The Miracles of Jesus

Introduction

What do you make of miracles? 

Do you spend more effort praying for miracles to happen, or coming up with reasons why they won't happen? I mean, do you think we should expect miracles today, or are you resigned to the idea that God doesn't do miracles any more?

Well, our theme  is the miracles of Jesus. 

And there's no shortage of miracles in Luke's gospel that we could look at.

Luke has chosen to do this quite deliberately. He's inviting us to put them together, building on one another, miracle on miracle, and come to a conclusion.

So, let's look at the four scenes from Jesus' ministry that Luke puts before us.

The power of Jesus

Power over Nature

Luke 8:22-56

Now, due to the geography, localised violent storms are not unusual on the Sea of Galilee. So, the waves are crashing against the side of the boat; the wind is shredding the sails; the planks of the boat are creaking and groaning; the boat is listing and tossing and filling with water. Even the experienced, professional sailors are scared: Master, Master, we're going to drown

And Jesus has slept through it all: they had to wake him up. Unconcerned, he simply gets to his feet and says a word. He rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

The disciples seem more terrified by this than the storm. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

Jesus has power over nature: power over the storm.