Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts

Sunday, March 01, 2026

When God Seems Silent: A New-Month Story of Faith, Patience, and Hope

 

Biblical-style story of Eliab for March 1st, showing courage, patience, and divine timing when God is silent.

Biblical-style story of Eliab for March 1st, showing courage, patience, and divine timing when God is silent.


The first day of March arrives quietly, like a gentle knock on the door of the soul. It invites us to pause, breathe, and remember that every new month is a chapter God opens with purpose.


Yet many people enter a new month carrying the same unanswered prayers, the same battles, and the same silence from heaven. This story is for those who feel forgotten, delayed, or overlooked. It is a reminder that God’s timing is never late, even when His silence feels heavy.

 

There was once a young man named Eliab who lived in a small village surrounded by hills and vineyards. He was known for his kindness, his honesty, and his devotion to God. However, Eliab carried a burden: for seven years, he prayed for a breakthrough that never came.

 

His family struggled, his crops failed, and his enemies mocked him. Every morning, he woke before sunrise, lifted his hands toward heaven, and whispered the same prayer: “Lord, remember me.” Yet every morning, the sky remained silent.

 

One day, after another disappointing harvest, Eliab walked to the edge of the village and sat beneath an old fig tree. He felt tired, tired of waiting, tired of hoping, and tired of believing. “Why do you delay?” he cried. “Have I not been faithful? Have I not trusted You?”

 

His tears fell onto the dry soil, and he felt the weight of discouragement pressing on his chest. As he sat there, an elderly shepherd approached him. The man had watched Eliab grow from childhood and understood the storms that had shaped him.

 

He placed a gentle hand on Eliab’s shoulder and said, “My son, do you know how long a fig tree takes to bear fruit?” Eliab shook his head. “Three years,” the shepherd continued. “However, during those years, the roots grow deep, hidden from the eyes of men.


Without those roots, the tree cannot survive the heat of summer or the winds of winter. God works the same way. When He is silent, He is strengthening your roots.”

 

Those words settled into Eliab’s heart like rain on thirsty ground. He realized that God’s silence was not abandonment; it was preparation. It was shaping him, deepening him, and making him ready for what he had prayed for. With renewed courage, he returned home and continued his work, trusting that God was moving even when he could not see it.

 

Months later, a severe drought struck the region. Many crops withered, and the villagers feared famine, but something unexpected happened: Eliab’s field, the same field that had failed for years, began to flourish.

 

His crops grew strong and healthy, drawing from the deep roots that had formed during the years of struggle. People came from neighboring villages to buy grain from him, and Eliab finally understood God had not delayed; He had prepared.

 

Eliab lifted his hands to heaven and whispered, “Lord, You remembered me.” And this time, the sky felt alive with God’s presence.

 

Conclusion

 

As we enter March, this story reminds us that God’s silence is not God’s absence. When prayers seem unanswered, when progress feels slow, when life appears stagnant, God is often working beneath the surface, strengthening your roots, building your character, and preparing your blessing.

 

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to trust God even when nothing makes sense. Patience is not passive waiting; it is active faith, and divine timing is not delay; it is precision.


If you are stepping into this new month with unanswered questions, hold on. The same God who remembered Eliab will remember you. Your season of flourishing will come, and when it does, you will understand why the waiting was necessary.

Sunday, February 22, 2026

The God Who Sees: Finding Comfort in Hagar’s Story

 

Hagar in the desert, expressing sorrow and hope beside a clay water jar, symbolizing divine compassion and El Roi, the God who sees.

Hagar in the desert, expressing sorrow and hope beside a clay water jar, symbolizing divine compassion and El Roi, the God who sees.


Hagar’s story is one of the most overlooked yet profoundly comforting narratives in the Bible. She was an Egyptian servant in Abraham and Sarah’s household, a woman with little power, little voice, and little control over her own life.

 

When tensions rose in the home and Sarah mistreated her, Hagar fled into the wilderness, carrying her pain, confusion, and loneliness with her. It was in that desolate place, far from comfort and far from anyone who cared, that God met her.

 

The Bible describes how the Angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring of water in the desert. He called her by name, something deeply significant for a servant who was often treated as invisible. God acknowledged her suffering, spoke to her about her future, and assured her that her life and her child’s life had purpose.

 

In that moment, Hagar realized she was not abandoned. She was not forgotten. She was not unseen. Overwhelmed by this divine encounter, Hagar gave God a name no one had used before: El Roi, meaning “The God who sees me.” She understood that even in the wilderness, a place of fear, rejection, and uncertainty, God’s eyes were on her.

 

He saw her tears, her struggle, her journey, and her destiny. Hagar returned with renewed strength, not because her circumstances were perfect, but because she now knew she was seen by God. Her story reminds us that God’s attention is not reserved for the powerful, the celebrated, or the righteous.

 

He sees the marginalized, the mistreated, the forgotten, and the weary. He sees the person crying in silence, the one carrying burdens no one else notices, and the one walking through a personal wilderness. Like Hagar, we may sometimes feel invisible to the world, but never to God.

 

Hagar’s story teaches us that no one is beyond God’s sight or compassion. Even in our loneliest moments, God sees us, knows us by name, and walks with us through every wilderness. When life makes you feel unseen, remember El Roi, the God who sees, understands, and cares deeply for you.


Sunday, January 11, 2026

The mystery of King Nebuchadnezzar's seven-year bestial transformation

 

The mystery of King Nebuchadnezzar's seven-year bestial transformation

King Nebuchadnezzar’s bestial painting by William Blake. Credit: en.wikipedia.org/

 

Ancient Babylon had its final period of prosperity in the sixth century BC. Nebuchadnezzar, the son of King Nabopolassar, succeeded even more in reviving the empire. In addition to his political choices, the king gained fame for building the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, two global wonders.

 

It is important to note that Nebuchadnezzar's name should be pronounced Nabû-kudurri-usur, which translates to "God Nabû, protect my borders." The millions of bricks that currently rest in the ruins of the Tower of Babel, as reported by Herodotus, bear this name etched on them. Sorry to those who think the scriptures are fairy tales.

