were not a display to impress, but a ‘sign’ to substantiate who He is and what message He came to deliver. Demon possession can only occur through Divine permission, thus giving Jesus an opportunity to show His power over Satan, making clear His Deity.
Jesus has power over all evil and illness in this fallen world system. This miracle is a sign of what it will be like in the new world order when Jesus extracts all evil and heals all illnesses in the Eternal Kingdom.
He will wipe away every tear from
their eyes. Death will exist no
longer, grief, crying, and pain
will exist no longer, because the
previous things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
FIRST FISHING EXPEDITION
Luke 5:1-11
A ‘sign’
Jesus was teaching the crowds from Simon Peter’s boat that had been out on Lake Gennesaret all night, but the fisherman and his partners had caught nothing. Lake Gennesaret is a beautiful, heart shaped freshwater lake, over 690 feet below sea level. It is also known as Sea of Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Lake Chinnereth or Kinneret.
At the time Jesus would have made Capernaum His main stay, the lake could have upwards of over 200 boats catching, drying, and exporting fish all over the Roman Empire. Some of the fish were sardines preserved by pickling in Magdala. Some a medium size fish, today called Saint Peter’s fish, and some fish weighed up to 13 to 15 pounds.
When He had finished speaking,
He said to Simon, “Put out into
deep water and let down your
nets for a catch.” “Master, “
Simon replied, “we’ve worked
hard all night long and caught
nothing! But at Your word,
I’ll let down the nets.”
Luke 5:4, 5
Fishermen in this profession fished at night as the fish appeared in shallow water during those hours. During daylight hours the fish migrated to the much deeper, cooler waters within the lake making it hard, if not impossible, to reach the fish with their nets. One has to wonder what Peter must have thought when Jesus instructed him to drop his nets, not only in the day light hours, but also after a whole night of nothing.
However, this was not the first encounter Peter, his brother Andrew nor his partners in the fishing trade, James and John, had with Jesus. They had prior contact when Andrew told Simon Peter he had found the Messiah. (Jn. 1:41). By the time Jesus told Peter to let down his nets, he had seen Him heal a demon-possessed man in the synagogue at Capernaum and heal his mother-in-law from a high fever.
Thus, Peter had seen and was now gathering up faith that if Jesus said, “let down your nets” He possibly had a plan of action getting ready to materialize. There was indeed a catch so large the nets began to tear. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, and partners of Simon and Andrew, came to help filling both boats to the point they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he
fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go
away from me, because I’m a
sinful man, Lord!” “Don’t be
afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From
now on you will be catching people!”
Luke 5:8,10
These were Jewish men who would have been familiar with Old Testament scrolls such as Psalms 8:6-8 where it states He is “Lord over the fish of the sea.” Peter and all those with him were amazed to the point of realizing who He is and thus realizing his own sinful self. This one act showed these men He had the authority to call them into service leaving all behind.
This miracle was a significant sign that we can’t save ourselves, or even supply our own daily needs. We need a Provider and Savior to put us in His boat to fish for people. Simon Peter upon realizing, even if in part for the time being, who Jesus is realized his own sinful self as did Moses (Ex. 3:6) and Isaiah (Is. 6:5).
Thus, our encounter with Jesus has nothing to do with who we are or what we can do. It has to do with who He chooses to call, no matter how ordinary, for whatever purpose He has chosen, no matter how extraordinary.
Brothers, consider your calling:
Not many are wise from a human
perspective, not many powerful,
not many of noble birth.
1 Corinthians 1:26
THE CLEANSING OF A LEPER
Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-14
A ‘sign’
When He came down from the
mountain, large crowds followed
Him. Right away a man with a
serious skin disease came up
and knelt before Him, saying,
“Lord, if You are willing, You
can make me clean.”
Matthew 8:1, 2
By this time large crowds had seen or heard abut His healings of those suffering from diseases, fevers, demon-possession, and other physical and social maladies. Leprosy, however, was the most dreaded of all diseases.
It is a contagious disease affecting the skin, mucous membranes, and nervous system, causing discoloration and lumps on the skin. In severe cases, because of the deadening of nerve endings, a person would become maimed without knowing it causing disfigurement and deformities. It ends in mental decay, coma and death which may take 20 to 30 years of suffering before this occurs.
It is believed to spread through coughing or sneezing, (fluid from the nose), from an infected person. The ramifications from this disease are physical, psychological, financial, social, and spiritual. According to Luke 5:12, this man was completely covered in the outbreak of the disease.
A person suffering in this way in Jesus’ day was considered ceremonially unclean, thus they were a complete outcast. They were forced to live outside the city confines and had to declare themselves, in a loud voice, as unclean if anyone came near including family members. Leprosy was considered a curse from God thus, the leper was ostracized in the cruelest of ways by all of society, especially the religious sector. The belief system was the leper was cursed because of his sins.
For the leper to even approach Jesus raises the speculation that Jesus led the man to Himself supernaturally so as to use him for the miracle (sign) He was getting ready to perform. The man risked death by a great many in the crowd, not to mention if he believed he was cursed by God, why approach someone suspected of being the long, awaited Messiah from God?
Leprosy was considered humanly incurable. There are only two people recorded in the Old Testament as having been cured miraculously from the dreaded disease. They were Miriam (Num. 2:10-15) and Naaman (2 Kings 5:14).
Yet, this man, who more than likely was in the last stages of this dreaded disease approached with faith, believing Jesus could heal him. His faith only waivered a bit as to whether Jesus was willing to heal him.
Reaching out His hand He
touched him, saying,
“I am willing; be made
clean.” Immediately his
disease was healed.
Matthew 8:3
A rabbi would never have touched a leper at any stage of the disease. A ceremonial clean person would have immediately become unclean, thus prescribed rituals would be necessary and time consuming to become once again ‘clean’. (Lev. 13-14). Not only would a rabbi not touch a leper, but no one would come near someone with the disease, out of sheer fear, and would throw rocks at them to keep them at a distance.
Yet here is the man coming through the crowd toward Jesus with his request to be made clean. His request was not to be healed but to be made ceremonially clean, in other words his sins to be forgiven. He is immediately healed and cleansed by the mere touch of Jesus. One can only imagine the collected gasp that went out from the crowd with that lone gesture.
Touching the untouchable, Jesus showed He was above Old Testament Law and cared more for the man’s wellbeing than men’s ritual rules. The incurable was cured by a simple touch by the great Physician immediately, completely, and clearly for all to see.
Then He sternly warned him
and sent him away at once,
telling him, “See that you
say nothing to anyone; but
go and show yourself to the
priest and offer what Moses
prescribed for your cleansing,
as a testimony to them.”
Mark 1:43, 44
The man did indeed benefit from the release of the dreaded disease he had been living with, probably for a very long time, but that wasn’t the point of the ‘miracle’. Jesus did not come to perform like some street magician. He came to deliver a much greater miracle, the salvation of souls, the forgiveness of sins, thus reconciliation with God through Him.
It is understandable how elated this man must have felt at being truly set free from the prison of ostracism. But Jesus had instructed him to tell no one and to be examined by a priest. A cured leper was to be declared ceremonially clean by the priest and offer up a thanksgiving offering. Then he could be welcomed back into the community. Being examined and released by a priest would have proven Jesus had completely cured the man of his disease.
Imagine the impact this would have had on the priest of the day. Here is a man standing before him claiming to be healed of the most dreaded of diseases simply by the touch of a ‘rabbi’. This would have been Jesus’ subtle hint as to who the ultimate High Priest really is.
Leprosy was considered a visible, outward sign of an invisible, inward sin. Leprosy and sin both defile and incapacitate. As leprosy caused physical death, sin causes eternal death. As there was no human cure for leprosy, neither is there for sin. It takes the miraculous cleansing touch of Jesus.
A sinner coming before Jesus for forgiveness is as instantly and totally cleansed as this poor leper was. The sinner is reconciled back to God as the leper was welcomed back into the community.
Jesus had just recently called His first disciples to follow Him and He would teach them to fish for people. This was their first fishing lesson. Jesus is still in the fishing business and is still calling out people to fish for people.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation, old things
have passed away, and look,
new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
HEALING A CENTURION’S SERVANT
Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10
A ‘sign’
Jesus had already proven His authority over time and space with the healing of the Roman official’s son while he was in Capernaum and Jesus was some twenty miles away in Cana.
When He had concluded all His
sayings in the hearing of the people,
He entered Capernaum. A centurion’s
slave, who was highly valued by him,
was sick and about to die. When the
centurion heard about Jesus, he sent
some Jewish elders to Him, requesting
Him to come and save the life of his slave.
Luke 7:1-3
The possibility arises that the Roman official whose son Jesus had healed at a distance and this centurion knew each other. The population of Capernaum at that time was only about 1500 citizens. The royal official whose son Jesus had healed, was believed to be an officer in the court of Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee. The centurion on the other hand, was in command over 100 Roman soldiers who would walk through the city in marching order with sword, shield, and armor. All was quite stoic, and the centurions would ride alongside the troops on horseback. Both appear to have worked in the favor of the Roman Government.
This particular centurion appears very different from the stereo type, everyday officer who was known to care nothing for the simple Jew, or any slave under his authority. The feeling was mutual in that the Jews hated the Roman soldiers because of their oppression and control over them. However, this Roman centurion earnestly believed Jesus was from God and capable of healing his beloved slave who was near death.
A centurion was chosen for his size, strength, and dexterity. He had to be literate so as to read written orders. As a commanding officer, he would have been used to delegating work efforts to others, thus sending some Jewish leaders to Jesus for his request to heal his slave would not have been out of the ordinary. The word slave or servant in the Bible does not always mean a domestic subservient but is sometimes applied to anyone under authority of another. As a commanding officer he understood the principal of authority and not having to be present to accomplish a task.
As a Gentile and an Army officer, he knew the feelings the Jews had of both these groups and may have assumed the possibility Jesus would not come to his and the servant’s aid if he had sought out the help of this extraordinary Jew himself.
Some reports indicate Roman soldiers had to be at least thirty years old, serve twenty years and were not allowed to have a family within that time of service. This slave appears to be very dear to the centurion as this may have been all the family he had. He may have been a very responsible person under his authority that indeed he valued greatly.
According to some translations the word “palsy” or “paralyzed” is used in place of “sick.” In a violent form of the disease, in Eastern countries, the limbs become immovably fixed in the position they were in at the time of the attack; the suffering is intense, and death usually soon follows. Palsy is one of the least curable of diseases. (The System Bible Study).
As mentioned, this centurion appears to be very caring of the Jewish people and their nation. It is recorded he loved the nation to the point he even built a synagogue for the community in which he lived.
“Lord,” the centurion replied,
“I am not worthy to have You
come under my roof. But only say the
word, and my servant will be cured.
Matthew 8:8
If a Jew entered the home of a Gentile, he immediately was considered unclean according to Jewish tradition. (Jn. 18:28). In all probability, this centurion was of the belief if Jesus entered his home, he would be the cause of Jesus becoming defiled. It appears he did not want to bring this upon Him, thus his instruction to just say the word and his servant would be healed. This centurion was remarkable in his faith believing Jesus could heal just by speaking healing into being.
Not only had this Roman centurion not been brought up to believe in the God of Israel but, possibly had a previous belief system of false gods prevalent at that time, in that area. His faith, in that case, would have truly been amazing.
Then Jesus told the centurion,
“Go. As you have believed, let it
be done for you.” And his servant
was cured that very moment.
Matthew 8:13
As the centurion believed orders could be carried out by others, even at a distance, Jesus proved his believing to be correct. The faith this centurion had was exactly what Jesus had been looking for in Israel but unable to find. Jesus was letting all know that faith is the prerequisite for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, be them a Jew or a Gentile. Because of the centurion’s faith, Jesus healed his beloved servant at that very moment. Jesus only healed Gentiles on two different occasions and only then from a distance. (Matt. 8:13; 15:28).
Now without faith it is impossible to please God,
for the one who draws near to Him must believe
that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
HEALING A PARALYTIC
Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26
A ‘sign’
Then they came to Him bringing a
paralytic carried by four men.
Since they were not able to bring
him to Jesus because of the crowd,
they removed the roof above
where He was. And when they
had broken through, they
lowered the stretcher on
which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:3,4
The houses in this day and time had flat sturdy roofs offering an open second floor. The people would sit and visit on these roofs in the cool of the evening and sleep there on hot summer nights. Wooden beams reached from one wall to the other and were then covered with a mixture of branches and clay. Stairs or a ladder led up to the roof.
These men appear to have carried their friend, who was paralyzed and on a stretcher up the stairs to the roof where they removed a part of the roof between beams and lowered him to Jesus. This not only would have taken a great deal of strength from the four friends but an enormous amount of faith on the part of all five men. Faith that Jesus could and would heal.
Seeing their faith, Jesus told
the paralytic, “Son, your
sins are forgiven.”
Mark 2:5
They appear to have much faith as far as Jesus’ healing abilities. The unexpected was when Jesus announced to the paralyzed man his sins were forgiven. This raises the possibility that his paralysis was the result of some sin in his life. Scripture, however, is silent as to how the man’s paralysis came to be, so it is only speculation as to whether it was caused from sinful behavior or some other source.
Jesus surprisingly chose to heal the man spiritually before any physical healing took place. By doing things in this manner, Jesus was claiming divine authority, as only God can forgive sins. The religious leaders understood what Jesus was claiming thus their collective thinking that He was blaspheming.
Jesus did indeed have the authority to forgive the man’s sins but without a miracle (sign) the religious leaders and people would not believe it. But with the statement alongside a miracle taking place no one could doubt what Jesus was saying and doing. It was made clear He had the power to heal both spiritually and physically.
But perceiving their thoughts,
Jesus said, “Why are you thinking
evil things in your hearts? For
which is easier: to say, ‘Your
sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get
up and walk’? But so, you may know
that the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins” – then He
told the paralytic, “Get up, pick
up your stretcher and go home.”
Matthew 9:4-6
The religious leaders thinking Jesus was blaspheming concerning these circumstances was the first opposition to Jesus and His ministry. From this moment on they would oppose Him at every opportunity that arose.
Jesus had just perceived their hostile thoughts and confronted them publicly. Referring to Himself as the Son of Man would have immediately raised eyebrows as these religious leaders would have been familiar with Daniel 7:13 where one such as Jesus was prophesied to come, being called the “Son of Man.”
Jesus stating ‘your sins are forgiven’ followed by ‘get up and walk’ was visible proof of an invisible reality. Jesus had the authority to forgive sins and the power to heal bodies thus showing He was God in flesh form.
Being called ‘Son of God’ emphasizes the fact He is fully God. Being called ‘Son of Man’ indicates He is fully man and thus can identify with our needs and sufferings and help us overcome frustration, anxiety, and all-encompassing sin.
The man, no longer in the state of paralysis, got up and went home much to the amazement of the crowd gathered around. The people had an overwhelming feeling of reverence along with fear and wonder, giving glory to God who has authority to achieve such a marvel.
Jesus’ critics in the crowd had to recognize the man’s sins had been forgiven along with the ability to pick up his mat and walk. Forgiving sins and healing bodies was absolute proof He had authority to do so, and He should be accepted as God’s Messiah.
The prayer of faith will save
the sick person and the Lord will
raise him up; and if he has committed
sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:15
Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11
A ‘sign’
He told the man with the paralyzed
hand, “Stand before us.” Then He
said to them, “Is it lawful on the
Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to
save life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Mark 3:3, 4
Jesus had entered a synagogue where this man with the paralyzed hand was in the crowd. By now, the Pharisees were in opposition to anything Jesus said or did. They were constantly on the lookout for any infraction, such as a healing on the Sabbath, which could be taken before the Sanhedrin, an assembly of ‘learned’ rabbis.
The possibility arise this man may have been placed in the synagogue for the sole purpose of testing Jesus, in hopes they caught Him going against their Law and exposing Him as a fraud. Violating the Sabbath was punishable by death. (Ex. 31:14).
These Jewish leaders were so intent on the Law of Moses, in addition to the hundreds of man-made laws they had incorporated, that they missed the human compassion that Jesus had on all people. He was going to show the crowd in the synagogue the purpose of the Sabbath was to do good. To do nothing to help one, especially one of their own, was evil.
Jesus had just exposed the religious elite as being more intent on personal gain than doing the purpose of their work which was to point people to God. They enjoyed the status they held within the community, thus drawing attention to themselves. Jesus was also drawing attention to them, but certainly not the kind they wanted.
Jesus looked around with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts. He then commands for the man to hold out his hand and it is immediately restored where both hands are now the same. Scripture is silent as to this man’s reaction to the healing of his hand. Whether he just happened to be in the synagogue that day or was a plant of the Pharisees, it would go without saying he gained a great victory that day.
Scripture is specific that this was the man’s ‘right’ hand that was paralyzed. It was the custom that the right hand only could be used for eating or accepting food, as the left hand was considered unclean. This being the case this man, more than likely, had been a social outcast, embarrassed, humiliated and lonely. Jesus did much more than just heal the man’s hand; He restored his life.
Immediately the Pharisees went
out and started plotting with
the Herodians against Him, how
they might destroy Him.
Mark 3:6
The Herodians were those who were followers of the Herod dynasty and were not a religious entity but a political party. The Pharisees and Herodians were not in favor of one another until both became opposers of Jesus. Both felt Jesus influencing the people was working against their best interests, thus working together they could rid themselves of this menace to society.
The Herodians are mentioned only on two different occasions, once in Galilee and then in Jerusalem. In both times mentioned, they are connected with the Pharisees. The decision had been finalized – Jesus had to go! If this meant two enemies had to work together to make this happen – so be it!
Jesus restoring a man’s life circumstances had a curious reaction from the religious leaders. Blind rage and irrational hatred became their life as they plotted how to kill this Person who humiliated them publicly. Who asked questions in a way they were unable to answer. Who when asked a question, answered with a question. They were a proud lot and this Galilean was quickly becoming an embarrassment to their elite establishment.
The Pharisees hated Him religiously and the Herodians saw Him as a political threat. According to the Mosaic Law healing could not take place unless it was a matter of life and death. Healing was considered practicing medicine and that would be construed as ‘working’. So, according to the Pharisees, Jesus’ act of healing on the Sabbath was against the Law.
Actually, Jesus did nothing that could be considered as ‘work’ to heal the man’s paralyzed hand. He only commanded the man to hold out his hand and the healing immediately took place. Somehow, they missed the irony as they plotted Jesus’ murder, which clearly was against the Law of Moses. Jesus had not broken the Law, but they were getting ready to do just that.
Then He told them, “The Sabbath
was made for man and not man
for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son
of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27, 28
Luke 7:11-17
A ‘sign’
Just as He neared the gate of the town,
a dead man was being carried out.
He was his mother’s only son and she
was a widow. A large crowd from
the city was also with her.
Luke 7:12
As Jesus, His disciples and a large crowd with Him were about to enter the city of Nain they come upon this funeral procession. The only time this town is mentioned is in connection with the raising of this widow’s son from the dead.
The town of Nain today is an occupied Arab village and is located about twenty-five miles southwest of Capernaum and approximately four miles southeast of Nazareth overlooking the Jezreel Valley.
The funeral is for a woman’s only son. This is a person who has already endured the pain of widowhood. Now the loss of her son would have left her in a state of sheer desperation, and totally dependent on the mercy of others.
It is noted there was a large crowd from the city with her indicating she was well known within the community. Also, as was the custom, according to oral Jewish tradition, upon the death of a family member, a minimum of two flute players and a professional wailing woman had to be hired for the dead. It is not recorded if this was the case within this group, but it appears this mother/son duo was loved by many. By all appearances the group of mourners was large and the heartache great.
