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| >> Static Item >> Article >> Inspirational >> ID #1764259 |   |
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Note: You will see in certain areas of this writing God is referred to as Dad. This is to enhance the belief that He is more than just a great big spirit being. He is personal. He sees us as His child. He wants us to feel that closeness of an intimate relationship with Him.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Before you go any further, stop and pray. Ask Dad 1)If He wants you to read this. 2)If He does to help you understand WHAT it is in this article. He inspired it here just for you individually. 3)That every word here, To God Be The Glory! Now if you feel He wishes you to read on, by all means do so. If not, then simply close the link and don't worry about it. Only He knows who He inspired me to write this for and it could just have been for me. Three Miracles of Christ The Miracles of Christ Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. -- Acts 2:22 God himself has testified to the authenticity of his truth and the validity of his servants. In this way, Moses was empowered to exhibit the glory of Jehovah and the reality of his own divine commission, through extraordinary deeds and signs that he performed through the power of God. In this way, Elijah and Elisha, as well as others of the prophets, gave unequivocal evidence that God was speaking through them. We look for the same evidences to demonstrate that Christ was the Messiah, and the gospels abound with them. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. -- John 15:24 Christ desired that his character and office be tested by the works that he performed. Why miracles? Why did Jesus perform miracles? The miracles of Jesus were not random acts. Rather, they carried a specific message to the nation of Israel, those who Christ first came to. In the New Testament the word "miracle" and the word "sign" both come from the same Greek word: semeion (say-mi-on). The meaning of the word is an explanation of something hidden and secret, denoting a sign, mark, indication, token, or wonder; and can be a warning, admonition, or instruction of truth. The key to Christ's miracles is the meaning of this word. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles -- 1 Corinthians 1:22 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. -- Isaiah 7:14 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. -- Luke 2:12 Thirty-seven of Christ's miracles are recorded in the gospels: twenty-one of them in Matthew, three of which appear exclusively in Matthew; nineteen of his miracles are recorded in Mark, two of which appear only in Mark; twenty-two in Luke, seven of which only appear in Luke; and eight in John, six of which only appear in that gospel. Jesus' miracles were a sign to the nation of Israel that He was their promised and long awaited Messiah. However, in spite of all of the miracles and signs that Jesus gave to the nation of Israel and the religious rulers, they rejected their Messiah. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The writings therein are to be a record for all ages to know and learn of these miracles performed by our Lord. Will you accept or reject what He offers you during this Lenten season? I took part as a participant in a WDC activity hosted by Bud Fields entitled The Lenten Adventure, 2011. In this activity each participant was required to choose a bibical character to portray in secret for others to guess who was talking, acting... In the following my character, Peter, tells the miracles outlined here from his point of view. Then farther below, I tell my point of view of the same miracle. God richly bless you as you read. *******   The Raging Storm As Told By My Character: Jesus had been teaching crowds of followers all day. He wanted to be alone for a while and asked some of his disciples and followers to take him across the Lake of Galilee. I, being a fisherman, quickly offered one of my boats. As we all got on the boat I could see the tiredness in Jesus' movements and expressions. He seemed completely exhausted. Some of my fellow fishermen and I raised the sail and were soon skimming across the glassy water of the Galilee. Jesus, racked with weariness, lay his head on a pillow at the stern and fell fast asleep. In an instant a fierce wind blew up. This is not unusual for the Sea of Galilee. I know the danger, perhaps better than many, that these whirlwinds can cause. The wind was blowing down the steep valleys around the lake. Changing directions, it whipped up huge tumbling waves. The white froth-capped waves can swamp small boats even when sailed by experienced fishermen. The rain began to lash down; the waves crashed into the boat mercilessly. Fear paralized me. The pit of my stomach roiled much as the waves were doing. "Quickly, get that sail down," I barked orders. "The mast will surely break! Grab the oars and try