 

The crown prince's early years are largely unknown; however, he actively studied the art of combat and led an army alongside his father in 607–606 BC. He quickly altered many facets of Babylon's legal and social structure after beginning his career with victorious military expeditions.

 

Nebuchadnezzar became well-known as a young monarch for his conquests in the Middle East, including his three invasions of Jerusalem and Judea. The biblical kingdom of David and Solomon had already been divided into two states at that point, while the Assyrians ravaged northern Israel and stole its people.

 

Only a tiny portion of southern Judea survived, and it joined the Egyptians as an ally. Nebuchadnezzar II started what the Old Testament refers to as the "New Testament of Israel" to crush any opposition. "The Babylonian captivity." The Jewish royal family, members of the nobility, and powerful individuals who could bring the populace together were all taken prisoner by Nebuchadnezzar.

 

A crucial turning point in the history of Judaism was the king's decision to transfer them to Mesopotamia. The Jews recalled what happened to the ten lost tribes, the northern Israelite tribes that vanished in Asia after being fully integrated. They became ardent followers of monotheism as a result, setting them apart from the Semitic pagans.


The Jews in a foreign land endured numerous trials in an attempt to convert them to paganism, which further damaged the king's character in their eyes. The king also developed a mental illness in his later years. He was only cured when he recognized the Jewish God, Yahweh, as the God of gods and declared it throughout his kingdom.

 

In the Old Testament, the king of Babylon and Assyria is depicted as a tyrant and oppressor of the Jewish people. According to the text, during the last years of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar, who believed himself to be God, fell ill with a terrible and strange disease that plagued him for seven years.

 

The Book of Daniel describes how God punished Nebuchadnezzar for his conceit: "And they will drive you out from among the people, and you will live with the wild animals; they will feed you with grass like an ox, and seven times will pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of man and gives it to whomever He wishes!

 

"And the word was fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar, and he was cut off from among men, and he ate grass like an ox, and his body was watered with dew from heaven, so that his hair grew like a lion's, and his nails were like a bird's." - Daniel 4:28-30.

 

The biblical account claims that King Nebuchadnezzar lived apart from humans and shared food with animals just as Daniel had prophesied. These symptoms have been linked by contemporary scientists to lycanthropy, a particular type of psychosis. A mental disorder called lycanthropy causes a person to think they have changed into an animal, and sometimes they may behave like animals in extreme situations.

 

Nebuchadnezzar II ruled for forty-three years, and Babylonia rose to prominence as the Ancient Near East's most powerful state during this period. Babylon itself was elevated to the status of the greatest metropolis of its time, and the population reached 200,000, according to ancient historians, protected by three formidable fortress walls that had no comparable counterparts.

 

William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker who was born in November 1757 and passed away on August 12, 1827, created an artwork depicting King Nebuchadnezzar in a beastly state, crawling with a long golden beard, dragging on the ground, with long nails.

 

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Archeological discoveries confirming genuine accounts in the bible

 

The Inscription of Pontius Pilate, or Stone

The Inscription of Pontius Pilate, or Stone


People have questioned the Bible's accuracy for ages. While some view each phrase as a sacred revelation, others argue that it is merely a compilation of inflated tales and fables. Nonetheless, several archaeological findings in Israel have provided substantial evidence in support of authentic biblical narratives.

 

Together, these findings offer compelling, tangible proof that many Biblical stories are based on historical fact, confirming the existence and operations of ancient Israelite kingdoms, religious customs, and significant individuals. More significantly, numerous aspects of the New Testament story have received strong support from archeology.

 

The archeological discoveries listed below attest to the veracity of biblical stories.

 

The Dead Sea Scrolls

 

Perhaps the most well-known Bible-related discovery in contemporary history is the Dead Sea Scrolls. Nearly all of the Old Testament's books, along with other ancient writings, were found in caves close to the Dead Sea in the 1940s and 1950s. There were only slight variations between these 2,000-year-old scrolls and contemporary Bible translations, according to academics. Overall, the Dead Sea Scrolls have demonstrated how closely the modern Bible resembles the original, which is remarkable given how many times it has been translated, reprinted, and revised throughout the ages.

 

King David

 

The renowned king who is thought to have established the Jewish monarchy, King David, was long dismissed by Bible critics as a fabrication. However, in the 1990s, researchers found the Tel Dan Stele, a piece of an old stone slab that has an inscription referring to the "House of David." This was a breakthrough. It not only proved that David was a real historical person, but it also demonstrated that the biblical story of the Davidic dynasty's founding was based on actual occurrences.

 

The Pool Of Siloam

 

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus healed a blind man by instructing him to wash at the Pool of Siloam. Critics thought this pool was only a metaphor or symbol for a long time. However, in 2004, researchers discovered the real Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem, proving that it was present when Jesus lived. The finding of the pool lends historical validity to the biblical story, even though it does not establish that the healing miracle took place there.

 

The Inscription of Pontius Pilate, or Stone

 

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion, is one of the most famous figures in the New Testament. However, for a long time, there was no archaeological evidence of his existence, leading to doubts about whether he was a real historical figure.

 

However, in 1961, an inscription known as the "Pilate Stone" was discovered in the ancient Roman city of Caesarea Maritima on the coast of Israel. This inscription is a dedication to Emperor Tiberius from Pilate himself, confirming his real existence and his rule over Judea during the time of Jesus. While this does not prove the biblical description of Pilate, it does establish that he was a historical figure.

 

Peter's House in Capernaum

 

The New Testament describes how Jesus performed several miracles in the town of Capernaum, including the healing of Peter's mother-in-law in his house. Skeptics have questioned this story, arguing that there is no evidence of such a house. However, in the 1960s, archaeologists discovered the ruins of a house in Capernaum that is believed to have belonged to Peter.

 

This house was located near an ancient synagogue, where Jesus is said to have preached. In the 4th century, a church was built on the site of the house, indicating its importance. While it cannot be definitively stated that this was Peter's house, the discovery confirms that the area held significant significance during the early Christian period, aligning with biblical accounts.

