Introduction Series

Introduction

A. Why are there four gospels? To tell a complete story of Jesus.

B. Why does Mark have the most miracles? To show a powerful servant.

C. Why does John have the fewest miracles? Each has an explanation.

D. John is a Jewish mystic who uses “7” in his writings. There are “7” miracles in John plus “1”.

“7” is God’s favorite number - Perfection.

“8” is the number of new beginnings or the Holy Spirit.

THE EIGHT MIRACLES IN JOHN

1. Turned water to wine, Ch. 2, Jesus the Creator.

2. Healed the politician’s son, Ch. 4, Jesus the Healer.

3. Healed the lame man at Bethesda, Ch. 5, Jesus is God.

4. Fed 5,000 men, Ch. 6, Jesus the Bread of Life.

5. Jesus walks on water, Ch. 6, Jesus is Lord over Nature.

6. Healed the man born blind, Ch. 9, Jesus the Light of the World.

7. Raised Lazarus from the dead, Ch. 11, Jesus the Resurrection and life.

8. The miraculous catch of 153 fish, Ch. 21, Jesus the Provider.

E. How many recorded miracles did Jesus perform? 37. How many total? Some say 50, others say 5,000. “Many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that will be written” (John 21:25).

F. Why did Jesus do miracles?

1. To demonstrate His compassion. “He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14).

2. To demonstrate His deity. “These who were in the boat came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matt. 14:33).

3. To fulfill prophecy. “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world’” (John 6:14).

4. To alleviate pain and suffering. “Be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34).

5. To produce belief and eternal life. “These (signs) were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 2:31).

G. What do Jesus’ miracles tell us?

1. Miracles point to a spiritual truth that demands our obedient faith. (John 2:11, 23-25).

2. Miracles indicate God’s salvation was present (Luke 7:11-15).

3. Jesus’ miracles targeted the most unlikely candidate, i.e., lame, blind, deaf, lepers, and the dead.

4. Jesus’ miracles were not theatrical sensationalism but led to faith.

5. Jesus expected His disciples to do miracles and rebuked them for their “little faith” (Matt. 17:20).

6. Jesus’ miracles led regularly to opposition by Jewish leaders (Matt. 9:2-7).

7. Since Jesus is God, we expect Him to do the miraculous.

H. The different words for miracles.

1. Miracles. God’s inherent power, i.e., of supernatural origin and could not be produced by humans. “A miracle is the interference with nature by a supernatural power.” –C. S. Lewis

2. Wonders. Something strange causing the beholder to marvel, i.e., a divine operation. A sign appeals to your understanding, a wonder appeals to your imagination (John 4:48).

3. Power. A demonstration of God’s ability, force or strength. “Power to heal sickness” (Mark 3:15).

4. Sign. A mark or token that distinguishes Jesus from others. A sign pointed to the meaning of the message of the miracle. Miracles followed by a message.

I. What can I learn from these miracles?

1. I will be judged if I reject them. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation . . . God bearing witness both with signs, and wonders, with various miracles . . . according to His own will” (Heb. 2:3-4).

2. I can do greater works. “He who believes in Me, the works that I do He will do also; and greater works than these He will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).

? Greater in number because I live longer.

? Greater in results, souls saved, and lives transformed.

? Greater influence in the kingdom.

? Greater glory to the Father.

3. To realize Jesus is concerned with my pain and suffering. “The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . comforts us in all our tribulations” (II Cor. 1:3-4).

4. To realize healing is an answer to prayer. “Prayer, offered in faith will heal” (James 5:15, LB).

5. To know there is supernatural power to triumphant over sin. “We are more than conquerors through Him” (Rom. 8:37).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.