Describe how Jesus was presented as a worker of miracles.
A) ii. Describe how Jesus was presented as a worker of miracles.
"Suddenly, a strong wind blew down on the lake, and the boat began to fill with water, so they were all in great danger... "Master! Master! We are about to die!"...Jesus got up and gave an order ...they died down and there was a great calm... "Who is this man? He gives orders to the winds and waves, and they obey him!" (Luke 8: 23,24,25)
This quotation from the Bible, comes as an example of how humans, since the beginning have been subjected to the wrath of nature. The first line of the quote (taken from Luke 8: 23) is a description of a vicious storm. The disciples on the boat are portrayed as being frightened and the use of exclamation marks exemplifies the state of panic that they were in. Jesus' response to the storm and the danger that it held contrasts against the response of the disciples. Jesus is described as to having just simply got up and given an order to the waters; the impression is given that there wasn't an emergency at all. Subsequently, having given the order, the waters, as told, obey him and "...they died down...".
Having seen this miracle, the disciples are described as having been amazed and bewildered at Jesus' power over such rageful waters. The disciples were shown to question Jesus' identity as to "Who is this man?" The cause for their bewilderment, is that to them, Jesus looked like a mere man and it was known to them that nature didn't comply with the orders of a mere man. But as Christians today, we know that Jesus was not just a mere man. This miracle meant to the disciples that Jesus was not who they thought He was, a mere man, Jesus was the Son of God. And the purpose of this miracle for Jesus was to demonstrate to his disciples His divinity and that He was working through His Father. It is evident that Jesus was working through the Father, because it was just by the words of His mouth, that Jesus calmed the storm.
"He stood at her bedside and ordered the fever to leave her. The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them." (Luke 4: 39)
The miracle performed over Simon's mother in law, is another example of the power of the voice of God. Such a miracle had significance for the disciples as well as Simon's mother, because Jesus demonstrates to them his close relationship with his friends and his consideration for the welfare of their relations. So, when Simon's mother in law is known to be ill, Jesus is there quite immediately. Being there, Luke demonstrates the power of Jesus, because simply by command He "ordered the fever to her." Being capable of such a task is a very supernatural power, because ...
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The miracle performed over Simon's mother in law, is another example of the power of the voice of God. Such a miracle had significance for the disciples as well as Simon's mother, because Jesus demonstrates to them his close relationship with his friends and his consideration for the welfare of their relations. So, when Simon's mother in law is known to be ill, Jesus is there quite immediately. Being there, Luke demonstrates the power of Jesus, because simply by command He "ordered the fever to her." Being capable of such a task is a very supernatural power, because as far as we know today, a fever cannot just be ordered to leave a person's body. It needs to be medically treated and gradually it will disappear.
In working miracles on those who are close to him, Luke places the impression that Jesus is a humble, yet powerful miracle-working leader. It establishes the fact that Jesus was not performing miracles on just strangers in an attempt for publicity. Jesus is depicted as a genuine and caring person, but yet his reputation for healing was spreading very fast and Jesus was asked to assist to what could be more challenging tasks. For example the casting out of demons, which is what Luke 4 develops into near the end.
"In a synagogue was a man who had the spirit of an evil man in him; "Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are... God's holy messenger! ...Jesus ordered the spirit "Be quiet and come out of the man!" ...The people were amazed... "With authority and power this man gives orders to the evil spirits"..." (Luke 4: 33,34,35,36)
Jesus not only preached the word of God, but He encouraged the faith of the people, by accompanying his preaching with mighty miracles, wonders and signs. The accompaniment of miracles, proved to all his manifestation of his divine power and origin. If Jesus had not worked his miracles, as well as preach, people would have not given any more credibility to Jesus than they would have to a well-respected rabbi or wise man.
Jews believed in the works of God, the Father, and they believed that He could implement his power through his chosen servants and prophets. And so, it was expected that God's chosen Messiah would be bestowed with God's power to strengthen Him in His fight against evil. And so, in His casting out of demons, the effects of miracles were not only for the good of the people, but also as a sign to demons. In the case of the demon being casted out in the synagogue, the miracle is a sign to all demons. Its purpose was to announce to all demons working evil in the world at that time, that the Messiah had arrived and just like the demon casted from the synagogue, they were all afraid. In using just his voice to denounce demons, the spoken of voice of God is shown with power and authority over all that is bad (for example, demons) as well as good (for example, the ways of nature).