 

The Hittite Empire

 

Scholars and skeptics thought for a long time that the Bible's references to the Hittites were made up. Although the Bible portrays them as a major force in the ancient Near East, no archaeological proof of their presence was discovered for a very long time. This changed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when archaeologists excavated the ruins of Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, in present-day Turkey.

 

The discovery of the Hittite city, as well as thousands of clay tablets, provided irrefutable evidence that the Hittites were a real civilization, confirming the biblical descriptions of them as one of the great powers of the ancient world.

 

Cyrus Cylinder

 

The Book of Ezra describes how the Persian king Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem after their exile to Babylon. This claim seemed more like a hope than a documented historical fact until the discovery of the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient artifact with an inscription of Cyrus's decree, in 1879.

 

The cylinder describes how Cyrus allowed various conquered peoples, including the Israelites, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, confirming the biblical portrayal of Cyrus as a king who helped the Jews return to their land. This provides compelling evidence that the historical accounts in the Bible about the Persian Empire and the Jewish exile are based on real events.

The Pool of Bethesda

 

The Gospel of John tells the story of a man who was healed in the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. For a long time, critics doubted the existence of this pool, as there was no archaeological evidence to support its description in the Bible. However, in the 19th century, excavations near the Church of St. Anne in Jerusalem revealed a large complex of pools that closely matched the biblical description.

 

The bathhouse was a double structure with five porticos, as described in the Bible, which confirmed the reality of the Bethesda bathhouse. Although the existence of the bathhouse does not prove the authenticity of the miracle, it strengthens the idea that the events described in the New Testament took place in real historical locations.

 

The Nazareth Inscription

 

The Nazareth Inscription, which was found in 1878, is a lesser-known but fascinating discovery. This marble slab displays a Roman emperor's proclamation that forbade the taking of corpses from tombs and threatened to execute anybody who did so. Many academics think the inscription is connected to claims of Jesus' resurrection, even though it does not specifically address him.

 

The fact that the Roman authorities felt the need to issue such a decree at the time the New Testament was being written strongly suggests that the belief in Jesus' resurrection was already widespread in the region. The Roman reaction to the rumors of the theft of bodies from the tombs echoes one of the first accusations leveled against Jesus' followers: that they took His body after His crucifixion.

 

The Moabite Stone

 

The Moabite Stone is another significant discovery that confirms the historical accuracy of the Bible. This black basalt stele was discovered in 1868. It is engraved with the inscription of King Mesha of Moab, describing his victory over the Israelites in the 9th century BC. The inscription corresponds to the story in the Bible in 2 Kings 3, where King Mesha rises up against Israel.

 

The text on the stele also confirms the biblical story of the battle between Moab and Israel, where the Moabites emerge victorious and regain their independence. The discovery of the Moabite Stone provides valuable external evidence of the existence of a historical figure, the Moabite king.

 

The Laodicea Archaeological Site

 

Laodicea is mentioned as one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, but its exact location remained a mystery for many years, and many doubted its existence. However, in the 19th century, archaeologists identified the site of ancient Laodicea in present-day Turkey. Excavations at this site revealed an impressive city with a theater, public baths, and a well-preserved stadium.

 

These findings show that Laodicea was a wealthy and influential city during the Roman period, well-known in early Christian circles. The discovery of Laodicea adds historical context to the messages in the Book of Revelation, confirming that the cities mentioned in the New Testament were real and prosperous communities.


Friday, December 26, 2025

Jesus' Miracles: An ancient history, or timeless experience?

 

Jesus was asleep in the boat, and a storm arose, and they went and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Jesus was asleep in the boat, and a storm arose, and they went and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.


The Bible records 37 distinct miracles performed by Jesus across the four Gospels, a number commonly cited by scholars and religious sources. These miracles include healings, exorcisms, control over nature, and raising the dead, and they are presented as signs of Jesus' divine authority and identity as the Messiah.

 

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John document these events in chronological order, with Mark recording the most miracles. While some sources note that Jesus performed many other miracles not recorded in the Gospels, such as the statement in John 21:25 that "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

 

The Gospel documents the miracles that Jesus Christ performed during His earthly ministry. All of His actions were aimed at benefiting people and strengthening their faith in God. Having unlimited opportunities to create miracles, Christ never used them for His own amusement or glorification. In fact, there were many more miracles, but we will only consider those described in the Holy Scriptures.

 

The New Testament words on miracles

 

The New Testament makes it clear what constitutes true miracles performed for a good purpose, and what actions should not be considered miracles. The following are highlighted in the texts: A miracle is an event that indicates something extraordinary, an action that is beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person and nature.

 

The sign should be understood in the sense of the miracle itself, its semantic designation. Power is not just an action that requires a lot of energy, but a powerful act with significant meaning and results.

 

The first miracle of Jesus

 

The first miracle of Jesus Christ is well known not only to believers. It is the transformation of water into wine. Christ was always accompanied by the Virgin Mary. She was the most faithful and devoted preacher, although she was not one of the apostles. In Cana of Galilee, near Nazareth, a wedding was being celebrated. Jesus, his mother, and his disciples were invited to the wedding.

 

Unfortunately, the groom's family was not wealthy enough to provide a large amount of wine. As the guests continued to celebrate, Maria approached her son with a request to help the hosts. She called for the servants and instructed them to follow Jesus's instructions without question.

 

There were several stone vessels in the house. Christ ordered the people to fill them with water. Then, when all the jugs were full, He said to fill a vessel from any of them and bring it to the steward. He specified when, what, and to whom to serve, after tasting it first. When the steward tasted the drink that was presented to him, he immediately ordered that the guests' cups be filled with it.

 

He then turned to the host and expressed his surprise. Usually, the best wine is served first, but he had saved it for later. The first miracle of Jesus was performed to confirm and glorify the Son of God. The disciples, who were still in doubt, believed in Christ and his teachings.