to keep the boat under control." The waves broke over the sides. We began to sink farther and farther into the sea. I knew all those around me were in as great a panic as I. I could hear a rushing in my ears and my heart beat wildly within my breast. We were all terrified. Surely the boat would capsize any moment! Yet, through all the noise of our screams, the roaring of the storm, the lashing rain, Jesus slept peacefully. Anger overtook me. We shook him awake and screamed, "Master, the boat is sinking and we shall all perish! Save us!" Jesus awoke and looked around. Standing, He reached forth His hands and very quietly said, "Peace be still." In that instant the storm ceased. The waves were no more! The sea was smooth and glassy once more. In an instant, I tell you! He rebuked the winds and sea and there was a great calm. I would not have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. I know there is no way I can explain to you what it was like. In your mind, perhaps you see the wind gradually subsiding, the fury of the waves slowly diminishing until eventually there was only a gentle lapping against the side of the boat. If this is how you see it, you are WRONG! The moment Jesus finished uttering the word "still" everything was. And I do mean everything! The sea flattened out into a dead calm, the wind instantly ceased. There was no gentle lapping of waves. There was no gentle breeze blowing on our faces. There was nothing. Jesus spoke. The winds and waves obeyed-not gradually, not partially, but totally, instantly, absolutely. I glanced at Jesus and on His face such a look of disappointment it near brought me to tears. I dropped my head in shame as did my friends. My shame only deepened as He spoke, "Why are you so fearful? How is it you have no faith?" None of us had an answer. And we knew none was expected. It was not my lack of faith that troubled me that night. It was the unanswered questions we kept asking one another, but never dared ask Him. What manner of man commands the wind and sea and they obey him? What manner of man takes upon himself the authority to forgive sins? What manner of man tells the dead to rise and they obey? ******* Peace Be Still By Sandy Skipper Before I embark on what I have written based on research of this miracle, let me just share a very personal minute with you. The story of the Calming of the Sea is one of my favorites. It is one of my earliest memories. Taught to me at Sunday School when only a toddler, my teacher taught us when we are scared or upset it would help to whisper the words Jesus spoke when calming the storm, "Peace be still." Since I was about four years old, I have done just that in times of distress and they never fail to work calming the storm raging within me. ******* The lake of Galilee is 680 ft. below sea level and therefore prone to sudden storms. There are times when sudden squalls come down from the summit of Hermon with terrific force like an earthquake bringing furious gusts and whirlwinds. Although they are on the Lake of Galilee, it is described as if it were a sea. Following a day full of teaching activity...  Jesus and His disciples got in a boat to sail across the Sea of Galilee-Mk 4:35-36A windstorm arose, beating waves into the boat-Mk 4:37Jesus was sleeping, but was awakened by His disciples fearing their lives-Mk 4:38He then reproached His disciples for their fear and lack of faith-Mk 4:40Filled with great fear, His disciples expressed their awe of Jesus to one another-Mk 4:41A few lessons that can be gleaned from this event: WE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM STORMS! Being Jesus' disciples did not protect them from storms. We live in a world where there are many storms, both literal and figurative. Christians experience tornados, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes just like everyone else. Christians likewise face storms such as sickness, accidents, heartache, disappointments, and death. Jesus does not promise exemption from the normal storms of life. It can be understood that Jesus did not perform miracles to produce proof of His devine identity, or wonder at his actions. Rather, they were works of divine compassion and signs of a new age, the Kingdom of God, that was already arriving. Jesus trusted in God and His trust was not deceived. Christians should, therefore, show the same trust.  Jesus warned that we will experience tribulation as His disciples-Jn 16:33Peter wrote that we should not be surprised-1Peter 4:12Jesus does not promise exemption from the storms of persecution. If [when] we find ourselves in the midst of storms, whether literal or figurative, whether its because we are simply humans or because we are Christians, do not think it strange. Instead take heart knowing that: JESUS HELPS US DEAL WIHT STORMS THROUGH FAITH... During storms, we are often afraid. Jesus teaches that fear is indicative of a lack of faith. (Mk 4:40) To overcome fear in storms, we need to grow in faith!  