When the Lord saw her, He had
compassion on her and said,
“Don’t cry.” Then He came up
and touched the open coffin, and
the pallbearers stopped. And He
said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”
Luke 7:13, 14
Jesus stating “young man” leads to the belief he was a young adult of working age, and more than likely, the woman’s only source of income. This woman, who is nameless and never speaks any recorded words was bearing the unbelievable pain of the loss of her child and an economic disaster in her future.
Jesus touching the open coffin probably caused a state of shock and a large gasp from the crowd as the pallbearers stopped dead in their own tracks. Anyone, much-less a rabbi, touching the open coffin of a dead person would have immediately caused the person to become ceremonially unclean. Who was this Person who would dare to do such a thing?
In that moment, Jesus reassured those looking on that He had just reversed the sin curse of death. He showed victory over death as He raised this widow’s son to life. In the near future, His own widowed mother would witness her Son raised to life, winning victory over death permanently and for all eternity.
The dead man sat up and
began to speak, and Jesus
gave him to his mother.
Luke 7:15
It is hard to imagine what this widow felt when her son sat up and began to speak. The crowd was trying to gather their own thoughts as to what had just happened.
Then fear came over everyone,
and they glorified God, saying,
“A great prophet has risen among us, “
and “God has visited His people.”
Luke 7:16
Elijah (1 Kings 17) and Elisha (2 Kings 4), two great prophets, had each raised a woman’s son from the dead. These people gathered around this woman’s son now raised from the dead, were probably having recall of these stories concerning the great prophets and assumed another was now among them. God, indeed, was “visiting His people.”
Only Luke, who is said to have been a medical doctor, records this miracle which assuredly would have had a great impact on him considering his profession. It is believed this is the first of three recorded instances where Jesus raised someone from the dead. In each case He spoke directly to the corpse. The dead in each circumstance heard His voice and obeyed, proving He has authority over the last sting – DEATH!
Death has been swallowed up
in victory. Oh Death, where is your
victory? Oh Death, where is your
sting? Now the sting of death
is sin, and the power of sin is the
law. But thanks be to God, who
gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
COMMANDING WIND & WAVE
Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-40; Luke 8:22-25
A ‘sign’
As He got into the boat, His
disciples followed Him. Suddenly,
a violent storm arose on the
sea, so that the boat was being
swamped by the waves.
But He was sleeping.
Matthew 8:23, 24
According to the ancient historian, Josephus, there would, at any given time, be more than 300 fishing boats on the Sea of Galilee. This body of water actually is a freshwater lake only thirteen miles long, seven miles wide, 150 miles deep and 680 feet below sea level.
A certain number of Jesus’ disciples were seasoned fishermen and no doubt had been in storms before. This one seems to have come up suddenly, as many of them did, but with a violent vengeance that alarmed all the disciples.
This sea was well known for a great turbulence that could come about instantly from the wind blowing across the surrounding hills and mountains, causing these unexpected storms, by dropping suddenly onto the sea. The cool air from the hills connecting with the tropical air surrounding the sea was well known in being the cause of these storms with waves as high as twenty feet.
So, the disciples came and woke
Him up, saying, “Lord, save us!
We’re going to die!”
Matthew 8:25
Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles before many and had decided to cross over from the west side of the Sea of Galilee to the east side where the towns were smaller and possibly the crowds would be also.
Scripture states Jesus was sleeping, indicating He was experiencing a tiredness from the day’s activities. The forgiving of sins and the miracles performed showed His Deity. The tiredness from the day’s activities proved His humanness.
The disciples, on the other hand, were wide awake and in a state of sheer panic as the waves looked as if they would sink the boat. By all they were seeing, Jesus appeared to be non-caring of their plight in this dangerous situation which could cause their imminent drowning. The sudden storm had brought the lake and the disciples into a frightened frenzy.
But He said to them, “Why are you
fearful, you of little faith?”
Then He got up and rebuked the
winds and the sea.
And there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:26
The disciples were Jews who attended synagogue each Sabbath and were familiar with the Old Testament Scrolls. Jesus first rebukes the men with Him in the boat. In all fairness to the disciples their fear, more than likely, took over their memory of God’s word. None-the-less, they are being scolded for their lack of faith. By this time, they had seen a number of miracles and been under His teachings, yet were still living and thinking in the physical, not yet in the spiritual.
What must have caught the fishermen of the group’s attention was the suddenness of the calming of the waves. A storm can suddenly stop but the raging of the waves continues for a while. In this particular instance, not only did the storm stop at the sound of His voice and obedience to His command but, the sea was immediately smooth like glass.
The calming, peaceful affect left the men with Him amazed and wondering just who this Person really was. These rough and tumble men were in reverential awe recognizing a supernatural experience had just transpired before them. Just possibly, when men and boat had made it safely to the other side of the lake, they may have had recall from their own Scriptures:
You rule the raging sea;
when its waves surge,
You still them.
Psalms 89:9
DROWNING DEMONS & PIGS
Matthew 8:28-33; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39
A ‘sign’
Then they came to the other
side of the sea, to the region
of the Gadarenes.
Mark 5:1
The disciples had just come through a horrific storm on their way to the eastern side of the sea. They had just experienced the immediate calm of the waves when Jesus exerted His power over nature. It had been a long day with Jesus teaching the throngs of people and an even longer evening what with the storm and the fear of drowning coming upon them.
Now they arrive in or close to a place called the Decapolis, directly opposite Galilee, which is an area of ten Greek cities, nine along the eastern shore of the Jordan and one on the western side. These ten Gentile cities belonged to no specific countries and even though they were within the Roman Empire borders, they were each self-governing. It is now late evening, early nightfall, as they arrive at this Gentile region.
When He got out on land, a
demon-possessed man from
the town met Him. For a
long time he had worn no
clothes and did not stay in
a house but in the tombs.
Luke 8:27
Matthew reports two men came out to meet Jesus as He and His disciples came upon land. Mark and Luke mention only one man. This is not a contradiction in that Jesus may only have interacted with the demon possessing one of the two men. The conversation Jesus has is actually with an unclean spirit indwelling the man, not the man himself.
These tombs were a good distance from any town and large enough for dwelling within the confines of the cave like structures. The unclean spirits would force these men to live in dark, filthy, solitude among the dead.
Jesus and His disciples coming not only into Gentile territory, but also landing at a place where the tombs of the dead were, is note-worthy. The touching of a dead body was considered the highest level of uncleanness a Jew could come upon, more importantly a priest. A Jewish person descended from the priestly line could not intentionally come into contact with a dead body, nor approach too closely to graves within a Jewish cemetery, much less a Gentile tomb. To the Jews, tombs were an abhorrence that brought about an uncleanness that only an insane person would seek out.
Scripture is silent as to what the disciples were now thinking. Were they even able to think after the day’s teachings and the evening boat ride over to this Gentile area where now they are among tombs and the demon possessed.
These demons had great destructive powers, forcing these men out of the city only to live in tombs among the dead. (Is. 65:4). These men caused not only a danger to themselves but a violence against others, as no one could bind or control them. Scripture notes they would scream out and cut themselves with sharp stones which portrays a type of false religion, demonic worship. (1 Kings 18:28).
When he saw Jesus from a distance
he ran and knelt down before Him.
And he cried out with a loud
voice, “What do You have to do
with me, Jesus, Son of the Most
High God? I beg You before
God, don’t torment me!”
Mark 5:6, 7
The demons possessing this man recognized and mentally agreed as to who Jesus is. They were fully aware there is a Judge and Judgment to come concerning them and their eternal destiny. This spokes-demon implored Jesus not to torture him by sending him to his final punishment into the lake of fire earlier than the allotted time. (Rev. 20:10).
Interestingly, the demons possessing this poor soul immediately recognized Jesus from a distance and forced the man to run and kneel before Him. (Phil. 2:10,11). These demons were acknowledging His power and His control over them. This was a presentation of respect, not worship. Apparently, they understood running from Jesus was not going to work in their favor.
“What is your name?” He asked him.
“My name is Legion,” he answered Him,
“Because we are many.” Now a large
herd of pigs was there feeding on
the hillside. The demons begged Him,
“Send us to the pigs, so we may enter
them.” And He gave permission.
Then the unclean spirits came out and
entered the pigs, and the herd of about
2,000 rushed down the steep bank
into the sea and drowned there.
Mark 5:9, 11-13
The word “Legion” is of Latin origin, i.e. Roman regiment (figuratively) according to Strong’s Concordance. Obviously, Jesus did not need to know the demon’s name but rather to initiate an object lesson, once again, for His disciples.
The demon giving his name as “Legion” indicated there were many demons indwelling the man. A Roman legion consisted of about 6,000 men. Six centurions, each one commanding a unit of 100 men, would be combined to make up a cohort of 600 men. Then ten cohorts would be combined to make up a legion or about 6,000 men, this being the backbone of the Roman army.
The spokes-demon of the many making up the demonic army, doing Satan’s bidding throughout this region, begged to not be sent out of the area. Demons desire to have live bodies to indwell, thus the request to indwell the swine on the side of the hill, if indeed Jesus saw fit to expel them from the man (men).
A demon’s job is to steal, kill, and destroy, thus the need to indwell live beings. (Jn. 10:10). To be in a disembodied state would limit their destructive powers to withstand the will of God. The demons certainly knew and understood Jesus had all control over them now and in the future. Nothing was going to happen without His permission.
As it turned out Jesus did give His permission for the demons to enter approximately 2000 pigs. But unclean spirits, doing what unclean spirits do, caused the pigs to become instantly crazed and disoriented, thus running down the steep hill into the lake and drowned. Interestingly, pigs can swim, thus proving Jesus has control of both the physical and spiritual outcome of beings.
The men tending the pigs must have wondered what had just happened. As best they were able, they ran to tell the people in the town and countryside all they had just witnessed.
They came to Jesus and saw the
man, who had been demon possessed
by the legion, sitting there, dressed
and in his right mind; and they
were afraid. Then they began to
beg Him to leave their region.
Mark 5:15, 17
Fear was a contributing factor in the townsfolk wanting Jesus to leave the area, but not the only reason for Him to do so. For starters He had just managed to send 2000 pigs down into the towns water supply causing a great stink and a horrible pollution problem. It appears the locals were more concerned about their financial livelihood of farming swine than the removal of demonic activity within this Gentile region.
How aware these Gentiles were of demons and the destructive doings attributed to them is not mentioned. It is clear they didn’t seem to care much about the demoniac’s new condition. They appear to be ready for Jesus to leave the area before there was increased economic loss, or any more disruption in their lives. Jesus’s presence meant change. The people had been given a visible lesson on demonic chaos versus God given sanity. The people felt keeping things the way they were was the easier and better choice.
The man from whom the demons
had departed kept begging Him to
be with Him. But He sent him
away and said, “Go back to your
home, and tell all that God has
done for you.” And off he went,
proclaiming throughout the town
all that Jesus had done for him.
Luke 8:38, 39
One has to wonder what the former demoniac must have thought. Being that he had now regained his sanity did he realize that could have been him forced to run down the hillside into the lake and drown. The man must have been of a sane mind at one point in time as Jesus instructs him to return to his home and his family to attest to the miraculous healing that had transpired. Did he realize Jesus not only had restored him physically but his spiritual destiny also? Apparently, he had some idea as he became a Greek evangelist to the Gentile region of the Decapolis.
The possibility arises this one man may have been the reason for Jesus entering this Gentile area. All for this one Gentile convert, thus showing His disciples the importance of one lost soul. Jesus meets everyone right where they are. One does not need to ‘clean up’ for the meeting to take place. This former Gentile demoniac is the first recorded witness of Jesus in a Gentile area. There are no further recordings of Jesus ever returning to this region.
Scripture is silent as to what the disciples must have thought. Why go to a Gentile region in the first place? As mentioned before, it was probably thought the large crowds would be much less. Not only did it end up where there was a crowd of people in the vicinity, but also a legion of demons and a herd of pigs which Jews considered unclean. (Lev. 11:27). Pigs were detestable to Jews, to the point they could not eat or even touch one.
But Jesus knew His plan for this region. This one lone man being ‘cleaned up’ and now of sound mind became a living example of Jesus’ power over the demonic world.
You believe that there is one God;
believe and they shudder.
James 2:19
HEALING A WOMAN’S SUFFERING
Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48
A ‘sign’
A woman suffering from bleeding
for 12 years had endured much
under many doctors. She had
spent everything she had and
was not helped at all. On the
contrary, she became worse.
Mark 5:25, 26
The unnamed woman had an internal hemorrhage that had continued for the last twelve years. To experience a hemorrhage would be to undergo heavy or uncontrollable bleeding. This would have left her not only physically anemic, but spiritually and ceremonially unclean. (Lev. 15:25-27). She would have been a social outcast for the past twelve years. This would have cost her being able to attend any family or friend functions. She would not have been allowed fellowship at a synagogue or at the temple with other women, leaving her no communication with others.
Scripture is silent as to what caused this woman’s debilitating condition but is clear she had reached the point of sheer desperation. A woman in that day and culture would never have reached out to touch a man, priest, or rabbi as that then would cause that person to become unclean as well. Thus, her reasoning to touch only His garment. Her being in a large crowd of people, touching, bumping, and making contact caused all to become unclean.
Scripture indicates she had been to many doctors, but not only did she not become well, but became worse. It is stated she could not be healed indicating there was no cure for her condition. (Lk. 8:43). The concoction of medicines and incantations of healing procedures were of no use leaving her not only disabled but financially she was now poverty stricken. She now was in a position where physically she was unable to do any kind of work so to afford more doctors. She now had become hopelessly defeated physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. By this time, she was in such a desperate state that she was willing to try anything. It appears the one thing the woman had maintained was her faith.
For she said, “If I can just touch
His robes, I’ll be made well!”
Mark 5:28
Scripture indicates this nameless woman had heard of Jesus as had many others causing crowds surrounding Him to be great in size. But, in her desperation she needed to just touch His robe, as touching Him would cause Him to become unclean, she believed. As she touched the robe, she instantly sensed her body was cured of her affliction. Energy she had not been able to experience for twelve years must have returned to her immediately as she feels the healing.
At once Jesus realized in Himself
that power had gone out from
Him. He turned around in the crowd
and said, “Who touched My robes?”
Mark 5:30
Obviously, Jesus knew who had touched Him. He did not ask the question for knowledge but to show His disciples, the woman, and the crowd crushing Him on all sides what faith can do. It is interesting to note that Jesus was being ‘touched’ by many, but recognized that one in faith had touched Him, versus the many curiosity seekers pressing against Him.
The woman knew she had touched His robe, knew she had instantaneously been healed, and knew Jesus knew who touched Him. Thus, she came forward in ‘awe and trembling’ and fell at His feet. With this gesture and her confession, her faith became very public to the surrounding crowd.
“Daughter,” He said to her, “your
faith has made you well. Go in peace
and be free from your affliction.”
Mark 5:34
The woman was healed at that very moment. Interestingly, the flow from the hemorrhage would normally need to have stopped for seven days before a priest could declare her clean. In declaring her immediately healed He was declaring Himself the High Priest. By touching the hem of His garment, she was immediately made clean, thus sparing the whole of the crowd from becoming unclean.
Imagine her response of gratitude for the healing, but to be called ‘daughter’, affirming she belonged to Him, would have been something hard to grasp. This poor lady had been sick and ostracized for twelve years. In healing her, He was handing her back to her family, allowing her to have friends to communicate with, allowing access to the synagogue and temple, and in general restoring her to life once again.
The Lord is near the brokenhearted.
He saves those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
NOTE: Jesus restored this nameless woman, who had been dreadfully ill for twelve years, on His way to restore Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter, who had now died. Biblically, the number twelve is considered a perfect number. It symbolizes God’s power, authority, and represents completeness. It can be found 187 times in the Bible.
RAISING JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
Matthew 9:18, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43;
Luke 8:40-42, 49-56
A ‘sign’
Jesus and His disciples left the region of the Gerasenes, crossing back over to the westside of the Sea of Galilee. It is not mentioned but it is believed they returned to Capernaum. As had now become the custom, a large crowd was waiting for Him along the shore.
One of the synagogue leaders,
named Jairus, came, and when
he saw Jesus, he fell at His
feet and kept begging Him,
“My little daughter is at death’s
door. Come and lay Your hands
on her so she can get well and
live.” So Jesus went with him…
Mark 5:22-24a
A synagogue is a Jewish facility for religious teaching and for the purpose of religious worship. A traditional Jewish synagogue required ten Jewish adult males (male over the age of 13) for it to exist.
The temple where Jews would gather was in Jerusalem and thus too far a distance for all worshipers to attend each Sabbath. Synagogues were formed in towns for study, worship, and fellowship. Interestingly, the term synagogue is from the Greek term meaning ‘house of assembly’.
Jairus was a leader in the local synagogue and was responsible for maintaining the building and worship services. He appears to be a well-known, respected leader in the community.
As mentioned in an earlier chapter the population of Capernaum was approximately 1500 people. Town’s folk met daily at the synagogue, marketplace, community well, or each other’s homes. They talked, and the talk of the town these days was Jesus and His ‘miracles’. By this time, He had healed an official’s son, Peter’s mother-in-law, a paralytic, a leper, a centurion’s servant, a paralyzed hand, raised a widow’s son from the dead and de-demonized others.
There had been no prophet in the land for 400 years, nor any recorded miracles performed. Consequently, the crowds gathered either in belief Jesus could meet their needs or clustered around just out of sheer curiosity as to who this Person might be. Not all the religious leaders liked the new Person on the block. They were the important ones in town and this guy was stealing all their thunder.
But, Jairus, we are told, did trust and put his faith in Jesus as he fell at His feet. His young daughter was dying. He was desperate! The crowds were pressing hard against Jesus, yet this man fell at His feet publicly where he could not be ignored.
Had he only ‘thought’ Jesus might be able to meet his daughter’s need he probably would not have made such a public display of anxiousness. This is a religious leader who has now humbled himself in front of the entire crowd of people and all the other religious leaders.
This gentleman not only bows but he begs. He believed if Jesus would only lay His hands on his child she would be made well. Because of this man’s faith Jesus went with him so as to heal his daughter. He is interrupted for a short while as He heals the woman in the previous chapter of her affliction. He then continues to Jairus’ house. On the way there, people who had been with his daughter met them, stating his daughter had died.
But when Jesus overheard what was
said, He told the synagogue leader,
“Don’t be afraid. Only believe.”
Mark 5:36
From Scripture we are told that Peter, James, and John were the only disciples that went with Jesus and entered the house with Him. Interestingly, these are the same three witnesses to his transfiguration and who were with Him at the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mk. 9:2; 14:33).
Jairus’ precious daughter, he is now told, has died, thus no reason to bother Jesus further. But did this synagogue leader just hear correctly? The people coming out to meet him say she is dead, but Jesus is telling him to only believe!
As they get closer to the house and upon entering there is weeping and wailing to the point, that by all indication the child is indeed deceased. As mentioned earlier, in that day and culture, it was customary to hire professional mourners. If these mourners were not present at the death of a loved one, it was a great disgrace to show such disrespect. This professional wailing group was usually made up of women paid by the deceased person’s family members and included flute players and a lot of noise and commotion.
Even the poorest of families had at least a flute player and a mourner. In the case of Jairus’ daughter there was an immediate crowd and commotion by the time Jesus arrived indicating this synagogue leader held great respect within this community.
“Leave,” He said, “because the girl
isn’t dead but sleeping.” And
they started laughing at Him.