 

Jesus' 37 Miracles in Chronological Order

 

According to John, "If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written," making it challenging to determine the chronological order of the 37 miracles that Jesus Christ accomplished. But the remaining miracles he performed are listed below:

 

 

The Healing of the Son of the Canaanite Steward (Cana) John 4:43-54

 

The Miraculous Catch of Fish (The Miraculous Catching of Fish; Lake Galilee/Gennesaret) Luke 5:1-11

 

The healing of the demoniac in the synagogue of Capernaum, Mark 1:21-28;

Luke 4:31-37

 

Healing of Peter's mother-in-law and the multitude Matthew 8 14-15;

Mark 1 30-31; Luke 4 38-39

 

The Healing of the Leper Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-15

 

The Healing of the Centurion's Servant Matthew 8:5-13

 

The Resurrection of the Widow of Nain's Son Luke 7:11-17

 

The Storm's Taming (Lake of Galilee) Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

 

The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs (The Healing of the Demoniacs in the Country of Gadarenes/Gergesenes) Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-37

 

The miracle occurred in the land of Gadara (according to Mark and Luke) or Gergesa (according to Matthew). After the ship crossed the Sea of Galilee, a demon-possessed man came out to meet Christ, asking for his salvation. The demon-possessed man's name was Legion, which represents the multitude of unclean spirits.

 

Before being cleansed, the demons requested that the Son of God allow them to enter the nearby pigs. Their wish was granted, and 2,000 pigs jumped off the cliff and into the sea. The Savior told the former demon-possessed man to return to the city and tell people about the miracle. But the locals were afraid of Him. They asked Him to leave the city.

 

The Healing of the Paralytic at Capernaum Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

 

The healing of the paralytic in Capernaum has a special meaning. Christ asked his friends to bring him a paralytic who had been suffering from his condition for several years. With his Word, he restored the man's life, but in doing so, he attracted the attention of the Pharisees.

 

The Resurrection of Jairus's Daughter (Capernaum) Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:41-56

 

In the synagogue where Christ was preaching, there was a chief. He asked the Son of God to resurrect his daughter, who had died recently. Jesus replied that the chief's daughter was alive but asleep. The chief's request was met with ridicule, but Jesus, accompanied by the girl's parents and three apostles, went to the chief's home. There, he performed a miracle of resurrection, which spread throughout Capernaum.

 

The Healing of the Bleeding Woman Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-29; Luke 8:43-48

 

The miracle is related to a twelve-year-old girl who approached Christ for healing. The girl had been bleeding for several days. She touched the hem of his garment and was healed. In disbelief, she thanked God for the miracle. Christ replied that it was her faith that had brought her healing.

 

The Healing of the Two Blind Men Matthew 9:27-31

 

Two blind men begged the Savior to restore their sight. Jesus replied that they could not be healed without faith. The men believed in God, and Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately, they regained their sight and were overjoyed. However, Jesus forbade them to tell anyone about the miracle. Despite his warning, the blind men shared the story of their healing.

 

The Healing of the Dumb and Demon-Possessed Man Matthew 9:32-33

 

A mute demon-possessed man was brought to the Savior. The demon prevented him from speaking. After the demon was cast out, the man regained the ability to speak.

 

The healing of the paralytic at the sheep's/ram's pool (at the pool of Bethesda, Jerusalem) John 5:1-16

 

Healing the Paralytic (Judea) Matt. 12:9-14; Mark. 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

 

The healing took place on a Saturday, in the presence of the Pharisees, who condemned Christ's activities. After the healing of the paralytic, Christ rebuked them, emphasizing that the traditions of the past should not hinder people from receiving healing. Helping others should be done on any day of the week.

 

Healing of the demon-possessed deaf-mute-blind man (Capernaum) Matthew 12:22-23

 

The miracle is remarkable because after the evil spirit was exorcised, the man began to see and speak again.

 

The miraculous feeding of five thousand people with five loaves (Decapolis/Decagraphe) Matthew 14:14-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

 

This miracle is mentioned by all the evangelists. During a sermon in a deserted place, the people wanted to leave to buy food and return. With his power, Christ was able to feed five thousand people who were present at the sermon with five loaves and two fish.

 

The Walking of Jesus Christ on the Waters Mt 14: 22-36; Mk 6: 45-56; John 6: 16-21

 

One day, when the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, they saw Christ standing on the water. The Apostle Peter expressed a desire to approach his teacher, and he was granted permission to do so. However, Peter's faith was weak, and he could not stand on the water. Peter began to sink. The Son of God saved him and rebuked him for his lack of faith. From that moment on, Peter's faith in Christ grew even stronger.

 

Healing the Canaanite's Daughter (near Tyre) Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

 

The miracle revealed to the world the truth that even a pagan woman who showed humility before the Almighty could be blessed by Him. The woman prayed for her sick daughter. Initially, Jesus refused her request, as he did not see any faith in her. However, he was impressed by her humility and granted her wish. The daughter of the Canaanite woman was immediately healed.

 

The Healing of the Deaf-Mute Stammerer (Decapolis) Mark 7:31-37

 

Jesus healed a deaf and tongue-tied man. The patient was brought to Jesus and asked him to lay his hands on the man. Jesus placed his fingers on the man's ears, then spat on his finger and touched the man's tongue. After saying, "Open your mouth," the man was healed. The news spread throughout the world.

 

The miraculous feeding of four thousand people with seven loaves (Decapolis/Decagraphe) Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9

 

A miracle similar to how the Savior fed the five thousand. But this time, the 4,000 who were present at the sermon felt full.

 

Healing a blind man in Bethsaida, Mark 8 22-26

 

The healing took place in Bethsaida. A blind man was brought to the Son of God. Christ took him away from the others, spat in his eyes, and placed his hands on him. Then he asked the man if he could see anything. At that moment, the blind man was able to see. His joy knew no bounds. His faith in Christ was once again strengthened.

 

The healing of the demon-possessed boy at the new moon (Tabor) Matthew 17:14-23; Mark 9:14-32; Luke 9:37-45

 

An episode in which Christ healed a boy who was possessed by a demon every full moon. When the boy's father came to Jesus for the first time, he said that he had already brought his son to Jesus, but the miracle had not occurred. Jesus was displeased with the man's lack of faith, but he still helped the boy, even though the demon was strong and did not immediately leave the boy. Afterward, the boy returned to his father, and the man believed in God.