Faith that God will protect us if it be His will-Ps 46:1-3Faith that God will deliver us to His heavenly city even if we die-Ps 46:4-5, 10-11--Jesus reveals the role of faith in the midst of storms. Jesus spoke to rebuke the disciples for not using the faith they had. They did not apply the faith. He was upset because of their excess of terror displayed. There was so little understanding in their minds and lives for them to be afraid with Jesus in the ship. JESUS HELPS US DEAL WITH STORMS THROUGH HIS WORD...  Jesus' words prepare us to withstand the storms of life-Mt 7:24-27How to pray in order to be heard by God-Mt 6:5-8To lay up treasure in heaven instead of on earth-Mt 6:19-21To seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness-Mt 6:31-34Jesus shares the secrets to standing strong against the storms of life through prayer.  Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25 tells us Jesus is the key to receiving mercy and grace to help in time of need. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told in anxious times, God offers peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus through prayer. Jesus stands ready to calm our hearts and minds when facing storms.JESUS HELPS US DEAL WITH STORMS THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE...  The greatest "storm" all of us will face will be the Day of Judgment-2Pet 3:7, 10-12A day in which we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ-2 Cor 5:10 But Christ shed His blood to spare us on that day-Rom 5:6-10  By obeying the gospel, we can have our names added to the Lamb's book of life and escape condemnation for our sins-mk 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Rev 20:11-15 Jesus stands ready to save us and protect us from the "perfect storm" to come.Everyone will face one or more storms in his or her life...How shall we react when the time(s) come...? Shall we cry out like the disciples who were weak in faith("we are perishing!")? Or shall we weather the storms with confident faith and calm repose? And how shall we stand when the final storm comes (Day of Judgment)? Shall we hear Jesus say, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?"     Or will we hear Him say, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels?"   When Jesus rebuked the wind and spoke to the sea, "Peace be still", the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The disciples, with fear and amazement said: "Who can this be, that even the wind and sea obey Him?" The wind and sea obeyed Jesus. Shall we not obey Him who now has all authority in heaven and on earth...?Mt 28:18-20 ******** References: Matthew 8:23-27 Mark 4:35-41 Luke 8:22-24 The Miracles of Jesus by Christopher Rawson and R. H. Lloyd Jesus His Miracles by Fred Trexler, Jr. Several websites on Miracles of Jesus and Sermons ____________________________________________________________________________________ Healing Of A Servant's Ear As witnessed by my character  The few lanterns we carried guided us through the darkness. As disciples and followers several of us followed him on this night. This night was different than the others. We all had weapons of a kind. Some clubs, some swords and the Master did not reprove us. Jesus, myself and two others walked deep into the grove. He wanted to pray, but He did not want to be alone. Even in the dim light it was impossible to miss the anguish in His eyes. He was not afraid, but in some inner turmoil. For a while the three of us stood as He prayed. It was so quiet, so black, beyond the lantern's dim reach. I had no apparent reason to fear, yet I was afraid. I clutched my sword tightly. The center of our world lay in distress a few feet from where we stood. Somehting was terribly wrong. I would stand guard. I would protect. I would be a strong tower...a mighty wall...a valiant warrior. But perhaps if I just sat down it would be okay. Ah yes! The others were following my lead. We could guard as easily from a sitting position. It was rather warm for this time of night. If only I had not eaten quite so much. The sword made sitting difficult. Perhaps I could stretch out a bit. Yes that was better. The stars were so bright and no moon at all. I couldn't see anything around us. If I just closed my eyes, I could concentrate on listening more closely for intruders... "Are you sleeping? Could you not keep watch for even one hour?" The Master's voice jolted me awake. I sat bolt upright, groped for my sword and mumbled something about having just closed my eyes so I could listen more intently. He wasn't angry with me, not disappointed. His perfect knowledge of me made disappointment impossible. He knew my flesh would fail. There was a deep, deep sorrow in His voice, a sorrow that grew out of what lay ahead. Our time to die was at last upon us both. This cup would not pass from Him, nor would He lay it aside of His own accord. But there was more. I could see it in His eyes. He felt sorry for me as well. He