Again, this says to the disciples that Jesus was merely no ordinary man. Jesus was letting them know, that He had come for the good of God's people and to bring salvation to them. The miracle here, was most significant for the man who was possessed by the devil, as Jesus brought to him the promised salvation from God. The miracle was to remind him of God's compassion and he was being watched over.
The power of Jesus, by no doubt came from God. But it could have come from Satan, as he also has supernatural power, although it is negative and doesn't match up to that of God's goodness. It is suggested that demons can only imitate miracles, as they have no divine power. The fact that Jesus casts out demons, rather than helps them is a sign that Jesus is working in union with God.
"The roman officer heard about Jesus...They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly... "He himself built a synagogue for us" ... The messengers went back to the officer's house and found his servant well." (Luke 7: 3,4,5,10)
Miracles were not worked only for the people on the margins of society in those times. In the example of this miracle, a Roman officer is helped by Jesus, a person that would be presumed not to be a believer in the works of Jesus, but in fact was. A lot of Romans thought themselves to be above the Jews, however this particular Roman did not and came not directly to Jesus for his help. Even though in a hierarchical sense, in society, Romans were above the Jews, this Roman officer proves that a person should be humble in the presence of the Lord. This is because not matter how a high a person is on Earth; they are never higher than God. For this reason, Jesus complies to help the officer.
Miracles being the product of a human person's faith, faith was not just something for people who were in trouble. It is an acceptance of Christ and openness to his influence (www.bible.org). Another reason why Jesus helped the officer was because he had faith in Him. In his embarrassment of his unworthiness of being in the presence of Christ, Jesus was taken aback by the faith that the officer had in Jesus to be able to heal his servant without being in the vicinity of his house. This great faith has been incorporated into our Eucharist, as Christians have recognised the significance of being humble towards Christ. And so, before we receive our Eucharist, we say "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." The meaning is that we should never be too proud to receive Jesus.
Thus, in helping the Roman officer's servant, Jesus' status still spreads further.
"He was met by ten men suffering from a dreaded skin disease. "Jesus! Master! Take pity on us!" ... On the way they were made clean.... One of them saw that he was healed; he came back, praising God in a loud voice... "Where is the other nine? ... Get up and go, your faith has made you well..." (Luke 17: 12,13,14,15,17,19)
The well-known story of the ten lepers is a reminder as to how miracles can be taken for granted and it can be forgotten to stop and give thanks for our blessings. The outcome of not giving thanks to the source of the miracle, in this case Jesus, a person may not be so inclined to help out the same people again.
In those times, leprosy was a very awful disease to have, because nobody had ever been cured of it, except on the rare occasion in the Old Testament by the prophet Elisha.
When a miracle has been made possible for us, one thing that shouldn't be done is to become selfish and get too wrapped up in us and forget everyone else. A possible way of giving thanks is sharing your joy of miracles with other people, by helping them become possible for other people who want help.
"A funeral procession was coming out. The dead man was the only son of a woman who was a widow. When the Lord saw her ... he said to her "Don't cry." Then he walked over and touched the coffin "Young man! Get up, I tell you!" ... the young man sat up and began to talk..." (Luke 7: 12,13,14, 15)
In this miracle, Jesus is portrayed to be taking control of life after death and is bringing the Kingdom of God amongst the Jews. People were now recognising Jesus' heavenly power over death and an example of this results from Jesus' care for a widow.
It can be recognised from this story, that the Kingdom of God was no longer only in reach after death, but in Jesus it was brought into people's hearts as they turned from sin and lived by God's standards. Jesus is telling people "The Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17: 12)
Through the study of these six miracles, much of them show signs for Jesus' compassion for mankind. And in his compassion, Jesus is calling for us to see that he is the Son of God and consequently should pay attention to his teachings and words.
Jesus also sees it important that the Kingdom of God had come through Jesus down to people on Earth.