 

The Healing of the Blind Man (Jerusalem) John 9:1-38

 

The healing of the blind-born is different from the healing of ordinary blind people. When this man was brought to him during a feast in Jerusalem, Jesus immediately said that neither the parents nor the blind man was to blame for his blindness, but that it was God's will. With these words, he took him aside, spat on the ground, and used the same ground to wipe the blind man's eyes. And the man who had been blind from birth began to see after washing his eyes in the Pool of Siloam.

 

The Miracle of the Statue Matthew 17:24-27

 

It was not officially called a miracle, but it did happen. At the time, the tax collector wanted to accuse Christ and his disciples of not paying their taxes. Jesus was displeased with this, but he still instructed Peter to go to the lake and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth, which was enough to pay the tax for Christ and his followers.

 

Healing a crippled woman who had been suffering from an illness for 18 years (Galilee)Luke 13:11-17

 

The Pharisees forbade teaching on the Sabbath, but Christ still taught. Then a woman came to him, bent over and suffering from a disease for 18 years. The Savior placed his hands on her, and she was healed. She immediately straightened up and thanked Him for His miracles.

 

Healing of the Ten Leper Brothers (Samaria)Luke 17:11-19

 

One day, ten lepers came to Christ – nine Jews and one Samaritan. They begged him to heal them of their ailment. The Savior replied that they should go to a priest. On their way, the lepers were healed. However, only the Samaritan returned to thank Jesus for his healing. This story serves as a reminder to be grateful for miracles and not take them for granted.

 

Healing a man with dropsy (Galilee) Luke 14:1-4

 

On Saturday, a man with dropsy was brought to Jesus. Beforehand, he had asked the Pharisees if it was permissible to perform miracles on the Sabbath. The Pharisees remained silent, unsure of how to respond. In the end, Jesus healed the poor man.

 

The Resurrection of Lazarus (Bethany) John 11:1-57; John 12:9-11

 

One of the most popular episodes. Lazarus was dead for four days. On the fourth day, Jesus raised him, increasing his fame among the Israelites.

 

The Healing of the Blind Man of Jericho Matthew 20:30-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43

 

The blind man's name was Bartimaeus. He met Jesus on his way from Jericho to Jerusalem. In a desperate prayer, he asked for a cure for his blindness. Christ granted him the long-awaited healing.

 

The miraculous drying of the fig tree (Mount of Olives) Matthew 21:18-2

 

Jesus saw a fig tree with no fruit but leaves. With a word, he caused it to wither. This episode makes it clear that a fig tree with no fruit is like a faith that is only outwardly observed. A person must have faith from the heart.

 

Miraculous healing of the ear of the high priest's servant Malchus (Gethsemane) Luke 22 50-51

 

At one point in His Mission, the Savior saw the high priest's servant's ear being cut off before His eyes. Not seeing any wrongdoing, the Son of God placed His hands on the servant and healed him.

 

A Wonderful Catch (Lake of Galilee) John 21:1-14

 

A miracle was revealed to His disciples near a lake. The disciples, while sailing in a boat, cast a net into the lake and caught 153 fish.

 

The Healing of the Son of the Canaanite Steward (Cana) John 4:43-54

 

The healing of the demoniac in the synagogue of Capernaum, Mark 1:21-28;

Luke 4:31-37

 

Healing of Peter's mother-in-law and the multitude Matthew 8 14-15;

Mark 1 30-31; Luke 4 38-39

 

The Healing of the Leper Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-15

 

The story is about a leper who disobeyed the law of not approaching healthy people and approached Christ. He begged to be healed of his leprosy if God wanted to. In response to his plea, Jesus touched the leper. At that moment, the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Jesus had only one request: not to spread the news of the miracle and to visit a priest.

 

The Healing of the Centurion's Servant Matthew 8:5-13

 

The Resurrection of the Widow of Nain's Son Luke 7:11-17

 

Near the gates of the city of Nain, Jesus saw a funeral procession. A widow's son had died. Seeing her grief, the Son of God took pity on her and raised her son from the dead. The people around them began to praise God and believed that Christ was a great prophet. However, the Savior was greater than a prophet. He was the Messiah.

 

The Storm's Taming (Lake of Galilee) Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

 

When Jesus and his followers were crossing the Sea of Galilee, a terrible storm arose that could destroy the boat. The disciples hurried to wake up their Master. He, in turn, ordered the wind to stop, and it did. The Master reproached his disciples for their lack of faith, as it was possible to stop the storm with prayer, without addressing Him, but to the Lord.

 

The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs (The Healing of the Demoniacs in the Country of Gadarenes/Gergesenes) Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-37

 

The Healing of the Paralytic at Capernaum Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

 

The healing of the paralytic in Capernaum has a special meaning. Christ asked his friends to bring him a paralytic who had been suffering from his condition for several years. With his Word, he restored the man's life, but in doing so, he attracted the attention of the Pharisees.

 

The Resurrection of Jairus's Daughter (Capernaum) Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:41-56

 

In the synagogue where Christ was preaching, there was a chief. He asked the Son of God to resurrect his daughter, who had died recently. Jesus replied that the chief's daughter was alive but asleep. The chief's request was met with ridicule, but Jesus, accompanied by the girl's parents and three apostles, went to the chief's home. There, he performed a miracle of resurrection, which spread throughout Capernaum.

 

The Healing of the Bleeding Woman Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-29; Luke 8:43-48

 

The miracle is related to a twelve-year-old girl who approached Christ for healing. The girl had been bleeding for several days. She touched the hem of his garment and was healed. In disbelief, she thanked God for the miracle. Christ replied that it was her faith that had brought her healing.

 

The Healing of the Two Blind Men Matthew 9:27-31

 

Two blind men begged the Savior to restore their sight. Jesus replied that they could not be healed without faith. The men believed in God, and Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately, they regained their sight and were overjoyed. However, Jesus forbade them to tell anyone about the miracle. Despite his warning, the blind men shared the story of their healing.

 

The Healing of the Dumb and Demon-Possessed Man Matthew 9:32-33

 

The healing of the paralytic at the sheep's/ram's pool (at the pool of Bethesda, Jerusalem) John 5:1-16

 

Healing the Paralytic (Judea) Matt. 12:9-14; Mark. 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

 

The healing took place on a Saturday, in the presence of the Pharisees, who condemned Christ's activities. After the healing of the paralytic, Christ rebuked them, emphasizing that the traditions of the past should not hinder people from receiving healing. Helping others should be done on any day of the week.