Matthew 9:24
Not long past, Jesus had raised a widow’s son from the dead at Nain, some 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. He had done this while the funeral procession was on the way out of the city with the professional mourners and flute players weeping and wailing. Had this news not reached the people of Capernaum yet and this is why they laughed?
Or was it these were professional mourners? They knew when to weep and wail! Just who exactly was this young upstart who didn’t appear to know the difference between life and death? How dare Him tell them their business!
The mourners were more than likely a “drama queen” group of professionals who were able to go from chaotic uproar to mad laughing on a moment’s notice. From their point of view, they knew a dead person when they saw one. But Jesus was now prepared to show them His point of view. He was about to show them that not only did he know the difference between life and death, but He had authority of life over death.
Then He took the child by the
hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!”
(which is translated, “Little girl, I say to
you get up!”). Immediately the girl got
up and began to walk. (She was 12 years old.)
At this they were utterly astounded.
Mark 5:41, 42
After Jesus had put the professional mourners outside, He, the child’s parents, and the disciples who were with him entered her room. He took the young girl’s hand and spoke a command for her to rise.
Once again Jesus did the unthinkable in that he chose to touch a dead corpse. Jairus had originally approached Jesus asking that He lay His hand upon her to make her well. At that time his daughter was still alive.
After being told his daughter was dead, it appears he was in agreement to leave the ‘Teacher’ alone and not bother Him further. But Jesus had told the synagogue leader to “only believe.”
Scripture is silent as to what the parents must have felt when they saw this ‘Rabbi’ touch their deceased daughter’s corpse. And yet, through all their emotional distress, they see their child arise as if she had only been sleeping. He instructed the parents to feed her as this proved immediate restoration to a normal life.
Jesus also instructed the parents to tell no one as to how their daughter was healed. Her up walking and eating was proof enough a miracle had occurred. Again, He did not want to be known as a side-show miracle worker, but rather this was a ‘sign’ of His authority over life and death proving He is who He says He is.
Now without faith it is impossible to
please God, for the one who
draws near to Him must believe
that He exists and rewards
those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
GIVING SIGHT TO THE BLIND
Matthew 9:27-31
A ‘sign’
Blindness is a malady that has been around from the earliest times. Mosaic laws and customs taught persons suffering from loss of sight should be treated with great humanity. (Lev. 19:14). It was prophesied in the Old Testament Scrolls the Messiah would restore sight to the blind and recorded in the New Testament where Jesus did just that on several occasions.
As Jesus went on from there,
two blind men followed Him,
shouting, “Have mercy
on us Son of David!”
Matthew 9:27
As Jesus left the house where He had raised the twelve-year old daughter of Jairus back to life, word spread rapidly. Jesus had expelled the crowd of mourners from the synagogue leader’s house and the possibility arises these two unnamed, ageless, blind men were part of that crowd.
A young girl being brought back to life would have indeed caused quite a commotion and apparently was not lost on these two men. They may have been blind beggars in the vicinity when this miracle occurred, as the blind felt those coming out of the synagogue would be more apt to show kindness and generosity in their plight.
Scripture is silent as to how blind men were able to keep up with Jesus as He walked back to the house where He was staying. Possibly friends were helping them along just as the paralytic’s friends had dropped him through the ceiling to reach Jesus. They may have been part of the expelled crowd seeking to witness yet another ‘miracle’ and so led them to Jesus. They may have been part of the crowd following Him around for some time thus being aware of all Jesus was doing for others. There is no mention as to how these two became aware of Jesus and His healing of the infirmed.
They not only followed Him but, called out loudly addressing Him as ‘Son of David’. Taking into consideration David lived approximately 1000 years before Jesus, the word ‘son’ literally means descendant. Calling Him by this title indicates they were Jews recognizing Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. (Is. 9:7). Attending synagogue, they would have heard how He would raise the dead (Is. 26:19) and give sight to the blind (Ps. 146:8).
The two beggars were physically blind but could see spiritually Jesus for who He is. The spiritual leaders, on the other hand, could see physically but were spiritually blinded by their own self-worth.
Again, Capernaum was only about 1500 in population. Jesus had, on several occasions, been teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He had expelled an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue, healed those who were sick and demonized, healed a paralytic and again healed, in the synagogue, a man with a paralyzed hand. He had raised a widow’s son from the dead and a synagogue leader’s daughter back to life. Word was spreading, not only within the confines of Capernaum but throughout the entire region.
Interestingly, these men did not try and make amends or admit guilt of any form. By simply asking for mercy, they understood they had no argument or deserving quality that Jesus should give sight to them. All they could ask for was His compassion concerning their circumstance.
When He entered the house, the blind
men approached Him, and Jesus
said to them, “Do you believe that I can do
this?” “Yes Lord,” they answered Him.
Matthew 9:28
Jesus does not appear to show recognition to the men calling out to Him until He had entered the house where He was staying. One reason for this, maybe He knew He was about to give sight to the blind but did not want to perform this in a public arena, but in a private setting.
The men were persistent in their pursuit of Jesus for the purpose of physical healing. Jesus was intent on addressing their faith level before healing their physical ailment. Faith is the basic ingredient for a relationship with God. Jesus asked the simple question of “do you believe I can do this?” The men answered His question in the affirmative addressing Him as Lord thus acknowledging His deity.
He did not ask this question for the purpose of gaining knowledge. He needed these two men to understand the depth of their own faith and what it could bring about. Faith is an essential to salvation. Faith is the unqualified assent of the mind to the truths of God, either revealed or concealed. (The Comprehensive Analysis of the Bible).
Scripture states He touched their eyes and their eyes were opened, according to their faith. Faith is a heartfelt readiness to receive what God chooses to give. Jesus could have spoken sight to them but chose to lovingly touch them proving their faith in Him opened their eyes and not some accidental happenstance.
Blindness was prevalent in this part of the world simply because of blinding sun, blowing sand, and/or disease. It is also noted some became blind because of sin. Faith, on the other hand, was limited as the religious leaders drew people to themselves instead of God. Jesus was not performing miracles on demand but teaching the importance of faith in the miracles.
How or what caused these two men to be blind is unknown. As mentioned, the blind had no way of supporting themselves but to beg for the benevolence of others as they would grope their way around and cry out. Jesus healing them not only gave them sight but restored life and dignity to them.
Then Jesus warned them sternly,
“Be sure that no one finds out!” But they
went out and spread the news about
Him throughout that whole area.
Matthew 9:30, 31
As mentioned earlier, Jesus did not answer these two men as they called out to Him until they were inside a home. He had not wanted this to be a public spectacle but a private lesson. These men had been in a physical darkness for an unknown amount of time. Jesus entered time and space to heal a sin-filled darkness spiritually, to show He is the light of the world.
He had warned sternly these two, now sight-seeing men, to tell no one. By dictionary definition ‘sternly’ means ‘in a serious and severe manner, especially when asserting authority or exercising discipline.’ Yet, these two spread the word throughout the whole area.
In their defense, they were understandably exuberant at gaining their sight. None-the-less, they had begged for a favor but, were resistant to what Jesus asked of them in return. These same two men had earlier proclaimed Jesus as ‘Lord’ with genuine faith He could heal them.
In their excitement they missed the deeper meaning of their healing. Jesus is not the temporary means to an end. This only caused more chaos and commotion from the curiosity seekers. Jesus did indeed have compassion on the hurting but, His miracles were mainly ‘signs’ that authenticated who He is.
“I am the light of the world.
Anyone who follows Me will
never walk in darkness but
will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
TAMING OF THE TONGUE
Isaiah 35:4-6; Matthew 9:32-34; Luke 11:14-16
A ‘sign’
“God’s retribution is coming;
He will save you.” Then the
eyes of the blind will be opened,
and the ears of the deaf
unstopped. Then the lame will
leap like a deer, and the tongue
of the mute will sing for joy.
Isaiah 35:4-6
Again, some 700 years before the time of the Messiah’s arrival, Isaiah prophesied there would be changes made concerning people. Through God’s healing power the blind would see, the deaf would hear, the lame would walk, and those unable to speak would shout. These ‘signs’ were accomplished at Jesus’ first coming and will occur on a permanent basis at His second arrival.
Isaiah’s prophesy was concerning spiritual restitution for Israel. Jesus’ miracles were first for spiritual but accompanied by physical healings to prove He was indeed the long, awaited Messiah. The religious leaders of the day were fully aware of the Isaiah scrolls and should have recognized Jesus immediately for who He is.
Just as they were going out,
a demon-possessed man
who was unable to speak
was brought to Him.
Matthew 9:32
Just before this poor demon-possessed soul was brought before Jesus, He had healed two blind men and was now leaving the house where sight had been given them. It appears this man had either friends or family that brought him to Jesus in the hope He would give him the ability to speak. It is unknown if they realized or had knowledge of him being demon-possessed or if they were only concerned with his inability to communicate with them and others.
When the demon had been driven out,
the man spoke. And the crowds
were amazed, saying, “Nothing like
this has ever been seen in Israel!”
Matthew 9:33
Jesus does indeed drive the demon out enabling the man to speak. Demonic activity was prevalent at the time Jesus walked the earth. There are more recorded circumstances of demonic interference while Jesus was on earth than at any other time in history. The reason demons were allowed to be active was to demonstrate Christ’s power and authority over them, proving He is who He says He is.
Demons are minions of Satan who tempt people to sin against God and others and have great destructive power. None-the-less, they can do nothing without God’s permissive will and lose all power when confronted by Jesus.
Scripture is silent as to how long this person had been demon-possessed and thus rendered speechless. It is also unknown as to what the man had done to become demon possessed. He apparently at one time was able to speak and knew words as it is mentioned as soon as the demon was expelled, he began talking.
The crowds following and crushing in on all sides were amazed! It is stated the masses had not seen such happenings as these in all of Israel. This had been a very busy day as far as miracles were concerned.
Jesus had cured a woman of her twelve-year hemorrhage on His way to raise Jairus’ daughter back to life. He had given sight to two blind men and now a speechless man was able to speak. Sadly, all they had seen appears to have been mere entertainment for the curious crowds.
The religious leaders had for so long pointed the masses to themselves that they not only believed their own rhetoric but so did the throngs of people. The leaders had the religious authority and control of their belief system. Their motives were insincere toward God. They needed to end Jesus’ teaching quickly as He was indeed stealing the limelight from them.
But some of them said, “He
drives out demons by Beelzebul,
the ruler of the demons!”
Luke 11:15
This Scripture shows how intent these so-called religious leaders were on not giving up their own self-importance. They knew how the Old Testament scrolls read concerning the coming Messiah. They watched as those prophesies unfolded before their eyes. Yet, they were the ones who maligned Him constantly and completely, instead of recognizing and leading the people to their Messiah.
The religious leaders had added so many restrictions to the Law of Moses. They were now being exposed as false religious teachers and this was becoming a reality that needed to end quickly. Their jealousy of this Man and His miracles was turning them into madmen.
They couldn’t refute the many miracles that were manifesting before their eyes, so they chose to ‘expose’ where they were originating from. The name Beelzebul (Beelzebub) is a name usually associated as a synonym for Satan, prince or leader of all devils. They had become so crazed that they couldn’t even hear their own lunacy. Why would Satan drive out demons and crush his own little kingdom?
And others, as a test, were demanding
of Him a sign from heaven.
Luke 11:16
Scripture is silent as to what kind of a ‘sign from heaven’ these people needed and/or expected. Jesus’ healing miracles should have been an amazing ‘sign’ that His teachings were true and Him being the Messiah was real. The kingdom of God had indeed come near. God’s will had been fulfilled on Earth in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Heal the sick who are there,
and tell them, ‘The kingdom of
God has come near you.’
Luke 10:9
HEALING AT BETHESDA
John 5:1-15
A ‘sign’
Scripture notes Jesus left the area of Capernaum and ventured up to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival. There were three pilgrim festivals each year that required males to come to the Temple at Jerusalem. They were the Festival of Passover (Pesach), the Festival of Weeks (Shavuot), and the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot).
The feast of Passover is a reminder of God liberating the Jews from slavery in Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses. The feast of Weeks represents the wheat harvest held in the spring representing God’s provision for Israel. The feast of Tabernacles looked backward and was for the Jews to remember God’s provisions in their wilderness wanderings for 40 years. It also looked forward to the promised Messianic age when all nations will go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
Which feast Jesus left for Jerusalem to attend is not mentioned but allows the reader to know why He was in Jerusalem.
By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem
there is a pool, called Bethesda
in Hebrew, which has five colonnades.
Within these lay a multitude of the
sick – blind, lame, and paralyzed –
John 5:2, 3a
Bethesda means “house of mercy.” The Sheep Gate had been repaired in Nehemiah’s day (Neh. 3:1). The Sheep Gate was more of a hole in the wall and was where the sheep were led to the Temple for sacrifice. The pool next to the hole in the wall would be used to bathe the sheep before slaughter.
Some scholars believe the pool was fed by the Siloam Springs and at one time used for ritual cleansing. At the time of Jesus, the belief was the pool had healing powers when stirred. The pool was actually two pools divided by one of the mentioned colonnades. The colonnades were made up of a series of spaced columns used to make a walkway and usually one side of a roof.
On the East side of Jerusalem are mineral springs that are known to be intermittent and have been witnessed to cause the pool water to rise a foot in five minutes. It is believed this is what stirred the water. (John 5:3b, 4 are not in the earlier and more reliable manuscripts, prior to 400 A.D. where it indicates an angel would stir the water).
Scripture states there was a great multitude of sick, especially blind, lame, and paralyzed laying on these porch-like structures. This ‘great multitude’ consisted not only of physical ailments, but a spiritual problem the religious leaders were not addressing.
been sick for 38 years. When
Jesus saw him lying there and
knew he had already been
there a long time, He said to
him, “Do you want to get well?”
John 5:5, 6
Out of the multitudes seeking healing Jesus chose to heal a man whom the crowds had witnessed as a hopeless case for 38 years. This gentleman had doubtfully not been there from infancy, or even childhood. He more than likely was an adult when he first appeared by the pool.
This being the case he would now be considered entering into his senior years. The King James Version uses the word infirmity rather than ‘sick’ which gives a clearer view as to this person being unable to move rather quickly. Infirmity means physical or mental weakness and is often used to describe the elderly or a person lacking physical strength.
The man explains to Jesus he doesn’t have anyone who can assist him to the pool when the waters become stirred. He does indicate that as he is going toward the pool someone gets ahead of him leading one to believe he is able to somewhat move but not in a quick manner. This again indicates age may be a factor. It appears he is alone but able to get to the colonnade each day on his own.
Jesus asking the man if he wanted to get well would surely have given the man a glimmer of hope, which he had not had for many years.
“Get up,” Jesus told him, “Pick
up your bedroll and walk!”
Instantly the man got well,
picked up his bedroll,
and started to walk.
John 5:8, 9
The key word here is ‘instantly’. This man’s muscles and tissue would have long been wasted away to a withered, shriveled state. His body would have required long term rehabilitation had this occurred any way other than a miracle. Jesus chose to heal this particular invalid not only on a Sabbath, but also at a feast time, all of which was forbidden according to the religious leader’s man-made laws.
Instead of being in awe of the man now being made well and having the much-needed energy to pick up his bedroll and walk, the religious ‘elite’ were indignant toward him and let him know that by picking up his bedroll he was committing an illegal act. According to the man-made law of carrying something on the Sabbath required the individual to be stoned to death.
The man was fully aware he was in trouble with the religious leaders. So, when confronted by them the man simply said he was just doing what he was told by the gentleman he did not know.
After this, Jesus found him in the temple
complex and said to him, “See, you are well.
Do not sin anymore, so that something
worse doesn’t happen to you.
John 5:14
Some illnesses are tied to sin, some are not. Scripture is silent as to what sin the man may have done to land him in a position of ill health for 38 years. More than likely, Jesus wasn’t referring to a specific sin, but that physical health is good but spiritual health is imperative. The man needed to turn from sin and toward God or his eternal fate would be worse than his external 38 years. Jesus’ physical healing is good, His spiritual healing is everything. Sinful pleasures always end in misery.
These leaders had insisted on knowing who had told the healed man to pick up his bedroll on the Sabbath. When the man learned it was Jesus he went and reported to the Jews who it was that had cured his long-term illness.
The religious leaders in Galilee had already shown hostility toward Jesus. Now the leaders in Jerusalem were more concerned about their petty rules than an obvious miracle before their eyes. The last thing these Pharisees were concerned with was the people’s physical health, spiritual health, or anyone’s eternal outcome.
In his exuberance, it is believed, he felt this was a prophet from God and this knowledge needed to be shared with those who were believed to speak for God. Little did he know how unwelcomed his testimony would be for these chief priests, scribes, and elders.
This man, more than likely, wanted to let others know that just possibly this Jesus was the long, awaited Messiah and He was willing to help others also. The man did not report to the Jews that Jesus is the one who told him to pick up his bedroll, but that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Jesus still heals physically, sometimes. When called upon, Jesus heals spiritually, every time.
For everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13
FEEDING 5,000 & THEN SOME
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
A ‘sign’
Jesus continued to teach the multitudes and heal the infirmed. When He learned of John the Baptist’s death, He and His disciples went by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to a remote place to be alone. They had been continuously crushed by the crowds without having time even to eat. (Mk. 6:31).
He took the disciples with Him to Bethsaida which is on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee some four miles distance by boat. Interestingly, Bethsaida means ‘house of the fisher’. It was at this time that He would, from now on, be teaching His disciples to become ‘fishers of men’. He still taught and cured many, but His focus now was to teach His disciples who He is and His mission for being here.
And a huge crowd was following
Him because they saw the signs
that He was performing on the sick.
John 6:2
The crowds apparently anticipated their destination and walked approximately eight miles by land along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, thus meeting up with Jesus and the disciples as they disembarked from the boat. The people had come from the surrounding towns broken, both physically and spiritually.
Sadly, it appears the crowds were not following Jesus because they believed Him to be the long, awaited Messiah. The majority were curiosity seekers looking to be healed or to just watch and see the healing of others. None-the-less, Jesus had compassion on the multitudes.
Since they were like sheep without a shepherd, in that they had no guidance nor protection, He began to teach them many things. (Mk. 6:34). He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing. (Lk 9:11).
It had become late in the day, approximately 3:00 PM Jewish time, and His disciples had become concerned the people needed to look for food and lodging. This indicates they had come from far distances or they could have just returned to their own homes. They suggested Jesus send them away but to their astonishment He told them they should give the crowds something to eat.
Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near.
Therefore, when Jesus looked up and noticed
a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked
Philip, “Where will we buy bread so these people
can eat?” He asked this to test him, for
He, Himself, knew what He was going to do.
John 6:4-6
Philip was a fisherman by trade and was more than likely familiar with this eastern side of the lake. Philip would have known the people, the resources, and the area well. He also knew full well that it would be impossible to feed this large a crowd as there was not money enough nor bread enough to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children. (Matt. 14:21).
Jesus did not ask Philip where they might buy bread for His knowledge or expectation of Philip having the solution to the problem concerning a massive hungry crowd. Jesus was now going to work more with His disciples than the crowds in teaching them who He is.
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s
brother said to Him, “There’s a boy here
who has five barley loaves and two
fish – but what are they for so many?”
John 6:8, 9
Jesus commanded the people to sit down in groups of 50 and 100. (Mk. 6:40). In Jewish culture men and women ate separately in public, the children staying with the women. It is believed they sat in a semi-circle of 50 or 100 making it easier for the disciples to serve them.
The people obeying His command was a test, not only of the disciple’s faith, but the faith of the crowd as well. Scripture states the time was near the Passover indicating springtime, the rainy season when the grass was plush and green. (Jn. 6:10; Ps. 23:2).