took no joy in watching the foundations of my life disintegrate, yet He loved me far too much to deprive me of what lay ahead. My confidence in the flesh would have to die. He offered my flesh another chance. "Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." He retreated into the darkness. I was determined to remain faithful, yet, once again I slept. This time I felt His hand on my shoulder. Neither of us spoke. What was there to say? I reached over and woke the other two. We didn't dare look into His eyes. In silence, He slipped back into the darkness. When I awoke the third time, it was not only the voice of the Master that drew me back to the land of the living. There were torches and clanking and confusion. I heard Jesus talking. "Are you still sleeping? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let's be going; the one who betrays me is here!" I grabbed my sword, sprang to my feet, and frantically tried to understand the scene around me. Members of the temple guard were everywhere, swords drawn and clubs held high. The high priest was there too surrounded by his slaves and temple officials. And there at the head of the mob, was the betrayer. My mouth dropped open as my eyes beheld one of our own followers. He approached Jesus and kissed Him on the cheek, calling Him Master. The betrayer departed and I never saw him alive again. For a few seconds, no one spoke, no one moved. Two armies faced each other sizing up the enemy, both obviously frightened. After several agonizing moments, Jesus himself broke the silence, "Who do you seek?" One of the officials answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." It became a conflict of good and evil unfolding. On one side, empowered with the spirit of Satan, armed with their weapons of war, driven by hatred and fear, bolstered by their numbers, hidden by the darkness of the hour and their evil intent, were those who came to destroy the one they despised the most. On the other side was Jesus and cowering behind Him, a group of helpless, pathetic disciples. And yet, when Jesus answered he took a step forward and simply said, "I AM!" His response pierced his enemies with terror. The authority with which He proclaimed His identity shook the very ground on which they stood. They had come in arrogance seeking Jesus of Nazareth and found the great I AM, the absolute and supreme authority of life. The mob surged backwards, tripping and stumbling over one another. Jesus spoke again, "Whom do you seek?" The high priest stood and spat out, "Jesus of Nazareth!" "I told you I am he; if therefore you seek me, let these go their way." Two guards stepped forward, carrying ropes with which to bind the Master. And when those of us who were around Him saw what would follow, wes asked, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" There was a sudden glint in the light of the lanterns, a swoosh as the blade came down slicing off the ear of Malchus, one of the high priest's servants. The servant let out an agonizing wail, dropped to his knees and clapped his hand over the side of his head to staunch the flow of blood. One ear was lying on the ground. Jesus' voice bellowed, "Stop! No more of this." Jesus stooped down, cradled the severed ear in His hand, then stood and touched the trembling slave's wound. When he drew back His hand, the wound was healed. ******* When Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, an apostle cut off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest, who was then healed by Jesus. This is the story as told by Malchus: "You are my ear, boy," says Caiaphas the High Priest to me, his servant Malchus. "Now go! Tell me what's happening." His words are sharp. I haven't been a boy for years, but I am in no position to protest. In fact, I take much pride in being servant to the most powerful Jew in Israel. When I venture out of the temple into Jerusalem proper, people who know of me treat him with respect. "We're so glad you're here, Malchus," they say. "How may we help you, Malchus?" My special talent is listening, hearing. As reigning high priest in an intensely political environment, Caiaphas has many enemies. I am indeed his ear in the city. Of recent I have been dispatched to learn about Jesus, prophet of Nazareth, who is visiting for Passover. I listen as Jesus teaches in the temple colonnade called Solomon's Porch. "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," Jesus is saying. "No one comes to the Father, but by me." What arrogance! I move among the crowd incognito, ear open for a rebellious comment I can report back to my master. "Come to me, all you who are weak and heavy laden," Jesus continues, "and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Strange, how does arrogance fit with gentleness and humility. I see arrogance and pride up close every day. What is this? "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them," Jesus is saying now. Not only Gentile rulers are like that! All