Miracles of Jesus (inexplicable by the laws of nature)

Bible Reference

Risk  (The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger.)

The water changed into wine  John 2:1-11 Jesus knew that miracles would give him public recognition, leading to his crucifiction
Healing of a nobleman’s son     John 4:46-54 Even with signs and wonders, many would still reject him and not believe
Healing of a sick man          John 5:1-9 Healing on the sabbath was considered “working” by the Jews (punishable by death).  He also called God his Father, making his eventual death a sure thing
Healing of a man who was born blind     John 9:1-41 Again, healed on sabbath (death from making clay for eyes).  The ex-blind man says “if any one is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him”
Raising Lazarus    John 11:1-44 Jews in Judea (Lazarus’ home) wanted to stone Jesus – disciples believed they would all die there
The hundred and fifty three fish John 21:1-11 This was the 3rd time Jesus had shown himself to the disciples since his resurrection, but here they are, still rejecting the Life he had taught them
Walking on the sea  John 6:19-21 There was a strong wind (storm?) at that same time.
Feeding five thousand hungry people John 6:5-13
Freeing a man’s soul which was possessed by demons Luke 4:33-35
Healing of Simon’s mother in law Luke 4:38-39

The enormous catch of fish

Luke 5:1-11
Healing of a leper Luke 5:12-13
Healing of a man who was paralyzed Luke 5:18-25
The restoration of the withered hand Luke 6:6-10

Healing of a centurion’s slave

Luke 7:1-10
The raise of a widow’s son Luke 7:11-15
The storm Luke 8:22-25
Freeing Legion from the evil spirits Luke 8:27-35
Healing of Jairus’ daughter Luke 8:41-56
Healing of a woman with hemorrhage   Luke 8:43-48
Freeing a boy’s soul which was seized by demons Luke 9:38-43
Healing a dumb demon possessed man   Luke 11:14
Healing a crippled woman     Luke 13:11-13
Healing a man with dropsy       Luke 14:1-4
Healing ten lepers                          Luke 17:11-19
Healing of a blind man                   Luke 18:35-43
Healing of a slave’s ear                    Luke 22:50-51
Healing of two blind men                          Matthew 9:27-31
Healing of a dumb demon possessed man          Matthew 9:32-33
Healing of the Canaanite girl who was seized by demons       Matthew 15:21-28
Feeding four thousand hungry people         Matthew 15:32-38
The money in the fish’s mouth           Matthew 17:24-27
The withering of the fig tree                  Matthew 21:18-22
Healing a deaf and mute man                               Mark 7:31-37
Healing a blind man                                  Mark 8:2-26

DIVE
(DC Talk)

I saw it all from my bubble on the 15th floor
I was so unaware as I sank into my leather chair
Upon my throne I was known as untouchable
The smoke was creepin’ in
My castle walls were wearing thin
It took a fire to inspire me – to make my move
Cigarette in a garbage can
Changed the ways of this corporate man
It was time for a radical plan

CHORUS

I took a dive
I took a love plunge into your arms
I took a dive
I took a love plunge into your arms
I took a dive
I jumped in with all my heart
I took a dive

Follow me through the door to the great unknown
Something was telling me that this would shape my destiny
Take my hand, understand you are not all alone
Shame on me if I oppose the stirring of the Holy Ghost
Heard a voice calling out to me
I come to set your spirit free
And in me you are free indeed

CHORUS

Won’t you come and take a dive with me
Won’t you come and take a dive with me
Jump in with all your heart and take a dive

BRIDGE

I’m breathing under water
I’m sinking like a submarine
Your ocean’s so much deeper than anything I’ve ever dreamed

CHORUS

The Good Samaritan (everyday risk for those of us who “don’t do miracles”) – the man lying there could have been a trap to rob HIM – getting involved would cost him time, money, pride – loss of social status – he could help – it wasn’t beyond his ability

For a democratic society to work, we need representatives to speak on our behalf in matters of local, regional and national government But when it comes to matters of personal faith, each of us is responsible directly to God. We cannot give this responsibility away to anyone.

Two of the oldest and simplest values of life are the values of risk and commitment.

When we speak for ourselves, we are making a commitment to risk being misunderstood, rejected or ignored. Rather than making such a commitment and taking a risk, many choose instead to be silent – to say nothing about their faith or let the more gregarious person do all the talking.

We may choose whether or not to speak about what we believe and let others know at least some of what God is doing in our lives. Our expressions of faith can help someone else draw closer to God. If no one spoke about his or her faith how would anyone hear about Christ?

Some 600 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah proclaimed “A voice cries in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3)  Isaiah was not afraid to speak about his faith in the mighty works of God. He prophesied about the coming of a Saviour whom he would never see in his lifetime. He was willing to take the risk of speaking out because of his individual commitment to God.

John the Baptist spoke out publicly about a Messiah who would follow him and who was far greater than he. John preached the gospel of repentance.

When Jesus called his disciples to follow him each one took risks as they left their familiar surroundings. No disciple could make a commitment for someone else. Each disciple individually, had to make a personal commitment to follow Jesus, just as we each stand before God and speak for ourselves in God’s Presence.

– Dr. David L. Gray

Responding to the needs and opportunities around us is like a dipstick that can show the level of our relationship with God, and our compassion for others.  Jesus used miracles to grab people’s attention so they could be helped to believe.  

God, out of our loving relationship with you, help us to throw away our own schedules and agendas to recognize opportunities around us, and to take these chances to care for others so we can lead them to you.