Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Jesus. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Jesus. Sort by date Show all posts

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.

 

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.


Saturday, April 27, 2013

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, how they were related to the Life of Jesus Christ



A gold nugget


A gold nugget


Many famous people have lived in the past. One of such is Jesus Christ. The story of this man, born in Bethlehem, was prophesied many years ago by different prophets. 


Over 700 years ago in advance, the prophet Micah prophesied that the birth of the Messiah would take place in Bethlehem. Another prophecy, many centuries ago, is recorded in Daniel 9:25. The fulfillment of all these prophecies identifies how genuine the Holy Bible is.

Jesus in reality was really born in Ephrata Bethlehem and was visited by the three wise men. The wise men presented to the child gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

These gifts were Biblically recorded, but what was the significance of each of them to Jesus? There might have been many wise men in the time of Jesus' birth, but those three who presented the gift were special and highly intelligent men who knew who Jesus was and how his life's journey would begin and end.

The first gift, ‘Gold,’ signifies the royal nature of Christ. He is the anointed one, the king of kings, and the Messiah. He was to lead the people as he was sent by his Father. 

His followers were the Apostles, whom Jesus gave the power and authority to make his work easier and to spread the good news. The Bible records that Jesus healed the blind, cured leprosy, healed the lame, and cast away demons. His authority as king was beyond what other kings did.

The second gift was frankincense. What is the significance of frankincense? Has anyone visited the king's palace in the Middle East before? 

Frankincense is one of the oldest aromatics known to history. The aroma is wonderful. Egyptian, Greek, and Arabian peoples enjoyed the aroma of frankincense and used it to fumigate their homes. This portrays the background of Jesus' royalty.

The last gift, which is myrrh, signifies the suffering, pain, and death Jesus Christ was going to pass through. The book of Mark notes that when Jesus was dying on the cross, he was offered some wine mixed with myrrh to ease the pain. 

John also records that Nicodemus brought a mixture of 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus’ body when it was laid in the tomb. Jesus Christ was truly the savior and the messiah.


Monday, April 05, 2021

JESUS SAID THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE, THAT IS AN ENDLESS SPIRITUAL FREEDOM

 

One of Jesus' miracles, walking on the sea

One of Jesus' miracles, walking on the sea


While preaching the word of God, Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him that “If you remain faithful to my word, you will truly be my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

 

Jesus was talking about spiritual freedom, but till today, many still don’t understand.

 

Jesus knew that if we proclaimed the truth, the world would hate us. He confirms it by saying that “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

 

In fact, many continue to suffer, be oppressed, and even killed for the truth; therefore, he was talking about spiritual freedom. Real freedom doesn't exist, and it will never be so far as the world has monsters living amongst us as human beings.

 

Just as many are confused today about this statement Jesus made thousands of years ago, the same Jews misunderstood and answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say you will become free?”

 

Jesus replied, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever sins is a slave to sin. Now the slave does not stay in the house forever, but the son always stays there; so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. What a great man, full of unparalleled wisdom!

 

The biblical stories, whether tampered with or fabricated fantasy stories, as atheists want us to believe or accept, remain the best book to read. The bible has transformed many lost souls and brought the prodigal sons and daughters back home to their distraught parents.

 

The bible has given hope, comfort, and salvation to many who previously contemplated committing suicide because of hardships, crimes, cruelties, oppression, suffering, and diseases that have plagued mankind from generation to generation.

 

Out of love, God offers his only Son as a sacrifice, for our salvation. Jesus performed many miracles. He raises the dead; spreads the Gospel to every corner of the world with his disciples. He walks on the waters, defends the oppressed and the persecuted. That wasn’t the end; he feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish and casts out demons.

 

Today, we are witnessing a different world. Churches, government officials, politicians, etc, put their hands on the bible to swear oaths, later they mock the bible and do things contrary to what is written in the holy book.

 

Nobody apart from Jesus raised the dead, yet today, there are people in our midst who decide who must live and die. A man kills his wife for life insurance; a woman kills her husband to inherit the property both have worked hard for. 


Armed robbers kill a couple, steal money, and snatch away a car. These are the disturbing news we receive daily from many parts of the world.

 

Despite Jesus assuring us that the truth shall set us free, it’s sad to narrate the tragedies, suffering, killings, oppression, domination, and the psychological torture, many have experienced because of the simple truth.