rulers want to flex their muscles and make others jump -- at least the rulers I am familiar with. "Not so with you," Jesus continues. "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your slave, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Strange words! Amazing words to me. So Jesus sees himself as a servant, not a would-be dictator. So different from Caiaphas! "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost," Jesus concludes. Who's lost? I wonder. Gradually, I begin to recognize the Teacher's followers. An astute observer of body language, I focus in on one man, Judas. Ambivalence is written all over him. So I befriend him and arrange for a discreet meeting with Caiaphas. Now it is night, Passover night, and I go on a hush-hush mission with temple soldiers -- and Judas. We move into the Garden of Gethsemane. Suddenly, we encounter someone and soldiers converge, their torches casting eerie dancing shadows among the gnarled olive trees. Breathing hard, I catch up. Jesus is standing, somehow calm amidst the confusion. "Who are you looking for?" he asks. "Jesus of Nazareth," is the retort from an officer. "I am he," says Jesus. Now, with supreme hypocrisy, Judas kisses him to confirm the identification and the soldiers move in. One disciple flashes a sword and begins to brandish it wildly. An instant later blood is gushing from my head. The blade of someone's sword has sliced my ear clean off. I clutch at my head to stop the bleeding and drop to one knee. Blood is pouring down my neck, drenching my cloak. I begin to wobble, blackness is engulfing me. Then a sudden warmth. Pain ceases, and the flickering light of the torches reappears. Jesus is kneeling before me, with His right hand covering my wound. All I can see is the man's eyes filled with a gentleness and love that melt all enmity. "You'll be all right, now," Jesus assures me. A soldier jerks Jesus to his feet and the spell of the moment is broken. I reach up to feel my head. My ear is there -- all of it. My ear is whole, the bleeding stopped, only my blood-soaked cloak to indicate that there ever was a wound. But the crowd has moved on now, torchlight diminishing, voices receding. I am alone. "You are my ear, boy." Oh, yes! I must run to report what has happened. I must get up and run. Somehow I cannot. The drive to please my master is gone. I cannot forget those gentle eyes boring into my soul. I cannot forget the hand on my face. I hear Jesus' words again, "You'll be all right now." Words of concern -- for me, an enemy, deeply involved in the plot to silence this Teacher. I am an agent of Jesus' arch enemy, yet Jesus healed me. It doesn't make sense. I get to my feet and return to the palace. The courtyard is astir with news of Jesus' capture. "The Nazarene is inside being interrogated right now," says one. "The elders have gathered to try him." I return to my room and remove my stiffening cloak and tunic. I wash the caked blood from my shoulder, arm, and face, and soak my matted hair and beard to dissolve the remaining blood. All the time I stare at my ear in the mirror. It is whole, undamaged, without pain. What have I done to this kind, gentle man? I ask myself. The rest of the day is a blur. I follow the multitude to Pilate's quarters, hears the Roman's pathetic attempt at washing his hands of the matter, and go behind as the crowd surges up the narrow streets to Golgotha, just outside the city. By the time I arrive on the hilltop, Jesus is hanging from a cross, his body and face mutilated almost beyond recognition. I am aghast at what I have done, at my part in this ugly business. Jesus' words flood back, "... To seek and save the lost." Surely, I am lost. I have shed innocent blood. I feel as if I will vomit. Now Caiaphas arrives, puffing, strutting, taunting. So vengeful, so petty, so filled with hatred. I burn with shame. I kneel, but no one is watching as I pour out my agony and beg forgiveness. Thunder cracks. Wind blows. As I strain my ear -- my whole ear -- I can hear Jesus' unbelievably gracious answer to my cry: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I rise. The man they call "the ear of Caiaphas" is different, for this slave's ear now listens for a new Master. Now I will be both eyes and ears for Jesus alone. ******* What Does It All Mean? The Bible has many mysteries. One of those mysteries is found in this miracle. We have read many times the story of Jesus' last night with His disciples and the coming of the soldiers to arrest Him. But how many times have we stopped and focused our attention on the Chief Priest's servant, Malchus, and what happened to him that night? The healing of Malchus' ear is a monument to the character and attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a mystery that can be understood and explained. Let us examine what God is teaching us in the miracle of Malchus' ear. JESUS HAD A SPIRITUAL PURPOSE, NOT A SECULAR PURPOSE. The apostles seemed to at times to be on