Jesus then took the five barley loaves, which were actually more the size of “rolls”, and the two fish. Barley was considered the poorest of all grain, indicating these people were of the poorer sector of which the religious elite would have little to do with. The fish were salted, dried or roasted and about the size of sardines or anchovies. The word for ‘fish’ used by John is “OPSARION” meaning a relish to other food, a condiment. (Strong’s Concordance).
After all the people were in place, Jesus took the bread and fish, looked toward heaven and blessed and broke them into pieces. The blessing was to ‘give thanks.’ The word used for thanksgiving is “EULOGEO” which literally means to “praise”, “extol”. The prayer of thanks was to the Provider for the provision. In other words, the Provider was the object of the prayer not the provision itself.
The disciples then distributed the broken food to all the people as Jesus kept giving it to them (Lk. 9:16). Literally ‘kept giving’ indicates the bread and fish kept multiplying in Jesus’ hands, proving an impossible circumstance for man is always an opportunity for God. (Ex. 23:25).
Everyone ate and was filled.
Then they picked up 12 baskets
full of leftover pieces.
Matthew 14:20
The word used here for ‘baskets’ is ‘KOPHINOI’, a small basket (2894-Strong’s Concordance).
The baskets were flask shaped with a narrow neck that Jews would carry their food in. Carrying their own food with them guaranteed they would not be eating anything touched by a Gentile, thus making it unclean. The 12 baskets of food left over possibly provided nourishment for each of the 12 disciples.
All eyes look to You, and You
give them their food in due time.
You open Your hand and satisfy
the desire of every living thing.
Psalms 145:15, 16
Note: Other than the resurrection of Jesus, this is the only miracle/sign recorded in all four Gospels.
WALKING ON WATER
Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21
A ‘sign’
Immediately He made the
disciples get into the boat
and go ahead of Him to the
other side, while He
dismissed the crowds.
Matthew 14:22
Somewhere between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, Jesus had fed the crowd He had been teaching on the hillside that day. Scripture records 5,000 men were fed, along with women and children, bringing the crowd to possibly 20,000 who dined on five ‘rolls’ and two ‘sardines’ or ‘anchovies’ as these kept multiplying in Jesus’ hands. All ate and all were filled.
After this miracle (sign), proving He is the great Provider, He immediately had His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds.
There has been questions as to where He sent the disciples throughout the ages. Luke 9:10 records they withdrew to a town called Bethsaida where He fed the 5,000, plus women and children, in the surrounding area yet Mark 6:45 records He told His disciples to take the boat to the other side of the lake, to Bethsaida while He dismissed the crowds. There have been many Bible scholars speculate on this subject.
One of the easier translations is that the area where He fed the 5,000 was in proximity to Bethsaida Julias which is located east of the Jordan River where the river feeds into the north end of the Sea of Galilee.
The disciples sailed from the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee heading toward Bethsaida of Galilee, a fishing suburb of Capernaum which was to be their destination. It appears they were blown off course and landed in Gennesaret instead. (Mk.6:53).
The elevation of the mountain range surrounding the northern side of the Sea of Galilee coinciding with the lake being approximately 700 feet below sea level would cause sudden and violent storms to arise quickly and unexpectedly. When this would occur, the waves were high and the winds strong, throwing boats off course.
Then a high wind arose, and the sea
began to churn. After they had rowed
about three or four miles, they saw
Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming
near the boat, and they were afraid.
John 6:18, 19
After Jesus had commanded His disciples to get into the boat after feeding the people, He stayed behind. He went up the mountain to pray.
The disciples, on the other hand, were fighting wind and wave once again and had only advanced approximately three miles placing them in the middle of the lake.
Scripture states Jesus came walking on the water toward the disciples at around 3:00 AM meaning they had been rowing for as long as ten hours when they mistook Jesus for a ghost. It states the disciples were terrified.
Immediately Jesus spoke to them.
“Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:27
These poor disciples had been knocked off course by wind and wave. They had to have been in a state of total exhaustion. And now here is what appears to be a ‘ghost’. A talking ghost at that.
“Lord if it’s You,” Peter answered Him,
“command me to come to You on
the water.” “Come!” He said.
Matthew 14:28, 29
It appears there was some skepticism on their part as to this really being Jesus. Peter does, however, disembark from the boat and starts to walk on the water. Peter walking on the water is only recorded in Matthew, who was more than likely an eyewitness to this event and would have made quite an impression on him.
Seeing food multiply in Jesus’ hands and now people walking on water was slowly increasing the disciple’s faith in who this Jesus truly is. Peter’s small amount of faith disintegrated quickly as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and concentrated on the circumstance of choppy water.
Peter and Jesus are walking toward each other on the water meaning they are not in close proximity to one another. As Peter begins to sink, he calls out to Jesus and Scripture states He instantly reaches out His hand to catch Peter.
It is interesting to note that when the two entered the boat the wind ceased meaning Jesus walked Peter through the choppy water first before there was calm sailing.
Then those in the boat
worshiped Him and said,
“Truly you are the Son of God!”
Matthew 14:33
At the time of Jesus’ walk on Earth it was an acceptable reference when stated, ‘son of’ which meant the son’s attributes were the same as their father’s. The disciples making the statement you are the ‘Son of God’ meant they recognized Jesus as God in flesh form.
Before these disciples called Jesus the ‘Son of God’, Satan had done just that. (Matt.4:3). Demons recognized Him as the ‘Son of God’. (Matt. 8:29). A centurion, angels, and Paul all recognized Jesus as the ‘Son of God’.
Interestingly, in both the Old and New Testaments the Trinity is made up of ‘God the Father’ and ‘God the Holy Spirit’, referencing the first and third Persons of the Trinity. The term ‘God the Son’ is not in the Bible. Jesus is always referenced as the “Son of God’, the second Person of the Trinity.
…a voice from the cloud said:
“This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him.
Listen to Him!”
Matthew 17:5
HEALING THE MASSES
Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56
A ‘sign’
He forgives all your sin;
He heals all your diseases.
Psalm 103:3
The disciples had left the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee headed to the western side toward Bethsaida of Galilee, in the vicinity of Capernaum.
As they were fighting wind and wave Jesus came to them walking on the water. As He stepped into the boat the wind immediately ceased and “at once” Jesus and the disciples reached shore. (Jn. 6:21).
The boat landed at Gennesaret, several miles south of Bethsaida due to the strong winds carrying them off course. (Mk. 6:53). This had not been their original destination point, but Jesus knew the work that He would be doing in this area.
Gennesaret was located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is usually identified as a plain on the coastline. There is also a town called Gennesaret located on this plain as is Capernaum and Bethsaida of Galilee. It sits in the area of Naphtali and earlier had been called Chinnereth. (Josh. 19:35).
Interestingly, the name Gennesaret means “Garden of the Prince” and is Greek for Kinneret which is called “Paradise of Galilee” because of it being a beautiful and fertile landscape. It was said to be one of the garden spots of the world, well irrigated with a multitude of towns and villages.
Jesus and the disciples disembarked from the boat at early dawn and were immediately recognized. Jesus had performed numerous miracles by this time in the vicinity of Capernaum and thus was known on sight. (Mk. 6:54).
People all around the area hurriedly began carrying their sick to wherever Jesus was at the time. It appears there was a great variety of physical and mental maladies. Most likely there were those who were demon possessed also. Scripture is silent as to what the afflictions were but is clear there were many to be healed. (Mk. 6:55).
Wherever He would go, into
villages, towns, or the country,
they laid the sick in the market
places and begged Him that
they might touch just the
tassel of His robe.
Mark 6:56a
As mentioned, Gennesaret was not only a named town but was a plain on the coastline with many towns and villages. The first century historian, Josephus, wrote of nine cities along the shore, plus villages further inland. He mentioned the plain to be thirteen miles long and eight miles wide and called this location “nature’s crowning achievement.”
Thermal/medicinal springs in the area made it a popular site for the infirmed, thus Jesus and the disciples would have been met by many needing relief from their health issues. Many of these were apparently severe health problems, as the patients were carried along on mats by friends or family members. One of the popular baths/springs for healing is called ‘the seven springs of Bathsheba’ and is a popular resort even today.
The ‘marketplace’, at this time in history, was an open space in the cities, towns, villages, or the country. They were used for displaying merchandise, holding trials, and for religious or political reasons. They were also a place where the sick would be brought for treatment, thus Jesus would have found much opportunity to prove His true identity.
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the
Israelites and tell them that throughout
their generations they are to make
tassels for the corners of their garments,
and put a blue cord on the tassel at
each corner. These will serve as
tassels for you to look at, so that
you may remember all the Lord’s
commands and obey them and not
become unfaithful by following
your own heart and your own eyes.
Numbers 15:37-39
The tassels worn on the edge of an observant Jew’s clothing was not for decoration but was a reminder of God’s commandments. The Jews were a set apart people for God in their food, clothing, and faith. If they thought of behaving as their heathen neighbors, they, by seeing the tassels, would be reminded to not sin.
The tassels on Jesus’ robe held no magic healings. They did, however, show He was a Jew, not Gentile, while here on Earth. The population of Gennesaret possibly carried some faith along with an abundance of superstition.
And everyone who touched
it was made well.
Mark 6:56b
Scripture, as mentioned, is silent as to what all the maladies were. The word used for ‘sick’ in the Greek is ‘KAKOS’ and means badly (physically or morally): amiss, diseased, evil, grievously, miserably, sick, sore. (Strong’s Concordance). This seems to indicate all those coming to Jesus were suffering from physical ailments, immoral lifestyles, and/or demon possession.
What Scripture is not silent about is “all were made well.” Some translations state “all were cured.” Some, “all were healed.” The Greek word used in each phrase is ‘DIASOZO’ and means to save thoroughly, i.e. (by implication or analogy) to cure, preserve, rescue, etc.: bring safe, escape (safe), heal, make whole, save. (Strong’s Concordance).
This would imply these healings by Jesus were much more than physical. He appears to have taken their small amount of faith in believing He could and would cure them and made them not only physically well but, first and foremost, spiritually healthy also.
Jesus, then and now, is more interested in our eternal outcome than our external circumstances.
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
HEALING A MOTHER’S DAUGHTER
Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30
A ‘sign’
While still in the area of Gennesaret, Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus. (Matt. 15:1). After explaining to them how incorrect they were in following their traditions, He and the disciples left the area.
When Jesus left there, He withdrew
to the area of Tyre and Sidon.
Matthew 15:21
From Gennesaret to the area of Tyre and Sidon is believed to have been approximately fifty miles. In other words, around ten hours walking distance. Jesus had spent the better part of the day walking around cities, towns, and villages within the region of Gennesaret healing the masses both physically and spiritually.
He had answered questions from the religious leaders, and He had taught His disciples valuable lessons along the way. He more than likely left for Gentile territory so as to rest although, in His omniscience, He knew what lay ahead. Even though Jesus had been sent to the Jews, He did minister to Gentiles on occasions. (Matt. 15:24).
Just then a Canaanite woman
from that region came and kept
crying out, “Have mercy on me,
Lord, Son of David! My daughter
is cruelly tormented by a demon.”
Matthew 15:22
This lady was from Syrian-Phoenicia (Syrophoenician, by race), meaning she was either a native or had lived in Phoenicia when it was part of the Roman province of Syria. Phoenicia was an ancient civilization comprised of cities located along the Mediterranean coastline through modern day Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel.
Both Tyre and Sidon were port cities along the Mediterranean Sea coast north of Israel in what is today called Lebanon. These two ports were wealthy, decadent, historic Canaanite cities. By all Jewish accounts these two cities were considered ‘unclean’ and thus any good Jew would keep their distance. Even walking in the dust of the street would cause, not only physical but ceremonial uncleanness.
According to Old Testament Scrolls, Jewish people were to stay separate from their neighbors, the Gentiles, so they would not follow in their ways of worshiping false gods. (Ex. 20:2-6). There were instances where Gentiles did become faithful to the God of Israel but, Jesus for the most part, did not seek out Gentiles during His earthly ministry. That would come later through His disciples and Paul. Originally Jesus proclaimed Himself to be Israel’s Messiah. It was at His death, burial, and resurrection that it became apparent He is the Savior of the world.
Tyre and Sidon had a long history of paganism. Jezebel, king Ahab’s wicked wife, who lured him away from the God of Israel to worship Baal and persecuted the prophet Elijah, was the daughter of a Sidonian king. (1 Kings 16:31, 32).
Scripture indicates this desperate mother not only cried out to Jesus but continually kept crying out. She addresses Him as “Lord, Son of David.” It is interesting to note that no matter how many miracles the religious elite of the Jews saw they did not recognize Him for who He is. Yet, this Gentile woman was convinced Jesus was the Messiah and would not be discouraged until her request was granted.
As Jesus taught and performed miracles in and around Capernaum people came from all parts of Palestine to see and hear Him. (Mk. 3:7, 8). There appears to be much demonic activity at this time that recognized Jesus as the ‘Son of God.’ (Mk. 3:11).
This woman had either been one that had traveled to the area from Tyre and Sidon and had seen Jesus perform healings and exorcisms or she had heard from others about Him doing such. Scripture is silent as to how she recognized Him or how she knew it was a demon tormenting her daughter. What is made clear is she kept begging and Jesus kept not answering.
Even His disciples were urging Him to make her go away. They had entered a house to get away, as mentioned for rest and privacy, and this mother in all her desperation would not let up.
He said to her, “Allow the
children to be satisfied first,
because it isn’t right to take
the children’s bread and
throw it to the dogs.”
Mark 7:27
Ouch! Did He just call her a dog? No, actually, keeping things in context, He did not call her a ‘dog’ directly or indirectly. The Greek word Jesus used here is ‘KUNARION’ which means small dog or pet dog. Jews at this time in history, and within the culture, sometimes referred to Gentiles as ‘dogs.’ The Greek word for that is ‘KUON’ meaning mongrel/hound. (Matt. 7:5; Philip. 3:2). This is not the word Jesus used with the woman.
Jesus was in a home which may have been getting ready to have a dinner and He is giving an analogy of the children being fed before the pet of the house. Since the calling of Abraham to make a people set apart for Himself, God gave priority to Israel and to the Jews. Gentiles were excluded. First and foremost, God gave Israel the opportunity to accept her, Messiah.
Jesus is making clear He was sent by God to the house of Israel, the Jews. But by testing the woman’s faith He was able to teach an important lesson to His disciples. The lesson was that Gentiles were to be accepted into the kingdom of God, by faith, also.
But she replied to Him, “Lord,
Even the dogs under the table
Eat the children’s crumbs.”
Mark 7:28
This woman was not to be put off. She had a child being tormented by an evil spirit and where else could she go to make this stop. With her statement she appears to have agreed and understood the analogy Jesus was using to describe Jews and Gentiles. She is not put off or appear to be insulted in anyway.
She was making the point that even the house pet could eat at the same time as the residents of the home were having their mealtime. She was not asking for an entire meal but a small crumb of grace in her desperate time of need. What she was ultimately asking was His mercy for her daughter.
Then He told her, “Because of
this reply, you may go.
The demon has gone out
of your daughter.
Mark 7:29
The woman had humbled herself before Jesus and the others in the house. She had shown the kind of faith Jesus had been looking for from His own people. The religious elite had been instructing the Jews to look to them for their ‘religion’ instead of faith in the God of Israel.
When Jesus told the woman the demon now had left her daughter, the cure was immediate and complete. This mother could go to her daughter in peace. Acknowledging the woman’s faith and granting her request to remove a demon from her daughter was much more than a physical miracle. It was a spiritual miracle with an eternal outcome. Jesus healed spiritually and physically simultaneously.
This gift had been extended not only to a Gentile but a woman which, in that day and culture, did not hold much significance. A Gentile nor a woman would have approached a ‘rabbi’ so brazenly which indicates her intense desperation was outweighed only by her great faith. She believes Jesus is who He says He is. She had no ‘good works’ to hand Him and ethnicity didn’t hurt or help. There are no outsiders in God’s plan.
When she went back home,
she found her child lying on the
bed, and the demon was gone.
Mark 7:30
The woman left Jesus heading home to her daughter with complete faith she was healed. She finds her beloved child lying peacefully on her bed. Scripture is silent as to the age of this child, or how long the demon had possessed her. There is no mention why she was indwelt with a demon. It may have been allowed for the sole purpose of this miracle to take place showing Jesus to be God in flesh form.
There is no record of Jesus teaching or performing miracles in this area other than His meeting with a Gentile mother culminating in the de-demonization of her daughter. Jesus had walked for approximately ten hours to save two souls. Since there is no mention of a husband or father this more than likely was a widow and orphan in great need.
He executes justice for the
fatherless and the widow,
and loves the foreign resident…
Deuteronomy 10:18
HEALING A DEAF/MUTE
Mark 7:31-37
A ‘sign’
Leaving Tyre, after healing a desperate mother’s daughter from demon possession, Jesus and the disciples head twenty miles north to Sidon. There is no mention of Jesus ever doing any miracles while there. Sidon was home to the temple of ‘Eshmun’ (Echoun) who was considered the Phoenician god of healing. Scripture is silent as to why he went to Sidon, but He and the disciples leave there to the Sea of Galilee and venture through the region of the Decapolis.
Decapolis is a group of ten Greek cities. Nine are on the eastern side of the Jordan River and one on the western side. Decapolis means ‘ten cities.’ In the Greek, ‘Deka” is ten and ‘Poles’ is city. They were independent politically of each other as well as being set apart from Roman rule even though they were part of the Roman Empire. What was common among them was their language, culture, and location. These cities were made up mostly of Gentiles with a belief system of Imperial divinity. In other words, their Emperor was their god of worship.
They brought to Him a deaf
man who also had a speech
difficulty, and begged Jesus
to lay His hand on him.
Mark 7:32
Earlier, Jesus had expelled many demons from a man living in the tombs in the region of Gadarenes. (Mk. 5:1-3). He had sent the demons into a herd of about 2,000 pigs and told the de-demonized man to go home to his own people.
This man went out and told all, throughout the Decapolis, what Jesus had done for him. (Mk. 5:20). Since this man returned to a place where people had originally known him and his condition, they would have noticed the amazing change that had taken place and listened intently as to how that change had occurred.
This may have been how, when Jesus entered this region of ten cities, He was recognized by the people. Word of Him had spread rapidly, even among the Gentiles.
So, He took him away from
the crowd privately. After
putting His fingers in the
man’s ears and spitting,
He touched his tongue.
Mark 7:33
Most of Jesus’ acts of healing and that of removing demons were looked upon and watched by the curious crowds. In this circumstance of the deaf/mute, Jesus takes him away from the crowd, so as to have a one on one with this person.
Scripture is silent as to the reason for this private encounter between the two but shows a sincere compassion for the man on the part of Jesus. For reasons known only to Jesus, this was not going to be a lesson learned in the public arena.
What method of communication was used by this man for understanding others is not mentioned. Jesus touching the man’s ears, spitting and touching his tongue would have all been a type of sign language giving him hope of healing.
By Jews and Gentiles in that day saliva was believed to have medicinal value so this man, although unable to hear would recognize that Jesus was intending to heal him. This would have been a ‘sign’ to the man of an event about to occur, a miracle to confirm faith.
Scripture does not reveal if this man was unable to hear or speak due to a physical ailment from birth or accident, or if this inability was from demon possession.
Then looking up to heaven,
He sighed deeply and said to him,
“EPHPHATHA!” (That is, “Be opened!”).