 

Healing of the demon-possessed deaf-mute-blind man (Capernaum) Matthew 12:22-23

 

The miracle is remarkable because after the evil spirit was exorcised, the man began to see and speak again.

 

The miraculous feeding of five thousand people with five loaves (Decapolis/Decagraphe) Matthew 14:14-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

 

This miracle is mentioned by all the evangelists. During a sermon in a deserted place, the people wanted to leave to buy food and return. With his power, Christ was able to feed five thousand people who were present at the sermon with five loaves and two fish.

 

The Walking of Jesus Christ on the Waters Mt 14: 22-36; Mk 6: 45-56; John 6: 16-21

 

One day, when the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, they saw Christ standing on the water. The Apostle Peter expressed a desire to approach his teacher, and he was granted permission to do so. However, Peter's faith was weak, and he could not stand on the water. Peter began to sink. The Son of God saved him and rebuked him for his lack of faith. From that moment on, Peter's faith in Christ grew even stronger.

 

Healing the Canaanite's Daughter (near Tyre) Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30

 

The miracle revealed to the world the truth that even a pagan woman who showed humility before the Almighty could be blessed by Him. The woman prayed for her sick daughter. Initially, Jesus refused her request, as he did not see any faith in her. However, he was impressed by her humility and granted her wish. The daughter of the Canaanite woman was immediately healed.

 

The Healing of the Deaf-Mute Stammerer (Decapolis) Mark 7:31-37

 

Jesus healed a deaf and tongue-tied man. The patient was brought to Jesus and asked him to lay his hands on the man. Jesus placed his fingers on the man's ears, then spat on his finger and touched the man's tongue. After saying, "Open your mouth," the man was healed. The news spread throughout the world.

 

The miraculous feeding of four thousand people with seven loaves (Decapolis/Decagraphe) Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9

 

A miracle similar to how the Savior fed the five thousand. But this time, the 4,000 who were present at the sermon felt full.

 

Healing a blind man in Bethsaida, Mark 8 22-26

 

The healing took place in Bethsaida. A blind man was brought to the Son of God. Christ took him away from the others, spat in his eyes, and placed his hands on him. Then he asked the man if he could see anything. At that moment, the blind man was able to see. His joy knew no bounds. His faith in Christ was once again strengthened.

 

The healing of the demon-possessed boy at the new moon (Tabor) Matthew 17:14-23; Mark 9:14-32; Luke 9:37-45

 

An episode in which Christ healed a boy who was possessed by a demon every full moon. When the boy's father came to Jesus for the first time, he said that he had already brought his son to Jesus, but the miracle had not occurred. Jesus was displeased with the man's lack of faith, but he still helped the boy, even though the demon was strong and did not immediately leave the boy. Afterward, the boy returned to his father, and the man believed in God.

 

The Healing of the Blind Man (Jerusalem) John 9:1-38

 

The healing of the blind-born is different from the healing of ordinary blind people. When this man was brought to him during a feast in Jerusalem, Jesus immediately said that neither the parents nor the blind man was to blame for his blindness, but that it was God's will. With these words, he took him aside, spat on the ground, and used the same ground to wipe the blind man's eyes. And the man who had been blind from birth began to see after washing his eyes in the Pool of Siloam.

 

The Miracle of the Statue Matthew 17:24-27

 

It was not officially called a miracle, but it did happen. At the time, the tax collector wanted to accuse Christ and his disciples of not paying their taxes. Jesus was displeased with this, but he still instructed Peter to go to the lake and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth, which was enough to pay the tax for Christ and his followers.

 

Healing a crippled woman who had been suffering from an illness for 18 years (Galilee)Luke 13:11-17

 

The Pharisees forbade teaching on the Sabbath, but Christ still taught. Then a woman came to him, bent over and suffering from a disease for 18 years. The Savior placed his hands on her, and she was healed. She immediately straightened up and thanked Him for His miracles.

 

Healing of the Ten Leper Brothers (Samaria)Luke 17:11-19

 

One day, ten lepers came to Christ – nine Jews and one Samaritan. They begged him to heal them of their ailment. The Savior replied that they should go to a priest. On their way, the lepers were healed. However, only the Samaritan returned to thank Jesus for his healing. This story serves as a reminder to be grateful for miracles and not take them for granted.

 

Healing a man with dropsy (Galilee) Luke 14:1-4

 

On Saturday, a man with dropsy was brought to Jesus. Beforehand, he had asked the Pharisees if it was permissible to perform miracles on the Sabbath. The Pharisees remained silent, unsure of how to respond. In the end, Jesus healed the poor man.

 

The Resurrection of Lazarus (Bethany) John 11:1-57; John 12:9-11

 

One of the most popular episodes. Lazarus was dead for four days. On the fourth day, Jesus raised him, increasing his fame among the Israelites.

 

The Healing of the Blind Man of Jericho Matthew 20:30-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43

 

The blind man's name was Bartimaeus. He met Jesus on his way from Jericho to Jerusalem. In a desperate prayer, he asked for a cure for his blindness. Christ granted him the long-awaited healing.

 

The miraculous drying of the fig tree (Mount of Olives) Matthew 21:18-2

 

Jesus saw a fig tree with no fruit but leaves. With a word, he caused it to wither. This episode makes it clear that a fig tree with no fruit is like a faith that is only outwardly observed. A person must have faith from the heart.

 

Miraculous healing of the ear of the high priest's servant Malchus (Gethsemane) Luke 22 50-51

 

At one point in His Mission, the Savior saw the high priest's servant's ear being cut off before His eyes. Not seeing any wrongdoing, the Son of God placed His hands on the servant and healed him.

 

The wonderful catch: John 21:11

 

A miracle was revealed to His disciples near a lake. The disciples, while sailing in a boat, cast a net into the lake and caught 153 fish.

 

As Christians and faithful believers in Christ, do we feel his miracle today?