the wrong wavelength in understanding Christ and His mission. The disciples could not allow themselves to believe that Christ must suffer and die. When two of the apostles wanted to call down fire from Heaven to consume those who rejected Christ, Jesus said, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Another time they encouraged the Lord to eat something, fearing that the lack of food would weaken Him, and Jesus replied, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of." His diciples knew the stakes when the gang came to apprehend Jesus. They were ready. Or so they thought. They were ready to go to war, ready to kill, ready to defend their Lord against His enemies. But Christ rebuked them. This was not a war to be fought with swords and staves. This was a spiritual war. In Paul's epistles, we are again reminded that we are in a spiritual battle rather than a physical one. (2 Cor. 10:3-4 ; Eph. 6:12) So many times today we need this reminder emphasized again. Some believers today, like the apostles, want to fight a physical warfare. We battle with our brethren, our leaders, other denominations, and society. We must remember that our battle is a spiritual one. Malchus was the High Priest's head servant. He was in charge of this mob, and was working on behalf of the High Priest himself. If Jesus ever had an enemy in the human sense, this was it. He had every right to ignore the apostles impetuous behavior. But He did not. Christ showed only love and compassion to one who meant Him great harm. We must also be mindful that the lost world does not understand this spiritual purpose. (1Cor. 2:14) Our unsaved friends and family question our commitment to the things of God. They accuse us of "going overboard" as we devote our finances, our time and our worship to Christ. Our rewards will be in the hereafter. Our payoff is coming. As we see Christ healing Malchus' ear, let us remember that our warfare is not fleshly, but spiritual. JESUS NEVER LEFT A SITUATION UNDONE OR PARTIALLY DONE. Throughout His life and ministry Jesus was always thorough and complete in His dealings. When John the Baptist questioned the propriety of baptizing Jesus, He said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." (Mat. 3:15) He reminded the disciples, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." (John 4:34) There was once a man who was a good mechanic. He could repair car engines and bodies as well as anyone. Though not his profession, it was his passion and his hobby. He decided to buy wrecked cars, fix them, and sell them for a profit. His only problem was that he could never finish the repairs. He would get one almost fixed, then see a "bargain" vehicle that he had to purchase. He accumulated so many wrecked cars in his yard that the county government zoned his property as a junkyard! He certianly didn't start out to accumulate a junkyard, but, because of his inability to finish a project, he became a laughingstock in the neighborhood. How many of us live our Christian lives like that man? We start out to read the Bible through in a year, but quit after a few weeks. We decide to devote 15 minutes a day to prayer, but get so busy we forget it. We take a ministry in our church only to give it up when the going gets rough. Finish what you start! When Jesus bowed His head on the cross, His last words were, "It is finished." He left a legacy of finishing what He started. He could have allowed Himself to be taken by the mob without healing Malchus' ear. But that was not His way. JESUS REVEALED HIS OMNIPOTENCE EVEN WHILE WITHHOLDING IT. Modern day miracles are cheap today. Medical miracles, engineering miracles, and technological miracles are commonplace in our world. But true miracles are those that cannot be adequately explained by by scientific law. True miracles are acts of God. The lost world looks at the death of Christ and sees sadness. The Christian sees the mighty power of God. We who believe can see the great omnipotence (my favorite word) of God in the lines of the Gospel. We Christians need to realize the lesson the Scripture is teaching us here. There WILL be tough times; there WILL be heartaches, despair, and trouble in the Christian life. God allows those times, but He also sends some miracles even in the pain. That is His omnipotence. That is His power. Jesus never turned away a person in need. When Jesus found suffering, He relieved it! When He found sickness, He healed it! When He found death, He enlivened it! Oh how we need to appreciate this truth about our Lord Jesus Christ! REFERENCES: Matthew 26: 36-56 Mark 14:32-50 Luke 22:47-53 John 18:1-11 The Four Gospels by Bruce Vawter, C. M. The Greatest Faith Ever Known by Fulton and April Oursler The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim Multiple websites researched ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ******* The Blind Man Healed at Bethsaida  My name is Julias. I cannot see, but I hear just fine. As I sit here