Mark 7:34
Jesus looked up to heaven and sighed deeply. The Greek word used for sigh ‘STENAZO’ means (by implication) to murmur, pray inaudibly. The word ‘EPHPHATHA’ that Jesus used is in Aramaic which would indicate this man was probably not a Gentile but appears he can read lips; thus Jesus spoke to him in his own language.
Aramaic is the oldest written language in the world and the oldest spoken and written language in the Middle East. It is closely related to Hebrew and is one of the Semite languages. Parts of the Books of Daniel and Ezra are written in Aramaic while some phrases of the language are used in the New Testament.
Immediately, his ears were
opened, his speech difficulty
was removed, and he
began to speak clearly.
Mark 7:35
The man being capable of speaking clearly immediately leads most to believe this was not an ailment from birth but came about by another means. What is clear is the man’s speech and hearing were instantly returned to him with no hesitation or stammering of voice.
Scripture is silent as to what the man spoke once his words were clearly understood by others. It is written that Jesus ordered them to tell no one, but it appears that command only made them talk all the more. (Mk. 7:36).
Probability is the man was clearly praising God and telling all what Jesus had done for him detail, by detail. The people were ‘extremely astonished’ claiming Jesus had done ‘everything well.’ (Mk. 7:37).
How many in the mixed crowd of Jew and Gentile understood what had just happened was a prophesy from Is. 35:5,6 where the deaf will hear and the mute sing for joy, is unknown. With the circumstance of the demoniac Jesus had told him to go to his home and his people and tell them what God had done for him, which he did, praising God.
On the other hand, He commands this deaf/mute and the surrounding people to tell no one. Jesus did not come to have a public ministry within a Gentile community. He came for the lost sheep of Israel originally. Today, Jesus answers all who call on Him in sincere faith, be them Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. (Gal. 3:28).
Father, I thank You that You
heard Me. I know that You
always hear Me, but because
of the crowd standing here
I said this, so they may
believe You sent Me.
John 11:41
FEEDING 4,000 PLUS MORE
Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-13
A ‘sign’
Jesus had just caused a deaf/mute to hear and speak. He commanded the people to tell no one about this healing as He was not in Gentile territory so as to be a ‘miracle worker.’ But the more He kept commanding the people to tell no one, the faster the news spread thus the crowd grew from far and wide. (Mk. 7:36).
Previously, Jesus had healed many people as He sat on a mountain in the region of the Decapolis after leaving Tyre and Sidon. (Matt. 5:29). Because of these healings the people gave glory to the God of Israel. (Matt. 15:31).
As mentioned, the Decapolis was ten cities grouped together, nine on the eastern side of the Jordan River which is modern day Jordan and Syria and one on the western side of the river in Israel. It was originally Canaanite territory.
Jesus had been teaching the masses concerning what their spiritual needs were and now felt pity on them concerning their physical need for nourishment as He is about to dismiss them. Jesus spoke to His disciples concerning His compassion for the crowd.
“I have compassion on the crowd,
because they’ve already stayed with
Me three days and have nothing
to eat. If I send them home famished,
they will collapse on the way, and some
of them have come a long distance.”
Mark 8:2, 3
Jesus is still in the region of the Decapolis when He feels compassion for this mostly Gentile group who had stayed with Him for three days. Jesus knew of their need before the people did. He knew their strength would weaken in their travels to reach their destinations. Some, possibly, had followed Him and the disciples from Tyre and Sidon. Others were from the region of the ten cities and outlying areas.
His disciples answered Him,
“Where can anyone get enough
bread here in this desolate
place to fill these people?”
Mark 8:4
It is doubtful all the disciples had forgotten how Jesus fed 5,000 and then some. They were more than likely questioning how Jesus was going to choose to feed so many once again.
When Jesus fed the 5,000 men, plus women and children, the disciples had mentioned to Jesus to send the people to get food indicating they were in a remote region but close to habitation. The circumstance of feeding 4,000, plus women and children, seems to indicate the region was desolate with no food close at hand.
Jesus asks and is informed by His disciples there are only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. This bread was more of a flat bread that could be broken off into pieces easily. The fish is thought to be ‘musht’ called ‘St. Peter’s fish’ and is popular in this region even today. It is a small tilapia type of fish.
The crowd size was 4,000 men plus their families, thus approximately 15,000 to 16,000 people needed food. It just reasons out that seven breads and a few small fish was not going to be enough to feed thousands of people.
Jesus commanded the crowd to sit on the ‘ground’, whereas the feeding of the 5,000 were told to sit on the ‘green grass.’ The area where He fed the 4,000 was a much more deserted area made up of a hard, rocky ground.
Taking the seven loaves and few small fish, Jesus blessed the food giving thanks and kept giving the morsels to his disciples, to distribute among the many. As mentioned in the story of the 5,000, ‘Jesus kept giving’, literally meaning just that, indicating the bread and fish kept multiplying in Jesus’ hands.
They ate and were filled. Then
they collected seven large
baskets of leftover pieces.
Mark 8:8
These people may have brought food with them as they left their homes to come a distance to where Jesus was. Possibly that is where the seven baskets came from that Jesus filled for the disciples to distribute among the crowd.
These were not the small Jewish baskets, but containers large enough to carry a man in that Gentiles used for many occasions. (Acts 9:25). The disciples would not have had these types of baskets with them.
If indeed the people had brought food with them, it would have eventually run out and as indicated these people had been with Jesus three days now. The story of God rescuing His people out of Egypt and Him feeding them manna, bread from heaven, was well known among Jews and Gentiles alike.
Stories traveled with merchants as they went from port city to port city. Manna was nourishment miraculously supplied by God to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Did the people connect that this Man in front of them was supplying miraculous bread for nourishment that would be needed as they ventured home?
The Israelites entered Jericho after they crossed the Jordan River after their forty years of wanderings in the desert and eating manna from heaven. Word spread rapidly by merchants going from one city to the next so Jew and Gentile alike had heard the manna story. Cities were connected by trade routes and thus news spread rapidly.
The Greek educational system had infiltrated Jew and Gentile alike also, thus the Greek language became the common tongue of the economic culture. Jews had become interspersed into this Gentile region because of modernization and the Pharisee’s unyielding laws were disturbing to the younger generation.
Strict Jews would not have been in the Decapolis area because of the presence of pigs which were abhorrent to them. (Mk. 5:11). Thus, it was mostly considered Gentile territory but with some Jewish population.
Jesus had earlier extracted a ‘legion’ of demons from a man into a herd of pigs leaving him ‘dressed and in his right mind.’ (Mk. 5:15). The man was told by Jesus to go to his home and report all the Lord had done for him. The man evangelized throughout the Decapolis, where he was from, all Jesus had done for him and all were amazed. (Mk. 5:20). This may have been the reason why Jesus came to this Gentile region and why people came from near and far to see Him.
Now after the crowds had been with Him the three days and were fed and filled, He dismissed them and immediately He and His disciples left by boat to the area of Dalmanutha. (Mk. 8:10). Dalmanutha is only mentioned here in the New Testament. The location is unknown but thought to be between Magdala and Capernaum. Matthew notes in the region of Magdala. (Matt. 15:39).
“When I broke the five loaves for
the 5,000, how many baskets full of
pieces of bread did you collect?”
“Twelve,” they told Him.
“When I broke the seven loaves
for the 4,000, how many large
baskets full of pieces of bread did
you collect?” “Seven,” they said.
Mark 8:19, 20
Some have made note that the 12 baskets collected from His Jewish audience of 5,000 represented the twelve tribe of Israel. That the seven baskets collected from His Gentile audience of 4,000 represented the seven tribes of Canaan. The analogy, however, is unverifiable as Scripture is silent as to the reason for the number of baskets returned in each instance.
HEALING A BLIND MAN
Mark 8:22-26
A ‘sign’
After dismissing the 4,000 plus women and children, Jesus and His disciples went by boat to the region of Magadan in the district of Dalmanutha on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. (Matt. 15:39; Mark 8:10).
Upon His arrival the Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him. They were insisting on a sign from heaven for Him to “prove Himself.” (Mk. 8:11). After seeing all the miracles Jesus had thus far performed and yet still needed ‘proof’ indicated just how hard their hearts had become.
By now, nothing was going to convince them Jesus was exactly who He says He is. They had thoroughly decided not to believe. Jesus refused to perform any kind of miracle for them knowing full well that no demonstration on earth was going to convince them.
Miracles performed by Jesus were for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God and bringing people to faith. He did not need to prove Himself to the hard-hearted Pharisees. Jesus and His disciples left the area by boat to go to the other side. (Mk. 8:13).
Then they came to Bethsaida.
They brought a blind man to Him
and begged Him to touch him.
Mark 8:22
Leaving the spiritually blind Pharisees, Jesus comes to Bethsaida Julias and is presented a physically blind man some people are begging Him to touch. Scripture is silent as to who these people were who brought the blind man to Jesus. Were they family or friends? Were they some religious elite trying to test Jesus? Nothing is mentioned as to whether this man thought Jesus could heal him nor anything about the man’s faith believing Jesus would restore his sight.
For reasons unknown, Jesus led the blind man, by the hand, out of the village. Bethsaida was known for its unbelief and rejection of the Lord which may have been why Jesus refused to help this poor blind man in their presence.
Spitting on his eyes and laying
His hands on him, He asked him,
“Do you see anything?”
Mark 8:23
Spitting seems rather gross but, in that time and culture, saliva was considered to have medicinal value. Blindness at that time could be caused by many circumstances such as disease or from birth. Also, the sun was blinding and the desert like conditions were hot, dry and windy. Furthermore, as one gets older their eyesight fades.
Scripture is silent as to how the man’s blindness occurred but the applying of saliva possibly moistened his eyes if they were matted or sealed shut in some manner. The saliva alone would not have any healing or miracle agents so as to help the man see.
The man did answer Jesus’ question by stating he could now see people that looked like trees walking. This statement would indicate he had at one time been able to see as he knows what people and trees look like.
The term used for ‘people’ literally means ‘men’ in the Greek. Since Jesus had taken the man out of the village, he more than likely, saw the disciples not the residents of the village. Physically his sight was still poor, but his spiritual sight was seemingly increasing.
Again, Jesus placed His hands on
the man’s eyes, and he saw
distinctly. He was cured and
could see everything clearly.
Mark 8:25
Now the man could see everything perfectly. This is the only progressive healing by Jesus that is recorded.
This miracle is clearer than most in what Jesus was teaching His disciples about faith and the salvation process. Jesus set the blind man apart from the crowd unto Himself so as to have a ‘one on one’ with him. The man begins to see but has a dim, imperfect view of his new surroundings. Once complete healing occurred the man could see clearly as the light burst through the darkness.
Then He sent him home, saying,
“don’t even go into the village.”
Mark 8:26
With this command it would indicate the man was not originally from Bethsaida. The demoniac had been told to return to his home in the Decapolis so that he could tell friends and family all that Jesus had done for him. This also gave them firsthand sight of this truth. So, it was more than likely the same for this blind person being told to return to his own home where friends and family could see for themselves all Jesus had done for him.
He was ordered to not return to the village Jesus had led him out of by his hand. Again, the implication has to do with the salvation process. Do not go back to the way you were before seeing the hand of Christ in your life. This is the true miracle, Christ in you. Even the angels’ stoop to watch this process. (1 Pet. 1:12).
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there
is a new creation; old things have passed
away, and look, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
BORN BLIND
John 9:1-12
A ‘sign’
Jesus came across a man who was blind from birth, as He passed by the Pharisees who wanted to stone Him. The blind man was a beggar and it would seem as he called out to people, he let it be known his condition was from birth as the disciples seem to have knowledge of this.
This caused confusion for the disciples as they inquire of Jesus wanting to know if this condition was caused by the man’s sin or his parent’s sin. The belief system of the religious elite was all suffering and illness came upon a person from a specific sin they had been involved in. That may have been the case of the beggar calling out that his blindness was from birth so to let people know it was not caused by sin.
The disciples were still in the learning stages of their walk with Jesus it appears. Instead of seeing this as a call to serve, after all Jesus had been doing for the masses, the disciples see this as a theological problem.
Did the man sin as a baby in his mother’s womb? Did his parents’ sin in such a way that he was born blind as a punishment to the parents? Being born this way would only go to reason this was permanent and hopeless. Or was it? Unbeknownst to this man he was getting ready to literally ‘see’ the love of God manifested even though he had not asked for healing or sight from Jesus that is recorded.
“Neither this man nor his parents
sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came
about so that God’s works
might be displayed in him.”
John 9:3
This statement is not eliminating the sinful nature that is in all mankind but noting there was not a specific sin that caused this circumstance for this family. This is a perfect example of why some things happen with seemingly no answer as to why (?). God is sovereign, meaning He is the supreme or ultimate power over all. He has meaning and purpose for all circumstances that He has allowed to occur for our good and His glory (Rom. 8:28-30).
After He said these things, He
spit on the ground, made some
mud from the saliva, and
spread the mud on his eyes.
John 9:6
As mentioned in the previous miracle of the healing of a blind man, saliva had no medicinal value or magic components. In this instance, Jesus might have been showing the disciples, and others looking on, how man was originally made. Being made from the dust, dirt, mud, clay of the ground Jesus may have been putting the finishing touch to this man by giving him eyes to see and an analogy for His disciples to learn exactly who He is. (Gen. 2:7). As God created, God restores. Not only body, but soul as well.
It appears Jesus took it upon Himself to give sight to this blind beggar as there is no mention of Him being asked either by the man himself, his family or his friends as stated earlier.
“Go,” He told him, “wash in the
pool of Siloam” (which means
“Sent”). So he left, washed,
and came back seeing.
John 9:7
It would go without saying this was not a magical pool of water so as to cause the blind to see. The pool of Siloam was built by king Hezekiah as an underground tunnel, to keep water from the enemy, and bring spring water into the city from the Temple Mount.
Archaeologists believe the Siloam Pool has been located and is connected to the Temple Mount by a road between the two. Spring waters flow through the tunnel from the Mount to the Pool.
The timing of Jesus sending the blind man, who now has mud caked on his eyes, to this particular pool of water to wash is interesting. This was at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. (Jn. 7:2, 37). The water from this pool was considered sacred and was used at feast time by pouring the water over the alter associating it with the springs of salvation. (Is. 12:3).
The representation here was as the man washed in this pool of water, he was actually being baptized in Christ who had ‘sent’ him. Jesus being the light and living water enlightened him as to see both physically and spiritually that He also had been ‘sent’ by His Heavenly Father. (Jn. 1:4,5; Is. 49:6; Is. 51:4; Jn. 7:37-39; 1 Jn. 4:9).
It is recorded that many had seen this man as a beggar, so some were saying the ‘now seeing’ man was the same beggar, but others said no that it just looked like him. The man kept trying to convince the people he was the same beggar that had been among them while he was blind.
Therefore, they asked him,
“Then how were your eyes opened?”
He answered, “The man called Jesus
made mud, spread it on my eyes,
and told me ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’
So, when I went and washed
I received my sight.”
John 9:10, 11
As it happened, Jesus had made mud pies on a Sabbath which sent the Pharisees into a complete ‘religious law’ fit. There were dos and don’ts with the religious elite and their moral laws and traditions.
Making mud pies and healing on a Sabbath both fell under the don’t column, as that was considered ‘work’ which was definitely not allowed. Also, saliva was considered medicine and the use of such on a Sabbath day was strictly forbidden. The Pharisees had hundreds of trivial laws so as to please God and Jesus had just broken two of them.
The religious authorities examined this particular miracle more carefully than others they had witnessed even to the point of questioning the now seeing beggar’s parents. Was he really blind since birth? This was undeniable proof Jesus had been ‘sent,’ not as a prophet but as the Prophet, Priest, and King and yet they stood their ground denying who Jesus was and Who ‘sent’ Him.
Jesus had consistently been teaching and healing throughout the region. The Pharisees, on the other hand, consistently refused to believe Jesus to be the ‘sent’ Messiah. Not because there was insufficient evidence, but because He was contradicting their self-imposed authority with the masses.
It is interesting to note that in ancient Biblical times, kings had their seals for important documents that could not be opened without the king’s permission. These seals were made out of water and dust, dirt, mud, clay. Jesus who is the King of kings just sealed this man as His own thus, the now seeing man could not be touched by anyone or anything without Jesus’ permission.
This miracle, more than others, shows the working of the trinity: God the Father ‘sent’ His Son, Jesus Christ, who in turn ‘sent’ the Holy Spirit to those who are His. Thus, we as believers, who were once blind, now see and are ‘sent’ to tell the good news of Jesus to those who are blind and cannot see. Yet!
“One thing I do know: I was
blind, and now I can see!”
John 9:25
EVICTING A DEMON
Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
A ‘sign’
When they came to the disciples
they saw a large crowd around
them and scribes disputing with them.
Mark 9:14
The ‘they’ here are Jesus, Peter, James and John. They were returning from a high mountain after these three disciples had witnessed Jesus’ transformation, seen Elijah and Moses, and heard a voice from the cloud saying: “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!” (Mk. 9:2-7).
The nine disciples who had stayed behind were now in an apparent argumentative conversation with some scribes as Jesus and the other three disciples come upon this scene of dispute. Scribes and Pharisees were actually two different groups. The scribes were knowledgeable of the law and handled legal documents.
The Pharisees, on the other hand, were a religious sect made up mostly of landowners and traders and were not professional scribes, although scribes were sometimes Pharisees. Both groups, however, were knowing of the Jewish law and traditions even though most were man-made. Both groups consistently challenged Jesus’ actions and teachings.
Then He asked them, “What are
you arguing with them about?”
Mark 9:16
Before the disciples can answer His question a man in the crowd comes forward beseeching Jesus on his son’s behalf. He respectfully explains that his son is possessed by an evil spirit thus he is kept from speaking and hearing. (Mk. 9:17,25).
The father continues naming the symptoms his son has endured. The demon would throw the son down causing him to foam at the mouth, grind his teeth, and become rigid. The spirit had, on many occasions, thrown the son into fire or water to destroy him. The man explains to Jesus he had asked His disciples to drive it out, but they could not.
This man may have seen the disciples on other occasions driving out demons, anointing the sick with oil and helping many. (Mk. 6:7, 13). Thus, him approaching the disciples concerning his demon-possessed son was not unreasonable.
He replied to them, “You
unbelieving generation!
How long will I put up with
you? Bring him to Me.”
Mark 9:19
Jesus was not being harsh but rather exasperated with, not only His disciples, but Israel as a whole. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:6). There had not been a prophet in the land for 400 years spreading the truth of God’s word. Consequently, Judaism had become divided up into many groups.
The Pharisees came about after the Maccabean revolt approximately 165-160 BC. Other religious groups formed such as the Sadducees, Hellenists, Essenes, and the Zealots. These were all strict law-abiding groups who added many man-made laws to God’s original laws. God’s laws were given for man’s own good. Man-made laws were for man’s own importance and prestige.
Consequently, this had become a faithless generation and Jesus is calling the whole of Israel out on their faithlessness toward God. His disciple’s spiritual short sightedness had caused a spiritual failure thus His request to bring the man’s son to Him.
Scripture states that as soon as they brought the man’s son to Jesus the unclean spirit that was possessing him convulsed him throwing him to the ground. The father, after being asked by Jesus how long this had been going on stated since childhood. The man then beseeches Jesus to have compassion on him and his son if there is anything He can do.
Earlier, as mentioned, the disciples had tried to remove this demon without success. (Jn. 9:18). This was a particularly violent demon causing great harm to this man’s son. Because of the erratic behavior the demon caused the son to exhibit and marred skin conditions caused from fires and other abuses this family was more than likely ostracized from others within the community.
This demon was causing havoc among and around this family, to a point this father was desperate and not sure there was help to be had.