 

From the past generation to the current, if you don’t join the empire of deceitful enemies to sing their choruses of lies, hypocrisy, deceptions, and clandestine crimes, you are considered a threat and dangerous to society.

 

Since it takes courage to speak the truth, many are scared, and therefore, don’t want to be hurt, injured, lose their friends, or killed; thus, many have become chronic liars till the time they will depart from this earth.

 

As a believer of the scriptures myself, there are great words, Psalms, etc, that give us the nourishment, courage, hope, joy, and happiness to endure such oppressions that many can’t handle.

 

Whether the great stories in the bible are true or not, our faith in them has worked for us for decades; therefore, we are neither going to deny the Highest nor the Holy Bible.

 

This is one of the reasons, despite the harsh experiences Africans have passed through, the suicide rate on that continent is lower than that of Europe and America.

 

We are all facing the toughest time in this coronavirus pandemic. As a matter of fact, it’s not the wearing of the mouth mask that can save you. 


It is not the observation of the social distancing rules that can save you, and surely, it’s not the recommended vaccination that can save your life, because we have obeyed all these health rules, yet the infections keep rising daily across the world.

 

Continue to obey those recommended health rules, but look unto God for your survival because there are more lies and deceptions associated with the coronavirus than the truth.

 

We were told it kills old people, but today we know that the disease kills the poor, rich, old, young, including children.

 

Let God be your shield if all medical recommendations and rules have failed, because the assurance God gives us is “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Highest will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Saturday, December 26, 2020

WAS JESUS CHRIST REALLY BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY - DECEMBER 25?

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus

 

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus 


There are more questions about the scriptures in the Holy Bible than answers. Many times, people ask who had a camera to snap Jesus for us to see him today in thousands of Christian religious magazines as a white man with a beard and long hair. And another intriguing question is, “Was Jesus Christ, the Savior, actually born on Christmas Day, which is December 25?


Christmas Day, which falls on December 25 in every calendar year, is an important occasion observed worldwide. This may be due to the fact that on December 25, the entire Catholic and most of the Protestant celebrate the Nativity of Christ, while on January 7, the Orthodox and a small part of the Protestant celebrate the Nativity of Christ. But the important question is, why this division?


An excerpt from the Catholic Encyclopedia reveals that "Christmas was not among the feasts of the early church. Actually, the word 'Christmas' comes from the word 'Christ-Mass,' that is to say, 'Mass to Christ.' Therefore, it is very likely that because of Christ's mass dedication by the Catholic Church, it eventually became a holiday, observed today as Christmas.


However, until the third century AD, no Christian church celebrated this event, and in the Bible, religious historians did not find anywhere that Christ was born on December 25 or that people observed the birth of Christ. Another important question comes: "So why did the Catholics choose December 25 as the birthday of Jesus Christ? 


What has been recorded in the bible long before the birth of Christ are some prophecies, for example:


And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” In Genesis 3:15

 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” In Genesis 12:3

 “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” In Isaiah 7:14

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” And this is found in Micah 5:2 


Yet, nothing is mentioned in them that Christ was to be born on Christmas Day or December 25. However, in those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, forcing everyone to their own town to register. 

 

Joseph, therefore, went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, then to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.


While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them, and there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 


An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified, but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”


According to the story, the shepherds were tending their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem when an angel came to them. It wasn't mentioned that the shepherds were tending their sheep in the fields in winter. Winter starts in December and lasts through February, and these months are very cold.


So, from this short article, which was written from the religious research I did, everyone can convincingly agree that our savior Jesus Christ wasn't born on Christmas Day or December 25. 


Related article: DID JESUS TRULY DIE ON THE CROSS?

The truth is Jesus didn't die on the cross

The truth is, Jesus didn't die on the cross

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This is one of the major reasons the Jehovah's Witnesses don’t observe December 25 or Christmas Day because the date of this winter season, or Christmas, originates at a time when the cult of the sun was powerful in Rome, which was associated with pagan celebration.


My conclusion is that it is not the celebration of Christmas or no celebration at all that makes one a good Christian. A true Christian does the will of God, is one who follows the principles of Christ Jesus, or is one who loves and cares about others without doing what he would never do to himself to other people.


And finally, we shouldn't forget that the Master himself warned, saying, " 


"Not everyone who calls me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do what my Father in Heaven wants them to do. Holman Christian Standard Bible "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.


Related article you may like to read:  CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN ETHIOPIA

Men activities during Christmas celebration in Ethiopia

Men's activities during the Christmas celebration in Ethiopia