begging for anything anyone may drop in my basket so I may eat and have a place to lay my head at night many pass by. All seem to be talking about the same thing, a man they call Jesus. This Jesus says he is the son of God. I can't understand how he thinks that for he was born of a human mother, a maiden who dwells now in Nazareth with her husband Joseph and her other children. So, how can he be a god? I have friends who want me to seek him out and ask for healing. They say he has healed others who are blind, some who are deaf and cannot talk. They even speak of this Jesus bringing the dead back to life! I do not believe in such things. Why would I want to open myself to disappointment at thinking there was a chance I could be healed. No. I will not. My friends insist today that I come along with them. Under protest, I am brought to this man Jesus. My friends speak with him and beg him to heal me for I am blind. They believe, but I do not. Surely, he can see that. Jesus took my hand and I felt something strange within my breast. His touch was different from any I've ever felt before. He led me away from the crowd. I could not see, but knew we walked far enough to be all the way out of town. I wondered if he would harm me. Perhaps, that feeling I had when he touched me was a warning to me. He could kill me and who would know? There is none other around. He asked me to kneel and afraid, I did so. I hear this man spit and feel him touch my eyes. His fingers are wet. Did he just put spit on my eyes? Before I could wipe them, this Jesus spoke, "What do you see?" I kept my eyes closed tightly it seemed for a long while. I was afraid to open them. This man has led me away from everyne and everything I am familiar with, yet has not done me harm. He has touched my eyes and I felt a warmness just as I did when he took my hand. What can it mean? I slowly open my eyes. "I see trees walking," I say in choked words. It is a strange feeling. I have not seen light before. I have heard others speak of light and dark, but until now I had no idea what they spoke of. Jesus took hold of me again and placed his hands on my eyes. "Look up." I opened my eyes and GLORY I can see. I see trees clearly. I see Jesus clearly. I see my ragged clothes clearly. I CAN SEE!!!! Jesus speaks again, "Go to your home and speak of no one of this." We part. He is walking. I am running toward home. Be quiet about such a thing. How can I? I must tell everyone what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for me! ******* Jesus in Bethsaida Here we have a man being healed of blindness. Alongside another giving-of-sight story that appears in chapter 8 of Mark, this frames a series of passages where Jesus gives "insight" to his disciples about his coming passion, death, and resurrection. Readers must remember that the stories in Mark are not arranged haphazardly; they are instead carefully constructed to fulfill both narrative and theological purposes. This healing story is different from many of the others, however, in that it contains two curious facts: first, that Jesus led the man out of town before performing the miracle and second that he needed two attempts before he was successful. This is the only recorded miracle in the gospel where one was not healed instantly. Why did he lead the man out of Bethsaida before curing his blindness? Why did he tell the man not to go into town afterwards? Telling the man to keep quiet is standard practice for Jesus by this point, however pointless it actually is, but telling him not to return to the town he was led out of is still odd. Then we have to wonder why Jesus had difficulty making this miracle work. In the past he could speak a single word and have the dead walk or the mute speak. A person could, without his knowledge, be cured of a long-standing illness by merely touching the edge of his garment. In the past, then, Jesus had no lack of healing powers — so what happened here? It is not because Jesus' batteries were low. It was a symbol for the disciples. It represents the two stages of understanding of the disciples. Some argue that such a gradual restoration of physical sight represents the idea that people only gradually acquire the spiritual "sight" to truly understand Jesus and Christianity. At first, he sees in a way that is similar to how the apostles and others saw Jesus: dimly and distorted, not comprehending his true nature. After more grace from God works on him, however, full sight is achieved — just as grace from God can bring about full spiritual "sight" if we allow it. Three things we can learn from this healing:  Jesus doesn't always work the same way.  Multitudes don't determine priorities.  God is not forced to act according to our expectations. He did it a different way. REFERENCES: Mark 8:22-26 The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim The Four Gospels byBruce Vawter, C. M. Multiple websites researched
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