Then Jesus said to him, “If You
can?” Everything is possible
to the one who believes.”
Mark 9:23
Jesus was explaining to this father that it would not be Jesus’ inability to remove the demon and thus heal his son, but it would all depend on the man’s faith that God can do the humanly impossible. The man’s answer to this was an immediate one. He believed but was weak in his faith and needed Jesus’ help with his unbelief. Faith is a gift from God. (Eph. 2:8, 9).
It is interesting to note that, with this particular case, Jesus was requiring faith on the man’s part thus establishing the whole of this miracle would be from God for His glory and the son’s good. Jesus had healed many, if not most, who did not believe Him to be their Messiah ‘sent’ from God. In this circumstance He was allowing, by faith, the man to be part of the miracle process.
When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly
coming together, He rebuked the unclean spirit,
saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you:
come out of him and never enter him again!”
Mark 9:25
Jesus had all authority over the supernatural world, as well as the natural elements. As He sees the crowd gathering together, He quickly rebukes the unclean spirit to not only come out but stay out.
As the people are coming forward Jesus hurriedly commands the demon to come out. As mentioned, Jesus was not there to do magic in the streets for the curiosity seeker’s entertainment. Upon the sound of His voice the demon came out screaming in a violent outburst of rage causing the son to lay completely still as if dead which is what the crowd thought had happened. Jesus raises the man’s son up showing the crowd he is very much alive.
There is no mention as to the father, son, or crowd’s response as to what had just occurred. Jesus leaves this scene and enters a house along with His disciples who knew what had transpired but questioned the ‘how’ of the event. They had tried to dispel this very demon but with failed results. Their question to Jesus was simply why they were unable to evict this unclean spirit themselves.
And He told them, “This
kind can come out by nothing
but prayer and fasting.”
Mark 9:29
Possibly the disciples had been depending on their past experiences of demon extractions instead of a continued request of God’s power. (Mk. 6:7). They had earlier been disputing with some scribes, which Scripture is silent as to what the conversation entailed. It does appear they had already tried to remove the demon but had failed just before Jesus appeared.
Jesus needed to continually teach His disciples as learning takes time. These disciples would have work to do after Jesus was gone and they needed to understand they would not be working in their own power. All things are possible with God. Only! (Matt. 19:26).
The blessing is, He allows people to be a part of ‘all things’, but only through prayer and fasting, using His power. He is the One Who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present.
“A thief comes only to steal
and to kill and to destroy.
I have come that they may have
life and have it in abundance.”
John 10:10
PAYING THE PRICE
Matthew 17:24-27
A ‘sign’
When they came to Capernaum,
those who collected the
double-drachma tax
approached Peter and said,
“Doesn’t your Teacher
pay the double-drachma tax?”
Matthew 17:24
Those asking of Peter if his ‘Teacher’ paid the double-drachma tax or not were not the same Jewish tax collectors that Matthew had been a part of for Rome before heeding the Lord’s call on his life. This miracle is only told in the Book of Matthew, more than likely, because he better understood the concept of tax collecting.
However, those who came to Peter were from the Temple. Peter lived with his wife and mother-in-law in Capernaum. (Lk. 4:38). The possibility is, those from the Temple knew Peter and thus were comfortable asking him this question. These were more than likely not combative Pharisees asking this but was rather meant as a legitimate question.
The Israelites and the Levites were to pay this tax toward the upkeep of the Jewish Temple. This originated at the time of Moses where each person over the age of twenty was to contribute toward the Tabernacle a half-shekel. A half-shekel was equivalent of two Roman drachmas. A four-drachma coin would equal a full shekel which would pay the Temple tax for two people.
Peter’s answer to the question was a simple ‘yes.’ It appears Jesus and Peter had not paid their portion of the Temple tax yet, thus implying they were not keeping the Old Testament Law. (Ex. 20:13, 14).
As Peter entered, what was probably his own house where Jesus was, He asked Peter a question before he could bring up the subject concerning the paying of their tax he had just been questioned about.
“What do you think Simon? Who do
earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from?
From their sons or from strangers?”
Matthew 17:25
Peter answered correctly stating taxes are collected from strangers not family members. Jesus is High Priest, King, and Prophet but was not recognized as such by His own people. Kings did not pay taxes nor did Jewish priests thus Jesus would have been free from paying this tax. Kings did not tax their own sons but only those not of their household.
Jesus, as God’s Son, would then be exempt from paying a Temple tax as that was considered God’s house. The disciples also would have been tax exempt as they were considered sons of the Kingdom.
“But, so we won’t offend them,
go to the sea, cast in a fishhook,
and catch the first fish that comes up.
When you open its mouth, you will find a coin.
Take it and give it to them for Me and you.”
Matthew 17:27
Jesus sends Peter on a fishing expedition as this had previously been Peter’s vocation. Simon Peter’s faith must have been increasing considerably to go fishing, without his nets, for one lone fish with a coin in its mouth.
Interestingly, there is a fish common to the Middle East called Musht fish and are about six inches long with a large head. After this type of fish are born the mother fish keeps the babies in a pouch under her mouth for protection. When it is time for the babies to be on their own the mother fish will pick up pebbles or shiny items such as coins from the bottom of the sea.
Peter being a fisherman by trade would have been familiar with this type of fish. The fish having a coin in its mouth may or may not have been a common practice. What made this a miracle was that the first fish he caught had the exact coin needed, just as Jesus had said.
Scripture is silent as to whether Peter actually caught the fish with the tax paying coin in its mouth and gave it to the Temple for Jesus and himself. Of course, it is a safe assumption he obeyed his Master.
A short time before this Peter, along with James and John, had just witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. They also had seen Jesus extract a demon from a desperate father’s son. Jesus also had just predicted His own death, burial, and resurrection for the second time.
The miracle is not the fish or the coin but Jesus Himself, being the “way, the truth, and the life”, with “no one coming to the Father except through Him.” (Jn. 14:6). Jesus, so as not to offend, had Peter pay the earthly Temple tax to maintain an earthly Temple building made by and for earthly men.
But the true miracle was about to occur in that Jesus would pay a very high price for the Heavenly Temple, a place not made by human hands, but by the shedding of His own blood, for those who belong to the true household of God.
So, then you are no longer
foreigners and strangers,
but fellow citizens with the
saints, and members of God’s
household, built on the
foundation of the apostles
and prophets, with Christ
Jesus, Himself as the cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:19, 20
DE-DEMONIZING A BLIND/MUTE
Matthew 12:22-30; Luke 11:14-23
A ‘sign’
Then a demon-possessed man
who was blind and unable to
speak was brought to Him. He
healed him, so that the man
could both speak and see.
And all the crowds were
astounded and said, “Perhaps
this is the Son of David!”
Matthew 12:22, 23
Scripture is silent as to who brought the demon-possessed, blind/mute man to Jesus. It possibly could have been friends or family. It is also very likely it was the Pharisees who brought this non-speaking, non-seeing, demon-possessed man to Jesus thinking this was an impossible situation that even He would not be able to cure.
For some time now, the Pharisees had been plotting how to rid themselves of this nuisance. They were constantly trying to discredit Jesus’ authority of religious truths plus His popularity with the crowds was annoying them. He challenged their interpretation of Scripture, and exposed them as being insincere, thus having wrong motives in all they professed.
The man apparently could hear but could not answer nor see who was speaking. The man in no way could help himself nor be of assistance in his healing process. Jesus took immediate control and action concerning this situation by removing the demon.
The man proved instantaneous healing by seeing and speaking. More than likely he could now see physically and spiritually. Now that he was able to speak the possibility arises that his first words were to praise God.
The crowd starts to question that perhaps this is the ‘Son of David’, which is a Messianic title. This must have been an overwhelming act for the people to wonder this aloud. Admitting this to be the Messiah would get them expelled from the synagogue and temple as the Pharisees are the ones who oversaw the religious establishments.
When the Pharisees heard
this, they said, “The man drives
out demons only by Beelzebul,
the ruler of the demons.”
Matthew 12:24
The people were questioning if this wasn’t the long, awaited Messiah, while the Pharisees had come to the conclusion Jesus’ power was from Satan. This was not a new argument from the religious elite. (Matt. 9:34). Uttering this manner of evil indicated exactly the hearts of the Pharisees. This instance, more than others, clearly shows the unreasonable accusations they brought against Jesus and how malicious their thinking was concerning Him.
Interestingly, at this point in time, Jesus had healed some who were blind. (Matt. 9:27; Mk. 8:22; Jn. 9:1). Some who were mute. (Matt. 9:32). A deaf/mute. (Mk. 7:32). He also had extracted demons from many. This man, however, was both blind and speechless for no other reason than he was indwelt by a demon. Since God is sovereign over all, this demon could only possess this man by divine permission. Sometimes the reason something is allowed, that makes no sense to mankind in general, is so God’s works might be displayed. (Jn. 9:3).
Consequently, the crowds and the Pharisees were in place for Jesus to remove the demon thus showing the hand of God and the hard-heartedness of the Pharisees. The crowds were ready to give God credit for the healing. The Pharisees, on the other hand, gave credit to the prince of demons, Beelzebul.
“Anyone who is not with Me
is against Me, and anyone who
does not gather with Me scatters.
Matthew 12:30
The line had now been drawn and the people divided. From now on Jesus would mostly teach in parables. His teachings would, from this point on, be for His disciples as He would soon be leaving, and they needed clearer understanding of the work ahead.
Jesus is making clear that unless one puts their faith in Him, they are unwittingly under Satan’s control, obeying his commands. One is either a child belonging to God or children belonging to Satan. Period! There is no neutral ground.
“Because of this, I tell you
people will be forgiven every
sin and blasphemy, but
the blasphemy against the
Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew 12:31
Blasphemy entails speaking or uttering evil things concerning God. To witness the healing of this demon-possessed, blind/mute and contribute this miracle to Beelzebul was not due to ignorance and unbelief but was direct blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
This was a deliberate refusal to acknowledge, by the religious leaders, God’s power in Christ, indicating irreversible hardness of heart. The Pharisees and all who stood by their teachings had just sealed their doom. To reject the prompting of the Holy spirit is to remove any chance of reconciliation with God.
All sins are forgivable, but rejection of the Holy Spirit hardens one’s heart to the things of God, thus no request for the forgiveness of sins is brought to Him. He stands ready to forgive but one must ask.
Whoever speaks a word
against the Son of Man, it
will be forgiven him.
But whoever speaks against
the Holy Spirit, it will not
be forgiven him, either in
this age or in the one to come.
Matthew 12:32
HEALING A DAUGHTER OF ABRAHAM
Luke 13:10-17
A ‘sign’
As He was teaching in one of
the synagogues on the
Sabbath, a woman was there
who had been disabled by
a spirit for over 18 years.
She was bent over and could
not straighten up at all.
Luke 13:10, 11
Concerning this particular occasion, it was the Sabbath and Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. This would be the last time in Luke’s Gospel where He would do so as the Pharisees, who controlled the synagogues, were just not that interested in what He had to say. They opposed all He said and did, were antagonistic toward Him, and by this time were plotting how to rid themselves of this distraction.
A woman in the congregation, that Jesus took notice of, had been crippled for eighteen years by a ‘spirit of infirmity.’ In the Greek the meaning is ‘a state of debilitating illness, sickness, disease.’ The Greek word for her condition means in a fixed bent-over position.
It would have been very hard for this little lady to do the simple tasks of cooking, cleaning, going to the well for water, etc. It more than likely was difficult for her to even be in the synagogue on the Sabbath.
This lady’s condition was indeed physical in nature but, as is indicated, there was a spiritual influence causing the debilitation. She most likely was in pain, that caused a horrible, permanent deformity brought on by an evil spirit. It was virtually impossible for her to straighten to an upright position.
out to her, “Woman, you are
free of your disability.” Then
he laid His hands on her, and
instantly she was restored
and began to glorify God.
Luke 13:12, 13
Jesus knew this lady needed healing but also understood she needed deliverance from demonic involvement. She had not solicited Jesus, but He was the one who took the initiative. No special faith or good deeds were required from her. His heart appears to be moved with compassion when He sees her and calls out to her telling her she is fully free, relieved and released of her affliction, both physically and spiritually.
He does this from where He is teaching the congregation. As she came closer, He reached out and put His hands on her. It is recorded she straightened up instantly. Jesus’ touch expelled the demon and immediately the woman was upright.
That must have been quite a scene that took place in the synagogue as the crowd rejoiced right along with this dear lady who had now been set free. This was a human example of a spiritual need. This lady had been used as an object lesson for the disciples, the religious leaders and the crowd. Jesus was teaching that the nation needed to be set free from crippling influences and He was there to bring them to an upright state of being.
It is interesting to note that the one person that did not get the intended message was the leader of the synagogue. It appears he appealed to the crowd to reject Jesus’ miracle. The rabbis of Jesus’ time had twisted and added to God’s commands so much so that everything was either ritualistic or legalistic.
Healings were acceptable six days a week, just not on the Sabbath, according to the religious leaders. It is noteworthy that nowhere in Scripture does it state a person could not be healed on the Sabbath.
According to the Talmud (Jewish civil and ceremonial laws), other do-nots for the Sabbath included: one could not climb a tree, ride, swim, clap hands, strike one’s side, dance or make a vow, plus hundreds of more restrictions to which they just kept adding. The application or use of any remedies that would cure the sick was prohibited also, as this was looked upon as work.
The leader of the synagogue had become totally indignant that rules and man-made laws were being broken on the Sabbath and in his synagogue of all places. So as this now free woman, along with the crowd from the synagogue, were rejoicing and praising God, the religious leader of the group was angry.
As this leader lashes out at the people, Jesus rebukes him by calling him a hypocrite. Jesus points out the foolishness of watering an animal on the Sabbath, but not allowing this woman her freedom from pain and agony she had withstood for 18 years.
The synagogue ruler was indignant that Sabbath rules were being broken. Jesus, in turn becomes indignant that man-made laws were overriding Satan’s victimization of this lady.
Interestingly the religious leader was the one that was upset by the event that had just taken place. The synagogue attendees, on the other hand, were rejoicing and praising God.
Jesus to this day heals in the external, but first and foremost, in the eternal bringing peace, joy, and well-being seven days a week.
Then He told them, “The
Sabbath was made for man
and not man for the Sabbath.
Therefore, the Son of man
is Lord even of the Sabbath”.
Mark 2:27, 28
HEALING A MAN WITH DROPSY
LUKE 14:1-6
A ‘sign’
After healing a woman on the Sabbath who had been bent over for 18 years, Jesus went from one town and village after another teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. (Lk. 13:22). He taught in parables, explained few were being saved, and told of His impending death that was coming upon them.
One Sabbath, when He went
to eat at the house of one of
the leading Pharisees, they
were watching Him closely.
Luke 14:1
The Pharisees were constantly and consistently trying to prove Jesus’ non-conformity to their man-made laws. He had just had an encounter with some Pharisees explaining to them He was driving out demons and doing healings and on the third day His work would be complete (Lk. 13:32).
Explaining His work would be complete on the third day was telling of His death on the horizon. It appears the Pharisees were looking for ways to hurry this along exposing their foolish hypocrisy.
Jesus, it appears, had been invited to a meal at one of the leading Pharisee’s home. It is noted ‘they were watching’ Him indicating others of the religious elite were in attendance. The word used here for ‘watching’ in the Greek is ‘PARATEREO’ meaning to inspect alongside, i.e. note insidiously or scrupulously.
Scripture is silent as to whether the disciples were with Him on this occasion. What is known is His malicious enemies were there for no other reason than to look for an accusation against Him. Preferably one that had a death sentence attached to it.
There in front of Him was
a man whose body was
swollen with fluid.
Luke 14:2
It appears the law experts, the Pharisees, and Jesus were not the only ones invited to dinner. A man with the dreaded condition of ‘dropsy’ was among them and now was in front of Jesus. The leader and his houseguests were not very subtle in their careless approach of a way to criticize Him.
Dropsy is a swelling from fluids in the soft tissues and cavities of the body and is called edema today. Eventually, it is always fatal. It is usually brought on by congestive heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure and/or malnutrition.
Interestingly, it does not appear the man was there for his healing but for Jesus to be tested as to whether He would heal on the Sabbath, ‘again.’ This would have been a very strong case against the cruelty of the Pharisees. This man would have been in pain and extremely uncomfortable probably physically and emotionally, and they are parading him in front of the intimidating Pharisees and legal experts for the sole purpose of tricking Jesus.
In response, Jesus asked
the law experts and the
Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal
Luke 14:3
Jesus had asked this question of the religious elite before and had the same response, that of complete silence. (Mk. 6:9). The law experts nor the Pharisees were able to give a definitive answer to this question. They had comprised all sorts of laws and traditions but were unable to support from what source they were obtained. Answering Him in their self-absorbed hypocrisy and hate would have actually exposed their self-condemnation.
The question was not about healing the man who was in distress, but about healing him on the Sabbath. They were unable to answer His question because there is no command against healing on the Sabbath.
A purposeful violation of the Sabbath law required death. (Num. 15:32-36). However, the meaning that they had twisted for their own importance refers to working on the Sabbath for personal gain. Nothing is mentioned about helping with human, or even animal needs. Life and death issues were not considered work but humanitarian efforts.
Their argument was concerning Jesus’s healing on the Sabbath which would constitute equality with work. It is interesting to note that this ‘dinner’ Jesus had been invited to consisted of Pharisees and law experts which caused someone to ‘work’ on the Sabbath at putting it together. The inconsistency of their actions was glaring.
They could put together a feast on the Sabbath, yet Jesus could not be allowed to show mercy to the infirmed on the same day as their well-cooked meal. But Jesus never broke a commandment, He just spoke or touched healing into existence. Scripture is silent as to how the healing took place, just that Jesus healed him.
Interestingly, dropsy affects a person’s appearance as that of bloating, especially in the facial features. Jesus’ healing was immediate as was the man’s appearance proving a visual, true miracle had just taken place.
Luke, being a physician, is the only Gospel writer to mention this miracle healing which probably had a great impact on him as this condition would have resulted in death without remedy.
And to them, He said,
“Which of you whose son
or ox falls into a well,
will not immediately
pull him out on the
Sabbath Day?” To this they
could find no answer.
Luke 14:5, 6
Jesus was actually referring to the Old Testament scrolls, in that if the animal of a brother was in distress, it was a command they were to help that brother and the animal. (Deut. 22:4).
The law experts and the Pharisees were in violation of their own Old Testament scrolls in that they were to obey all commands God had given to the Israelites but were not to add or take away from any (Deut. 4:2; 12:32).
So, they had no logical way of answering Jesus’ question. Not answering, leaves the question as to what was their thinking? Did they wonder why they were unable to answer a “mere” man, or did they wonder who the Man really might just be?
Jesus was showing them the foolishness of their thinking. If they answered no they would be exposed as the cruel, false teachers that they were. If they answered yes, they just broke their own laws and traditions. Once again, they were silent. These leaders were burdening the people with their man-made laws and traditions and Jesus was calling them out concerning this.
The Sabbath was set in place as a day of rest from the week’s work. It was established for rest, reconciliation, and joy. More importantly it was a set apart day for remembering all God had done for His own people.
By healing on the Sabbath Jesus was honoring the God of mercy and compassion, as He sustains His Creation. In return, the Sabbath was set as a specific day to recognize worship, love, and delight in the God of Creation.
Jesus lived to show all how to conduct their life in caring for the physically, mentally, and spiritually infirmed. He died to rescue man from eternal life without God, a condition much worse than any physical ailment. This man was healed from the swelling of his body and sent away to a life of freedom. These religious elite would continue in their swollen pride and never be set free.