 

Many people in today's generation think that once Jesus Christ finished his earthly existence, he is no longer working miracles. They contend that wickedness has surpassed that of the past and that love for people has become cold. More significantly, people no longer experience Jesus' miracles, which is why God is distant from humanity today.

 

Whatever the arguments are, “Jesus has promised salvation to those who believe in Him, as clearly stated in Scripture. The Bible affirms that "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

 

This salvation is accessible through faith and confession: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The promise is universal, extending to "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord."


This salvation is not earned by works but is a gift of grace through faith, and it is secured by Christ's sacrifice, ensuring that those who believe will be saved. That means that the miracle of Jesus will never cease and will always abide with humanity. Call His name in time of need based on faith, and He will answer you.

 

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Powerful biblical stories and the ethics they teach

 

The Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan: Photo credit: Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture


Several Bible-related articles and topics consistently capture readers' interest due to their profound themes, historical depth, and relevance to faith and life. One widely discussed topic is the nature of faith, which highlights figures like Abraham, Noah, and Moses, illustrating how faith bridges the seen and unseen.

 

Forgiveness is another powerful theme, emphasized by Jesus, who taught that forgiving others is essential to receiving forgiveness from God, a concept reinforced in the Lord’s Prayer. The idea of salvation, particularly through Jesus’ sacrifice, is a core teaching, summarized in John 3:16, which states that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life.

 

Below are a few selected interesting biblical stories with moral lessons

 

Noah and the Ark

 

The righteous Noah and his family's miraculous deliverance are only one aspect of this tale. Since the Almighty used the Great Flood to nearly wipe out all of his creation after growing enraged with humans, it is actually about the revival of life on our planet.

 

The only people who survived the test and saw the return of both humans and the animal kingdom in all its richness were the righteous Noah and his family. The destiny of Noah's ark is still unknown, despite the fact that his story is very clear.

 

Noah and his ark landed close to the Ararat Mountains, according to historical accounts. The ark was situated high in the mountains, making it challenging for an untrained individual to approach, considering the height of the water rise, which was measured in kilometers.

 

Noah's family and methods of survival have not yet been found, despite several centuries of concerted expeditions to locate the ark.

 

 The Tower of Babel

 

The building of this structure serves as an illustration of how resources shouldn't be abused. There were no conflicts among the resurrected humanity following the devastating Great Flood. People concentrated their efforts on making products that they could use.

 

Additionally, different countries were able to interact without help because they spoke the same language. However, wealth has the power to influence individuals. The mere amassing of wealth during King Nimrod's reign gave rise to pride, which overwhelmed the earthly monarch and made him want to become like God.

 

Nimrod made the decision to construct a huge structure that would stretch up to the heavens because it is known that God resides there. Construction immediately started because the rest of humanity was subject to the earthly ruler's word. But the Almighty did not approve of Nimrod's attempts.

 

At one point, everyone working on the tower abruptly stopped using the common language and started speaking only in their individual languages. The construction process was abruptly halted as a result. The incomplete Tower of Babel started to fall apart, and eventually, the desert engulfed its remnants.

 

Sodom and Gomorrah

 

The once affluent towns of the Five towns, Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Sebom, and Zeboiim, were destroyed thousands of years ago. It's unclear what will happen to the latter. The Almighty chose to destroy these towns because they were rife with immorality, gluttony, wickedness, and other behaviors that the Lord forbade.

 

Abraham, the Jewish patriarch, even engaged in talks with God in an attempt to preserve his nephew, who was living in Sodom at the time, and other locals. But there weren't even a dozen virtuous people in Sodom, so his attempt failed. Since then, the names Sodom and Gomorrah have become well-known, signifying incredibly repulsive human behavior.

 

The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt

 

The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, who sought safety and happiness in other places, is arguably the largest migration of people in history. It would seem that a large number of individuals might abruptly go and venture into the unknown after residing in a nation for many hundreds of years.

 

The Jews continued on their path to freedom despite having to take only the bare necessities for the journey. Moses, the Jewish leader, instilled faith in the people.

 

They would get up each morning, prepare their camp, and resume their arduous journey. They journeyed through the Sinai Peninsula's deserts for forty years before arriving in the Promised Land, where they founded the state of Israel.

 

The capture of Jericho

 

The Jews arrived at the Promised Land after being forced to wander through the desert for forty years. However, other people who had come together to form a single Canaanite monarchy already lived in the region. Additionally, the Jews had to retake the promised lands from the indigenous people before they could settle there.

 

Because cities during the period were strongholds, this proved to be a challenging endeavor. This also applied to Jericho, which blocked the Jews' path. Nowadays, it is hard to believe that Jews with inadequate training could overrun a well-defended settlement. It is known that the Jews were helped by the Lord himself, who provided them with a means of taking the city.

His counsel enabled the Jews to capture Jericho, which signaled the start of their triumphant advance throughout the Canaanite territories.

 

David and Goliath

 

The Jews were always at war with someone, which is what defines the Israel of the Judges. The Philistines, a warlike nation that founded its own little state in the Mediterranean coastline region, were the nation's most formidable adversaries.

 

They were not hesitant to seize a plot of land for themselves because they claimed the Promised Land. As a result, there were frequent conflicts between the Jews and the Philistines. Two distant relatives, the Philistine Goliath and the Jewish David, met on the battlefield during one of these conflicts.

 

Goliath was a real giant with exceptional weaponry skills, whereas David was an ordinary shepherd. However, using force isn't always a sign of success. In this instance, however, Goliath's strength was outweighed by the shepherd David's wisdom.

 

Consequently, even before the actual conflict started, the Jews prevailed over the Philistines. Later on, David ascended to the throne of Israel. Solomon, the greatest of all world leaders, is his most well-known descendant.

 

King Solomon's Ring

 

Israel reached the pinnacle of its development thanks to the Jewish monarch Solomon, who was the son of David. The kings who ascended to the summit of the Israeli and later the Judean Olympus would never again be able to attain such a degree of expertise, discernment, and public favor.

 

 

According to one account, King Solomon's ability to exercise restraint was made possible by a special gift: a gold ring bearing the words "All passes, and this will pass." It took some time for the ring to reveal its secret, and even the king was unaware of its magical qualities for a long period.