Therefore, if the Son sets you
free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36
10 LEPERS
Luke 17:11-19
A ‘sign’
While traveling to Jerusalem,
He passed between
Samaria and Galilee.
Luke 17:11
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover. He traveled through towns and villages as He taught in parables. He also spoke of His impending death and warned of offenses that would come at the expense of following Him. He was teaching His apostles and the great crowds traveling with Him. (Lk. 14:25; 17:5).
As He entered a village,
10 men with serious
skin diseases met Him.
Luke 17:12a
In ancient Israel, leprosy was believed to be a graphic illustration of the debilitating influence of sin in a person’s life. The person was considered unclean physically and spiritually, causing them to live alone outside the camp, community, village, etc. They were forced to live in a type of solitary confinement only having the company of other lepers. (Lev. 13:46; Num 5:1-4). They were not allowed temple or synagogue access, thus spiritually they were ostracized.
Leprosy was physically debilitating. It was an infectious disease that consisted of sores, nerve damage, and weakness becoming worse over time. It eventually would cause numbness to the limbs and cause loss of digits, due to cuts, burns or other type of injuries. It would cause blindness and disfiguration of the face. The ultimate outcome would be death.
They stood at a distance and
raised their voices, saying,
“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
Luke 17:12b, 13
These 10 lepers would have been on the outskirts of the village Jesus was about to enter. They would have met with Him at a distance. If anyone would come in close contact the leper was to call out in a loud voice ‘unclean, unclean.’
People would throw rocks at someone with leprosy to keep them at a distance due to how contagious this disease was. Family members or those who were once friends would bring food to the edge of where their loved one was staying and after leaving the meal would run away quickly. Lepers lived the worst kind of existence.
This disease went from physical decay to mental confusion ending in coma and eventual death. This whole process could run for 20 to 30 years. Scripture is silent as to what stage of the disease these 10 were experiencing. Scripture is also silent as to whether this was the only disease with which these 10 suffered. Other skin ailments were boils, tumors, eczema and scabies for which there was no cure. (Deut. 28:27).
All these maladies had to be examined by a priest to render whether a person was considered ‘clean’ or ‘unclean.’ If declared unclean they would be separated from the community until the priest could declare the person clean.
When He saw them, He told
them, “Go and show yourselves
to the priests.” And while they
were going, they were healed.
Luke 17:14
Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests while they were still diseased. There appears to have been no argument or questioning about Him healing them first and then they could go see the priests. They just left, with no questions asked. It appears they had a great deal of faith in that they were still diseased when they left Him with no physical changes having taken place yet.
It is recorded they were healed ‘on the way’ to show themselves to the priests. Jesus did not lay hands on them or declare them healed. He just said ‘go.’ The priest would be the one to declare them ceremonially clean.
This is an interesting way Jesus handled this in that even the priests would have to recognize Jesus for who He is. A clear case of seeing is believing. Each village had their own priest or priests, and they would have, more than likely, known these men and the condition they had been living in. The incurable had just been cured and the priest was going to have to be the one to announce this set of circumstances.
But one of them, seeing that
he was healed, returned
and, with a loud voice,
gave glory to God. He fell
facedown at His feet, thanking
him. And he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:15, 16
Of the ten men, nine were Jews since Jesus told all to go show themselves to the priests so as to be declared ceremonially clean. The Samaritan however, returned to Jesus out of shear gratitude when it was made clear he was healed. This lone foreigner, being doubly cursed as he was not only a Samaritan but one with a dreaded skin disease, returned so as to give glory to God.
It is interesting to note that Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other as they had a long-standing hatred toward one another. In 722 BC when the Assyrians captured Samaria, they did not transport all the Jews from the area but kept some in the region and transported many non-Jews into the area to help keep the peace. The two groups intermarried, and this mixed race were called Samaritans.
The intermarried group accepted parts of the Jewish faith intermingled with pagan religions. The ‘pure’ Jews hated the mixed, ‘unclean’ race. There was great division between the two groups and consequently tensions were high and contact with one another avoided.
The Samaritans belief system did include the first five Books of the Old Testament Scrolls. They also held the belief that a Messiah was to be expected. (Jn. 4:25). The ‘Messiah’ they were expecting was to be a Moses like figure who would solve all their problems.
Instead of going to the Jewish priests to be declared clean the Samaritan returned to the High Priest, Jesus Christ, the true Messiah out of gratitude and thanksgiving. In that his problems had now been eradicated did he recognize Jesus as the Messiah to come?
Scripture is silent on this, but the probability is there. The other nine however, like their leaders, appear to have refused to acknowledge that this just might be their long, awaited Messiah.
Then Jesus said, “Were not 10
cleansed? Where are the nine?
Didn’t any return to give glory to
God except this foreigner?”
And He told him, “Get up and
go on your way. Your
faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:17-19
Because of the language used by Jesus in telling the man his faith had made him well, he received not only physical healing but spiritual healing as well. The nine were physically and externally made well. The Samaritan, however, was physically, spiritually and eternally healed.
This Samaritan, because of his skin disease was forced to live outside the village but more than likely was left to live in an alone state within the diseased camp because of his ethnicity.
Once declared clean all were free to renew their family relationships, community relationships, and synagogue/temple relationships. The Samaritan though now had a new relationship in that he now had been accepted into the family of God. Healing the Samaritan forecasted Samaritans, Gentiles, and heathens in general could be accepted into the kingdom by faith in Jesus. The thanklessness of His own was astounding.
Jesus had the power to cleanse the nation as a whole and make its inhabitants ceremonially clean throughout eternity. Once again, His own rejected His offer of a one-time, permanent cleansing. Jesus still offers, to all, a one-time permanent cleansing and rewards a grateful heart for all eternity.
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed;
save me, and I will be saved;
for You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
RAISING LAZARUS
John 11:1-45
A ‘sign’
Now a man was sick, Lazarus,
from Bethany, the village of
Mary and her sister Martha.
John 11:1
Lazarus, along with his two sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in the small village of Bethany, approximately two miles southeast of Jerusalem. Jesus stayed with this family on several occasions when He was in Judea.
It is believed Martha was the oldest of the siblings and appears to be the head of a prominent and somewhat wealthy family within the community. It appears their home was large enough to accommodate Jesus and His disciples. (Lk. 10:38). They had become personal friends of His, although it is not recorded as to how this friendship developed or when it began.
So the sisters sent a
message to Him: “Lord,
the one You love is sick.”
John 11:3
Lazarus becomes ill to the point of death. Martha and Mary send for Jesus in hopes of a miracle to heal their beloved brother. Because of the division among the Jews as to who Jesus truly was and the attempt to stone Him, He and the disciples had left for the area east of the Jordan River. (Jn. 10:19, 31, 40). This is where Jesus and the disciples were located as the messenger leaves out for the day’s journey with the news of Lazarus.
Martha and Mary sent for Jesus in hopes of a miracle, which Jesus did indeed have in mind for these three whom He loved. (Jn. 11:5). Upon hearing of Lazarus being sick to the point of death and Jesus being omniscient (all knowing), He did have a miracle for these three that would be much more than they had anticipated.
Jesus remained two more days east of the Jordan before starting out on the day’s journey back to Judea. Since Jews bury their dead the day they die, Lazarus would have been in the tomb four days by the time Jesus arrived at Bethany. (Jn. 11:17).
As Jesus is coming upon Martha’s house it is clear many Jews had already arrived to comfort these two sisters. As was the custom, according to oral Jewish tradition, upon the death of a family member, a minimum of two flute players and a professional wailing woman had to be hired for the dead. It is not recorded if this was the group that came to comfort, but this family appears to be loved by many.
When Martha heard Jesus was on His way to her and her sister Mary, she ran out to meet Him. She was understandably disappointed He had not come sooner as she believed Jesus could and would have saved him from death. (Jn. 11:24). What they had not grasped yet was that Jesus is the resurrection and He was ready for them to see the glory of God. Not only them, but the crowd following after them, plus the religious elite who kept constantly trying to discredit Him.
These sisters had, more than likely, heard the remarkable stories how Jesus had raised the widow’s son in Nain, and Jairus’ daughter. (Lk 7:11-16; Lk. 8:40-56). But in these two raisings both had just died and neither had yet been placed in a tomb.
With these two circumstances people could surmise these two could have only been asleep or at worst in a coma. But, with Lazarus in a tomb for four days there was no mistaking he was literally dead. Lazarus was going to be an unmistakable resurrection with no one being able to confuse it with a resuscitation.
Coming back into the Jerusalem area where there was unimaginable rejection and unmitigated hatred Jesus was getting ready to display before the crowds and religious elite the glory of God in the most magnificent way. The raising of the dead. This would be miraculous in that Jews did not embalm their dead. After four days decomposition would have quickly taken place.
As Jesus commands the stone in front of the cave, where Lazarus is, be removed, Mary is mortified as he would now stink. (Jn. 11:39). Jesus tells her to just believe and offers up a prayer. (Jn. 11:40, 41).
After He said this, He
shouted with a loud voice.
“Lazarus, come out!”
John 11:43
To everyone’s amazement, Lazarus does just that. Those who had followed Mary from the house unwrapped him at Jesus’ direction. This put a whole new spin on the term ‘seeing is believing.’ Many who witnessed what Jesus had done now believed Him to be who He said He is, the Son of God.
But even this miracle divided the Jews, as some maliciously informed the Pharisees of Jesus’ action and His declaration as to who He is. Jesus had warned that even if someone was raised from the dead there would be those who would not repent nor believe. (Lk. 16:31).
Jesus said to her, “I am the
resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in Me,
even if he dies, will live.
Everyone who lives and
believes in Me will never
die – ever. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26
THE BLIND SEE
Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43
A ‘sign’
As they were leaving Jericho,
a large crowd followed Him.
There were two blind men
sitting by the road.
Matthew 20:29, 30a
And as he was leaving Jericho
with His disciples and a
large crowd, Bartimaeus
(the son of Timaeus), a blind
beggar was sitting by the road.
Mark 10:46
As He drew near Jericho, a
blind man was sitting
by the road begging.
Luke 18:35
Matthew reports they were leaving Jericho and two blind men were by the side of the road. Mark and Luke indicate one blind man and Mark states his name as Bartimaeus. This is one of two miracles in which the person healed is given a name. The other is Lazarus who was raised from the dead. Luke also mentions there being a lone blind man beside the road.
In all probability, there were two blind men by the road. Bartimaeus was more than likely the more noticeable one and the spokesperson for the two. Matthew reports two men were healed.
‘Bar’ is Aramaic and means ‘son,’ consequently the name given here indicates he was the ‘son’ of Timaeus. This possibly was a person well known within the community and thus the reason for revealing the name. Interestingly, the name Timaeus is Greek thus the healing is afforded to a man with the combined name of half Aramaic (a Semitic language) and half Greek. Was Jesus showing He was about to set up His Kingdom where there was neither Jew nor Gentile? (Gal. 3:28).
Matthew and Mark state Jesus was leaving Jericho whereas Luke indicates Jesus was nearing Jericho when the men were healed. At that time there were two cities, an old Jericho and a new one. Jesus had left old Jericho and was coming upon new Jericho when the miracle happened.
the Nazarene, he began
to cry out, “Son of David,
Jesus, have mercy on me!”
Mark 10:47
Bartimaeus is the only person in the Book of Mark to use the Messianic title, ‘Son of David’ referring to Jesus. (Is. 9:7). A blind man! The ‘seeing’ blind Pharisees and religious leaders could only tell him to be quiet as they did not want attention to fall on Jesus in this manner. Also, if this beggar’s ethnicity were not ‘pure’ Jew, this would make Jesus’ attention toward him all the more abhorrent to the religious elite.
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man and
said to him, “Have courage! Get up;
He’s calling for you.” He threw off his
coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
Mark 10:49, 50
As he cried out a second time, Jesus stopped. Interestingly, as the crowd is trying to quiet the beggar, Jesus calls to them to bring Bartimaeus to Him. He is going to have them be part of the solution instead of being the problem, itself.
Calling out to Jesus indicated the extent of his faith. Scripture is silent as to how long Bartimaeus had been a blind beggar nor what caused the condition. Sitting in the location where he was, he would have had the chance to hear stories of this Jesus and His healings. He, more than likely, had heard of another beggar born blind who received his sight from the hand of Jesus. (Jn. 9:6,7).
Throwing his coat aside showed Jesus he knew He could and would heal him. His coat was apparently all he owned. This would have kept him warm in the winter, given him something to sit on, and he could collect the handouts given him, keeping them beside him within the confines of the garment.
Then Jesus answered him, “What
do you want Me to do for you?”
“Rabbouni,” the blind man
told Him, “I want to see!”
Mark 10:51
Again, when Jesus asked a question, it was not to gain information. It was a means to enhance the person’s faith. Bartimaeus asking for a specific need would then recognize he had been given a specific answer thus, all glory would go to God through Jesus.
Him calling Jesus Rabbouni (my great Master), expresses a greater reverence than the use of Rabbi (religious teacher). Rabbouni/Rabboni is a Jewish title of respect. It is used only twice in the New Testament. It is first used by this blind beggar. (Mk. 10:51). It is used one other time by Mary Magdalene upon seeing the risen Lord. (Jn. 20:16).
The Greek verbiage the blind man uses for “receive my sight” means “to recover sight.” In all probability he had once been able to see and is asking to see again.
“Go your way,” Jesus told him.
“Your faith has healed you.”
Immediately he could see and
began to follow Him on the road.
Mark 10:52
The word used for “healed” is SHESOKEN/SESOKEN/SOZO. Because of Bartimaeus’ faith he did indeed receive physical healing in the way of blindness to sight. This word is also used for ‘saved,’ indicating he received spiritual healing in the way of darkness to light. The outward healing was a picture of the inward salvation.
Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where His own crucifixion would soon take place. Blind Bartimaeus could ‘see’ Jesus for who He is and yet His own refused to acknowledge Him as their long, awaited Messiah.
Of all those who had called out to Jesus for a miracle, this blind beggar is the only one, recorded, that followed Him after he had regained his sight. Followed, it appears, all the way to the cross.
As noted, Mark mentions the blind beggar’s name as Bartimaeus. It is unknown but, just possibly, he is named in that he became a known person in the early church, having ‘seen’ the crucified Christ and risen Lord.
For everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13
A FIG TREE
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14; 19-23
A ‘sign’
After restoring sight to two blind beggars, Jesus and the disciples approached Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives on their way to Jerusalem. He instructed two of His disciples to fetch a donkey and a colt and bring them to Him. This was to fulfill the prophesy of Zechariah 9:9 which told the Messiah would be coming to His own on a donkey, a beast of burden.
Those ahead of Him were cutting branches from trees and spreading them on the road along with their own robes. Those ahead and behind kept shouting:
Hosanna to the Son of
David! Blessed is He who
comes in the name of the
Lord! Hosanna in the
highest heaven!
Matthew 21:9 (Ps. 118:26)
The crowds kept saying this was the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee. There had not been a prophet in the land for over 400 years. The religious leaders, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots did not agree with one another on the things of God.
The Jews would go to a synagogue on the Sabbath or reach out to a Rabbi to learn about the Old Testament Scrolls. These religious elite should have known who Jesus is as their own scrolls had over 300 prophesies of who they should be looking for and exactly how they would recognize Him.
Bethany sits two miles east of Jerusalem and on the southeast slope of the Mount of Olives. The Messiah was to come to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. (Zech. 14:4). The Golden Gate is located on the east wall of the Temple Mount. In Jewish belief the gate is called “The Gate of Mercy’ and is considered to be where the Messiah will enter in the end days. (Ez. 44:1-3). It is believed this is the gate Jesus entered coming into Jerusalem and should have been recognized by the leaders.
The people did not have access to the scrolls and were dependent on the leaders for their approach to living a righteous life. The leaders had become indignant toward Jesus as the people were looking to Him for their freedom from the Roman rule they were under and the man-made religious laws, that oppressed them for years, from these religious leaders. These religious elite were not about to give up their prestigious standing in the communities they supposedly served.
The crowds were huge as it was just about time for Passover and news of His miracles were top news throughout the land. A large group following Him had been with Him when He had called Lazarus out of the tomb raising him for the dead. (Jn. 12:17).
The crowds were wanting to crown Him king, the religious elite wanted Him destroyed, and the Roman authorities’ jobs were threatened if the commotion did not stop. The city was under Roman rule and did not want or need a Jewish king. The hour was late as Jesus and His disciples left Jerusalem and went out to Bethany which, interestingly, means ‘house of figs.’ The probability arises they left Jerusalem to avoid a premature arrest by the Jewish leaders.
The next day when they came
out from Bethany, He was hungry.
After seeing in the distance, a
fig tree with leaves, He went to
find out if there was anything
on it. When He came to it, He
found nothing but leaves,
because it was not the season
for figs. He said to it, “May no
one ever eat fruit from you again!”
And His disciples heard it.
Mark 11:12-14
On His way from Bethany back into Jerusalem Jesus became hungry. Interestingly, He notices a fig tree along the side of the road which would have been food for any that passed by being that it was not being cultivated on private property.
It is Passover which is in the Spring. Fig trees are one of the last trees in Spring to produce leaves and subsequently fruit by early summer. They can grow up to twenty feet in height and have large leaves. The fig is produced in the way of a bud before the leaves emerge. Jesus finding nothing but leaves, even though it was not the season for full ripe figs yet, should have at least seen small, edible buds. With no buds the indication was there would be no fruit in the coming season.
The fig tree was good for economic reasons and symbolic for judgment on Israel, all of which the disciples would have been familiar with from their Old Testament Scrolls. (1Kgs. 4:25; Jer. 5:17). This was going to be an object lesson for His disciples. Jesus was on His way into Jerusalem knowing His crucifixion was imminent. This was going to be one of His last teaching lessons to His disciples and one of his most important instructions to them.
The disciples, very soon, were going to have to produce fruit in the way of the Gospel to all nations. (Matt. 28:19). To produce fruit, they were going to need faith. Jesus was making a comparison between the barren fig tree and Spiritual barren Israel. The large green leaves gave the appearance of producing much fruit.
The religious leaders gave off an impressive religious appearance yet produced nothing God honoring. The fig tree and the religious leaders both looked promising of great productivity, yet both were barren and thus would produce no fruit. Jesus cursing the fig tree for giving no fruit now or in the future was a lesson to the disciples that the false religious teachers were incapable of producing disciples for the kingdom.
And whenever evening came,
they would go out of the city.
Early in the morning,
as they were passing by, they
saw the fig tree withered from
the roots up. Then Peter
remembered and said to Him,
“Rabbi, look! The fig tree that
you cursed is withered.”
Mark 11:19-21
The religious leaders were so intent on destroying Jesus that He and His disciples would leave Jerusalem at evening just as the city gates were about to be closed. As they were re-entering Jerusalem early in the morning Peter notices the withered tree.
Again, this is an object lesson for the disciples. Their Old Testament Scrolls had mention of such an occurrence. The disciples may have had re-call, where it states the Lord brought down the high tree and dried up the green tree. (Ez. 17:24).
Israel and Jerusalem, in particular, had shown great promise just as the earlier reception given to Jesus entering the city had given great promise just a couple of days ago. Yet, all these events would come to nothing. Jerusalem was doomed and the “hosannas” would turn to “crucify Him.”
Scribes, Pharisees, priests and elders all claimed Abraham as their father and boasted God as the one to be worshiped. Yet they drew all worship to themselves just as the large leaves, yet barren tree, had drawn Jesus to see if indeed there was fruit for nourishment. There was no physical nourishment to be had from the tree and no spiritual nourishment for the people from the leaders they claimed to serve.
Jesus condemned the tree to never bear fruit just as the religious elite would also be condemned to remain useless, fruitless, and produce nothing but dead teachings. Israel had failed to be a Godly influence upon her Gentile neighbors. Thus, they remained in their withered state until the Romans came in 70 AD and destroyed not only the city but their much beloved Temple.
Jesus replied to them, “Have
faith in God. I assure you: If
anyone says to this mountain,
‘Be lifted up and thrown into
the sea,’ and does not doubt
in his heart, but believes that
what he says will happen, it
will be done for him.
Mark 11:22, 23
Jesus was informing the disciples that through faith God can and will do the impossible. The person need only to believe, not pray with selfish motives and all requests must be for the good of God’s kingdom. All are to be in harmony with God’s will along with praise and thanksgiving. (Philp. 4:6). Jesus knew His time had come to an end and these disciples would need to carry on with all He had taught them, along with the Holy Spirit.
It did appear impossible that a few unlearned men armed with nothing more than faith in Jesus would set the world ablaze with the good news that salvation is given to all who call on the name of the Lord. (Rom. 10:13). Everybody was against them, but God was for them and that was all that was needed. This faith would contrast greatly with the lack of faith the self-serving religious leaders portrayed.
My speech and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words
of wisdom, but with a
demonstration of the Spirit and
Power, so that your faith
might not be based on men’s
wisdom but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:4, 5
A SEVERED EAR
Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50, 51; John 18:10, 11
A ‘sign’
Then one of them struck the
high priest’s slave and cut
off his right ear. But Jesus
responded, “No more of
this!” And touching his
ear, He healed him.
Luke 22:50, 51
It was now time for Passover and Jesus knew His hour had come where He would depart this world. (Jn. 13:1). In His last few hours He taught His disciples, giving insight, instruction, and warning concerning their future without Him physically being with them.
He and His disciples went to the Garden Gethsemane where they had retreated on many occasions along the slope of the Mount of Olives. It is here Judas led Roman soldiers and temple police to Jesus to arrest Him. Peter, armed with a sword, cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in an attempt to prevent Jesus’ arrest. This was no small jab as the Greek word used for ‘cut off’ is ‘apokopto’ meaning to amputate or mutilate.
This account is in all four Gospels, but Peter being named the aggressor, with the victim called Malchus, is only recorded in the Book of John. (Jn. 18:10, 11). Luke, the physician, is the only one to mention this fact that Jesus healed the servant, which would have held great interest to anyone in the medical field.
What Malchus thought concerning this extraction of his ear along with the pain and the blood now escaping from the side of his head is not recorded. Nor are his thoughts covering the immediate healing where pain and blood vanished. It is apparent the victim neither asked for, nor showed faith in Jesus’ healing power.
Scripture is silent as to how the healing occurred, whether Jesus rescued the ear from the ground and placed it where it had been, or if He created a completely new ear immediately. The healing would have been so supernatural that a human explanation as to how it happened was impossible to put into words. True miracles just happen without an explanation.
It is interesting to note Malchus was neither a soldier nor temple police, none of who are given names. It is recorded he was a servant of Caiaphas, the high priest.
Roman soldiers would have been outfitted in helmets and shields. The temple police also would have had protective gear. Thus, Malchus being a servant with no particular regiment was apparently bare headed. He also was, more than likely, unarmed. It can only be assumed he was there to oversee that all took place as was intended.
The mob led by Judas were armed with swords and clubs and yet there is no mention of an attack on Peter in retaliation. This would indicate the healing of the servant’s ear must have been immediate. What is mentioned is the disciples all deserted Jesus and fled. (Matt. 26: 56b).
Peter, however, did follow at a distance to see where they were taking Jesus. Scripture is silent as to what the disciples were thinking when they realized Judas had betrayed Jesus. Apparently, they were frightened and ran even though they had pledged they would never leave Him. (Mk. 14:31). Judas had also betrayed the other eleven disciples as he was a thief who had been stealing from them while claiming to be a follower of Jesus also.
Many times, circumstances have more questions than answers. Why a severed ear would be Jesus’ last miracle/sign before His crucifixion has more speculation than factual answers. This was a public miracle but appears to have gone unnoticed. With His other miracles people seemed to be awe struck. Here there is no mention of recognition as to what had just transpired.
This healing, not to mention a life-saving event for the servant, was given to a hostile enemy who was part of a group ready to kill Him. Judas professed to be a follower of Jesus yet betrayed Him to death. Today there are those who claim to follow Him and say they love Him, yet their lives betray Him unto their own death and separation from God throughout eternity.
It is interesting that Jesus’ last miracle before His crucifixion was on the behalf of an enemy. Hating an enemy is natural. Loving an enemy is supernatural and only possible by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, if indeed He resides in you.
But I say to you who listen:
Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27, 28
THE RESURRECTION
Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1-18
The ‘miracle’
When the Sabbath was over
Mary Magdalene, Mary the
mother of James, and Salome
brought spices, so they could
go and anoint Him.
Very early in the morning,
on the first day of the
week, they went to
the tomb at sunrise.
Mark 16:1, 2
The Jewish time for a day was from sundown to sundown. (Gen. 1:5). The Jewish Sabbath was on the Saturday of each week. At sundown the Sabbath was over, and the women now were free to shop and prepare everything needed as they worked diligently to prepare a proper burial for Jesus.
The women came early in the morning, which would have been a Sunday morning. They came to the tomb at sunrise indicating they had prepared the spices along with the cloths to wrap Him in all evening, all night and left for the tomb under darkness of the wee morning hours.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had been secret believers in Jesus while He was alive, but had now come forward for His body, not in secret, but openly. Jewish custom did not allow embalming of their dead but instead wrapped them in spice filled cloths.
The women, more than likely, did not know these men as they were from the Sanhedrin which had religious, civil, and criminal jurisdiction headed by a High priest and consisting of seventy-one Judges. The Sanhedrin is who called for the crucifixion of Jesus, but the women had no way of knowing that these two men were opposed to the Council’s decision. (Mk. 15:43; Jn. 19:39). They had no reason to believe the men had or would take proper care of His body.
The Gospel of Mark makes mention of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome arriving at the tomb. Matthew states Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” were the first to arrive that ‘first day of the week’ morning. (Matt. 28:1). Luke agrees that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James arrived plus Joanna and other women with them. (Lk. 24:10). John has Mary Magdalene arriving alone. (Jn. 20:1, 11).
Matthew had earlier described the ‘other Mary’ as the mother of James and Joseph as she and Mary Magdalene looked on Jesus at a distance as He drew His last breath. (Matt. 27:56). In Matthew 13:55 two of Jesus brothers are named James and Joseph. It is probable the other “Mary’ was the mother of Jesus as He walked the earth in human form. That ‘Mary’ is the only person that was with Jesus from birth to death. But, with His death, burial, and resurrection her biological relationship had come to an end. Her spiritual relationship, along with the others, would now begin.
That early morning trip with expectations of taking proper care of Jesus’ body unexpectedly ended when they arrived at the tomb.
They were saying to one another,
“Who will roll away the stone
from the entrance to the tomb
for us?” Looking up they
observed that the stone –
which was very large –
had been rolled away.
Mark 16:3, 4
As the women had diligently watched where Jesus’ body was put, they noticed Joseph of Arimathea rolled a large stone against the entrance to the tomb. (Mk. 15:46). Their only concern for the moment was how they would move the stone away from the entrance to the tomb so as to go in.
On numerous occasions, Jesus had taught his disciples, along with the women following and serving their needs, He would suffer, be rejected, killed, and rise after three days. Interestingly it does not appear these women understood or believed there would be a resurrection as they traveled along carrying their spices to anoint His decaying body. It was now the third day.
They had left the sight of the tomb on Friday, with the stone in place, but were unaware that on Saturday the tomb had been sealed and guards posted per the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. (Matt. 27:65, 66).
Suddenly there was a violent
earthquake, because an angel
of the Lord descended from
heaven and approached the
tomb. He rolled back the
stone and was sitting on it.
His appearance was like
lightening, and his robe was
as white as snow. The
guards were so shaken from
fear of him that they
became like dead men.
Matthew 28:2-4
It appears before the women arrived at the tomb an angel had descended and was waiting for their arrival. Only Matthew makes mention of guards. Upon waking from their dead-like state, it appears they ran away out of fear before the women came upon the scene. Seeing an angel and the stone rolled away, plus Jesus’ body gone, the guards had a right to fear as now they had a very strange story to tell Governor Pontius Pilate as to how the dead body they were guarding disappeared on their watch. Luke’s account speaks of two angels. (Lk. 24:4). Matthew and Mark make mention of one angel which was more than likely the spokes-angel for the two.
Now the women approached the tomb only to find the stone had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they encountered an angel with the appearance of a young man dressed in a long white robe. (Matt. 16:5). Luke mentions two men in dazzling clothes. Who wasn’t in the tomb when the women entered was Jesus. Had grave robbers taken Him? Had the Roman Government removed the body? These women had been so careful with all detail so as to give Him a dignified burial.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he told them.
“You are looking for Jesus the
Nazarene, who was crucified.
He has been resurrected!
He is not here! See the
place where they put Him.”
Mark 16:6
This message from the angel emphasizes the One who was crucified is also the One who has risen. The women’s initial reaction was not one of joy and remembrance of what Jesus had told them would happen.
Even from their own Scriptures and Jesus’ many teachings these women, along with the disciples, still did not have clear understanding that Jesus was to rise from the dead. They had just recently seen Him raise Lazarus from the dead. They had heard, they had seen, but they still did not understand. Instead, the women were described throughout the Gospel accounts as being amazed, alarmed, astonished, over-whelmed, and afraid upon the angel’s announcement.
The angel is pointing to the place where they had laid Him originally when His body was brought to the tomb. The women noticed the grave clothes and burial cloth for His head were separated one from the other laying there neatly on the slab. Grave robbers would not have left His clothes in the order in which he had worn them. They actually would not have left His clothes there at all.
The possibility was starting to appear Jesus had indeed risen and gone through His own grave clothes. The women quickly left to go tell His disciples what they had encountered. (Matt. 28:8). Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb only to hear her name spoken by Jesus, Himself. She is the last person to see him laid in the tomb and the first person He appeared to after He had risen. (Jn. 20:16).
JESUS’ RESURRECTION APPEARANCES:
- Mary Magdalene – Mk. 16:9-11; Jn. 20:11-18
- The other women – Matt. 28:8-10
- Cleopas & the other disciple – Mk. 16:12,13; Lk. 24:13-32
- Peter in Jerusalem – Lk. 24:33-35; 1 cor. 15:5a
- To the 11 disciples & the others in Jerusalem – Lk. 24:36-49
- To 10 disciples without Thomas – Jn. 20:19-25
- To all 11 disciples including Thomas – Mk. 16:14; Jn 20:26-29
- To 7 disciples by the Lake of Galilee – Jn. 21:1-25
- To 11 disciples – Matt. 28:16-20; Mk. 16:15-18; 1 Cor. 15:5b
- To 500 people at once – 1 Cor. 15:6
- To James – 1 Cor. 15:7a
- Disciples at Ascension – Mk. 16:19; Lk. 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-11; 1 Cor. 15:7b
- To Paul – Acts 9:3-5; 22:7,8; 26:14-16; 1 Cor. 15:8
Jesus had originally called His disciples ‘friends’. (Jn. 15:15). After His death, burial,
and resurrection He calls them bothers. (Jn. 20:17). Jesus using the term brothers indicated a new relationship, new family, and a new responsibility. Believers in Jesus become brothers and sisters with God as their Father also.
The stone had not been rolled back for the purpose of letting Jesus out but to make a way for others to go in, so as to witness the greatest ‘miracle’ of all! Jesus had foretold of His resurrection on several occasions. (Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19).
On the third day had He not risen, there would have been no need for His disciples to have lost their own lives for the faith which is what happened as time went on. There would have been no need to spread the Good News if there was indeed no Good News to spread.
It is interesting to note that there is not a visual account for the resurrection. However, the post-resurrection fact is what all eternity is based on, the life-giving power of God. Faith is the key that opens the door to this amazing gift from God through Jesus Christ.
Then He said to them,
“Go into all the world
and preach the gospel
to the whole creation.
Whoever believes and
is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not
believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:15, 16
153 FISH: 2ND FISHING EXPEDITION
John 21:1-14
A ‘sign’
After this, Jesus revealed
Himself again to His disciples
by the Sea of Tiberius
John 21:1
The Sea of Tiberius is also called Sea of Galilee. His disciples had gone to this location at the instruction Jesus had given them earlier. (Mk. 14:28). The angel at the empty tomb had told the women to go to the disciples and tell them Jesus would meet them in Galilee. (Matt. 28:7).
These men had for the last three years followed Jesus and been dependent on the benevolence of others to meet their needs. By all appearances this had come to an end and now it seems they would need to go back to their original profession of fishing, so as to support themselves.
There were seven who were at the Sea of Galilee: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, Zebedee’s sons and two others. (Jn. 21:2). Peter determined to go fishing as did the others. These men, more than likely, needed to get into familiar territory and collect their thoughts concerning the unusual circumstances of the past few days. Even though they were now ‘home’ doing the familiar, they caught no fish that night.
When daybreak came, Jesus stood
on the shore. However, the disciples
did not know it was Jesus.
John 21:4
Since His resurrection, Jesus had appeared to all His disciples except Thomas. (Jn. 20:19-24). Eight days later He appeared to all eleven disciples including Thomas. (Jn. 20:26-29). At some point Jesus had met with His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. (Matt. 28:16, 17). It was sometime after this meeting and yet before His Ascension that Jesus was on the shore of Tiberius welcoming His disciples. This was His next to last appearance with them.
As mentioned in the ‘First Fishing Expedition’, fishing was done at night as the fish collected in shallow water during those hours. In the daytime the fish would migrate to deeper, cooler waters making it near impossible to reach fish with nets. It is now daybreak, the sun is just beginning to rise, yet the disciples have yet to recognize who it is that is calling out to them.
“Men,” Jesus called to them,
“You don’t have any fish do
you?” “No,” they answered.
“Cast the net on the right
side of the boat,” He told
them, “and you’ll find some.”
John 21:5, 6a
Once again, the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus had on an earlier occasion asked this same question and given the same instructions. (Lk. 5:4, 5). Yet, these men were apparently not remembering the first fishing expedition, nor expecting a re-occurrence of the same.
So, they did, and they were
unable to haul it in because
of the large number of fish.
Therefore, the disciple, the
one Jesus loved, said to
Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Finally! In their grief, excitement, confusion, doubt, joy and no telling what all emotions they had experienced in the past few days, they now recognize who is reaching out to them. Rambunctious Peter jumps in the Sea and swims to Him as the others come in the boat dragging the net full of fish. Jesus had prepared everything needed for their arrival. There was a fire going with fish on it, along with bread. (Jn. 21:9).
“Bring some of the fish you’ve
just caught,” Jesus told them.
So Simon Peter got up and
hauled the net ashore, full of
large fish – 153 of them.
Even though there were so
many the net was not torn.
John 21:10, 11
This is the second time Jesus told His disciples to lower their fishing nets during daylight hours only to fill the nets to capacity, indicating Jesus is in control of the catch. These professional fishermen had once again caught nothing throughout the night yet at the direction of Jesus the net was full of 153 large fish without the net breaking.
Throughout the ages there are those who have tried to decipher the significance of ‘153’ fish. It is simply a matter of not being told why that particular number of fish were brought ashore. Details of the number of fish and the net not breaking could only be told by an eyewitness, which John would have been, giving credence to this miracle. It is believed, Peter hauling this wet net full of fish could have weighed as much as 300 pounds.
The intended meaning here is not the amount or the size of fish, thus no explanation was necessary. Any reasoning to ‘153’ is pure speculation. The number ‘153’ only represents the number of fish in the net, as far as anyone knows. Interestingly what shows this catch to be yet another ‘sign’ by Jesus, is all the fish appear to be the same kind and size. Lowering nets would have rendered different sizes and species.
In Scripture the ‘sea’ represents the Gentile nations, whereas the ‘land’ is the representation of Israel. Thus, the ‘fish’ brought to shore is determined by Jesus. In the first fishing expedition Jesus was showing the work and reward for fishing for people. (Lk. 5:4-11). They had caught nothing until Jesus showed them where to lower their nets. At that time the catch was so large the nets began to break and the boats to sink. (Lk. 5:6, 7).
The first expedition where nets were torn indicated many would hear the Gospel account but not all would heed the Good News, thus turning away. With the second expedition Jesus, after His resurrection, once again is in control of the catch brought to shore but with not one lost. (Jn. 18:9).
The men were professional fishermen yet, caught nothing on their own. At the direction of Jesus, they actually ended up with a literal ‘boat load’ of fish. This was a lesson for His disciples and all who have come after them that success only comes at the direction of the risen Lord.
As Jesus willed fish to a net, God wills people back to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. Meeting and providing for His disciples that early morning indicated a new dawning, a new age, and a new mission, with Him providing all that would be necessary.
But as it is written: What no
eye has seen and no ear has
heard, and what has never
come into a man’s heart, is
what God has prepared
for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (Isaiah 64:4)
THE ASCENSION
Mark 16:19, 20; Luke 24:50-53; John 16:28-30;
John 20:17; Acts 1:6-12
The Ultimate ‘sign’
“I came from the Father and
have come into the world.
Again, I am leaving the world
and going to the Father.”
John 16:28
Because Adam and Eve chose to disobey God’s command not to partake of the tree of ‘knowledge of good and evil’, sin entered God’s creative order.
They were expelled from the Garden of Eden, thus not being allowed, or even tempted, to eat of the ‘tree of life’. Eating of the ‘tree of life’ would have caused them to live forever under the curse of sin and separated from God throughout eternity.
God created man, not robots, thus giving the ability to make choices, be them good or bad. In God’s omniscience (state of knowing everything), He knew what the outcome would be thus, in His loving wisdom, He already had in place a plan to redeem man from sin’s curse.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Jesus came into the world, from the Father, through a young Jewish girl who became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 1:18; Lk. 1:35). This is how God the Father chose to introduce His Son onto the world stage. God, in flesh form, chose to enter sin filled earth as a man, as the perfect sacrifice for all sin, once and for all.
There were many signs exhibited by Jesus while here on earth, proving He is who He said He is. The Old Testament Scrolls made clear how the long, awaited Messiah would be recognized.
He would be born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
He would cause the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the mute to speak, and the lame to walk – Isaiah 35:4-6
He would heal those living in darkness – Isaiah 42:7
He would raise the dead – Ezekiel 37:13
He would heal all diseases – Psalms 103:3
He would feed the hungry – Psalms 145:14, 16
He would have power over creation – Psalms 89:9
He would replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh – Ezekiel 36:26
He would be resurrected – Psalms 16:10
Jesus’ life is summed up in His reincarnation (God in flesh form). In His humiliation (leaving the glories of Heaven to enter sin-filled Earth). In His death (sin’s perfect sacrifice). In His burial (proof He did die). In His resurrection (indicating the future for everyone). All will one day be resurrected to life with God or away from God.
After He had said this, He was
taken up as they were watching, and
a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9
In His Ascension (return to His Heavenly abode).
Then after speaking to them,
the Lord Jesus was taken up into
Heaven and sat down
at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:19
In His exaltation (His rank and power). He is Priest, Prophet, and King.
For everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13
JESUS CHRIST = LORD AND SAVIOR
There is salvation in no one else,
for there is no other name
under Heaven given to people
by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
THIS IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL
BIBLICAL PEOPLE 