 

Although it is difficult to determine the veracity of the mythology surrounding King Solomon's ring, it is known that its possessor was regarded as a paragon of knowledge and serenity who could solve even the most difficult problems.

 

The Story of Samson

 

Perhaps the chosen people would not have had such a great hero if the Philistines had not deceived the little Jewish lad Samson; however, that's how things ended up. Samson, a Jew, fell in love with a Philistine girl, but at their wedding, he was initially tricked.

 

Although the Philistines suffered the consequences of their deceit, their conflict with Samson had only just begun. Over the years, the Philistines made numerous attempts to destroy Samson, but this only made the Jewish hero more determined to exact revenge. However, they were able to outwit Samson one day.

 

The Philistines chose Delilah, a young, attractive lady, as a weapon. Delilah was given a substantial amount of money in exchange for disclosing Samson's secret. Samson was apprehended and put in jail when Delilah managed to obtain the information she required. Samson did, however, accomplish one last valiant deed while in captivity: he brought down the roof of the temple where the Philistines were feasting.

 

The Good Samaritan

 

There is still no precise explanation for how and when Samaritans first came to Israeli soil. They believe that they are descended from the tribe of Joseph. The non-Judean Samaritans who fled Egypt during the Exodus are the ancestors of real Jews.

 

Additionally, the tale of Jesus Christ's life at the time gave us the idea of the "good Samaritan." It is thought that Christ told his disciples this. It narrates the tale of a traveler who had been robbed and battered to death and was without the strength or capacity to assist himself. The traveler was assisted by a Samaritan.

 

After cleaning and bandaging the traveler's wounds, the unidentified Samaritan provided him with refuge. Samaritans have been linked to goodness and love ever since.

 

Each of these biblical narratives teaches the transformative power of forgiveness and unconditional love, emphasizing that everyone deserves a second chance and that reconciliation brings peace.

 

 

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Wake up, little girl: Exploring Talitha Cumi and other biblical resurrections

Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead. Photo credit: hotcore.info


Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead. Photo credit: hotcore.info


The Aramaic phrase "Talitha cumi" is used by Jesus in the New Testament when He resurrects Jairus' daughter in Mark 5:41. "Little girl, I say to you, arise" is the translation. Below is a compilation of the amazing miracles of bringing the dead back to life in the Holy Bible.



The Prophet Elisha resurrected a boy from the dead.


After this, the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him.  And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!”  


And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged and laid him on his own bed. And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?”  


Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child's life come into him again.” 

And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.”  And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth.”


Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son


When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 


And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. 


Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither a new moon nor a Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.”  


Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.


When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi, his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite.  Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?” And she answered, “All is well.” 


And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 


Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’ He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply and lay my staff on the face of the child.” 


Then the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her.  Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore, he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.”


When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. 


And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and then he opened his eyes. 


Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.


Elisha's bones resurrect a man from the dead.


Once, while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up.


Jesus Christ resurrects a boy.


Soon afterward, he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 


Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.


Jesus Christ resurrects the girl.


Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.


As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.


“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”


Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told them why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”


While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”


Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”


They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.


Jesus Christ resurrects Lazarus.


Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”


Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”


When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”


Apostle Peter resurrects a woman.


In the city of Joppa, there was a follower named Tabitha (whose Greek name was Dorcas). She was always doing good deeds and kind acts. While Peter was in Lydda, Tabitha became sick and died. Her body was washed and put in a room upstairs. 


Since Lydda is near Joppa and the followers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two messengers to Peter. They begged him, “Hurry, please come to us!” So Peter got ready and went with them. 


When he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room where all the widows stood around Peter, crying. They showed him the shirts and coats Tabitha had made when she was still alive. Peter sent everyone out of the room and knelt and prayed. 


Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, stand up.” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and the widows into the room and showed them that Tabitha was alive.


Apostle Paul resurrects the young man.


 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 


Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 


The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.


The Resurrection of Christ 


When Jesus Christ died on the cross, one of His secret disciples, a nobleman whose name was Joseph, received permission to remove His body from the cross and bury Him. 


Together with another disciple, Nicodemus, they removed the body of Christ from the cross, anointed it with fragrant oil, covered it with a clean sheet, and put it in a new grave - in the rock, not far from the place where Christ was crucified. 


Immediately, there were some women from those who always listened to the preaching of Jesus Christ. They agreed to prepare fragrant ointments and come to wash and anoint the body the day after the holiday. The entrance to the cave of Joseph with Nicodemus was closed with a large stone.


The Jewish leaders, on the other hand, placed a guard in front of the cave and put a seal on the stone so that the disciples would not take His body.


On the night from Saturday to Sunday, our Lord Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. The angel came and rolled away the stone from the grave. The soldiers who were watching the grave were frightened by the shining Angel; they became like dead, and then, waking up, they scattered in fear.


At dawn, the women, the disciples of Jesus Christ, went to wash and anoint their Master’s body with fragrant oils. Who rolled such a heavy stone? - They said among themselves along the road.


Coming closer, they saw that the stone was lying at the open grave and an Angel was sitting on it in glittering clothing and with a face that glittered like lightning.


“Do not be afraid,” he said. - I know you are looking for Jesus crucified. He is not here. He was resurrected, as He told the disciples, on the third day after death. Look where His body lay, and tell His disciples about it.

Women happily went to the students to talk about what they saw and heard. One of them ran to the disciples, whose names were Peter and John, and told them. 


They immediately ran to the tomb, but John, the younger, ran first and saw only that there was nobody in the cave. When Peter came running, he entered the cave and saw that it was empty, and the canvas and handkerchief, which covered the face of the Savior, lay folded next to it.


Jesus Christ is risen! He died on the cross but was stronger than death. He was resurrected, began to live again. Forty days, He came to his disciples, talked with them, and taught them. 


The disciples did not immediately recognize Him; He was not the same as before, but that was He, Lord Jesus Christ. And after forty days, He bid farewell to his disciples, blessed them and ascended, and ascended to heaven.


The Resurrection of Christ is the biggest holiday of the year. We remember how the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected; we know that God is stronger than death, that for all of us there is life after death, and that the way to heaven is open to God for us.