Topic 5 The Miracles of Jesus

Group 4: The Worshippers

Nature Miracles

(a). Give an account of Jesus stills a storm. Mark 4:35-41

(b). What does the account of Jesus stilling the storm in Mark 4:35-41 reveal about His authority and
the nature of faith?

In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature by calming a fierce storm with just His
words, showing that even the forces of nature obey Him. This act reveals His divine power and identity
as the Son of God. Additionally, when Jesus questions His disciples about their fear and lack of faith, it
highlights the importance of trusting in Him during difficult circumstances. The story encourages
believers to have faith in Jesus, even when situations seem overwhelming, reminding them that He is
always in control.

(b). How do the reactions of the disciples in Mark 4:35-41 illustrate the struggle between fear and
faith?

The disciples’ reactions during the storm reveal a common human experience—fear in the face of
danger. Despite having witnessed Jesus’ miracles, their immediate response is panic as they fear for
their lives. When Jesus calms the storm, their awe reflects a shift from fear to a deeper understanding of
His power. This illustrates the struggle between fear and faith; while fear can often dominate in
challenging times, encountering Jesus and His authority invites a stronger, more resilient faith. Their
journey mirrors the believer's path of growing trust in Christ, especially amid life’s storms.

(c). Do you the idea that the disciples’ fear during the storm reveals a lack of faith in Jesus, and what is
your own opinion on how this story applies to our lives today?

Agree: Some might argue that the disciples’ fear shows a lack of faith because they had witnessed Jesus’
miracles yet still panicked during the storm. This reaction highlights their struggle to fully trust Him in a
crisis.

Disagree: Others may contend that their fear is a natural human response to life-threatening situations.
The disciples were genuinely afraid for their lives, and this reaction does not necessarily reflect a
complete lack of faith but rather a moment of vulnerability.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe this story serves as a reminder that even those with faith can
experience fear. It encourages us to recognize our fears but also to seek Jesus in those moments,
trusting that He has the power to bring peace into our chaotic situations.

(a). Give an account of the occasion when Jesus fed the five thousand. Mark 6:30-44

(b). How does the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand in Mark 6:30-44 illustrate the themes of
compassion
In this passage, Jesus demonstrates profound compassion for the crowd, recognizing their physical and
spiritual needs. When He sees that they are hungry, He doesn't turn them away; instead, He takes
action. This highlights His concern for their well-being.

The miracle also showcases God’s provision. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus performs an
incredible act that feeds thousands, illustrating that God can provide abundantly, even from seemingly
inadequate resources. This act reassures us that in moments of scarcity, we can trust in God’s ability to
meet our needs. Together, these themes remind us of the importance of compassion in our interactions
with others and our reliance on God’s provision in our lives.

(c). Do you agree or disagree that the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand demonstrates both
His compassion for the people and His ability to provide for their needs, and what is your own opinion
on how this applies to our lives today?

Agree: Many would agree that this miracle clearly illustrates Jesus’ compassion. His immediate response
to the hunger of the crowd shows His deep care for their physical and spiritual well-being, reinforcing
the idea that He meets our needs.

Disagree: Some might disagree, arguing that the focus of the miracle is more on the demonstration of
Jesus’ power rather than His compassion. They might see it as primarily showcasing His authority over
nature and the miraculous rather than emphasizing His empathy.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe the miracle encapsulates both themes. It reminds us that Jesus is not
only powerful but also deeply compassionate. In our own lives, this encourages us to rely on Him during
times of need and inspires us to be compassionate towards others, knowing that small acts can have a
significant impact when done with love.

(c). Do you agree or disagree that the feeding of the five thousand in Mark 6:30-44 teaches us about the
importance of community and sharing resources, and what is your own opinion on how we can apply
this lesson today?

Agree: Many might agree that this miracle emphasizes the value of community and sharing. The
disciples initially express concern about how to feed the crowd, but when they bring the limited food to
Jesus, it highlights how working together and sharing resources can lead to abundance.

Disagree: Others might disagree, suggesting that the miracle focuses more on Jesus’ divinity and power
rather than on communal efforts. They could argue that the emphasis should be on His ability to
perform miracles independently of human action.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe the story beautifully illustrates both aspects. It shows that while
Jesus has the power to provide, our willingness to share—even when we feel we have little—can lead to
great outcomes. Today, this encourages us to foster community spirit and be generous with our
resources, knowing that small contributions can make a significant difference.

(a). Give an account of when Jesus walked on water. Mark 6:45-52

(b). What do Mark 6:45-52 and the account of Jesus walking on water reveal about the disciples’
understanding of Jesus’ identity and their faith during challenging circumstances?
In this passage, the disciples are initially filled with fear when they see Jesus walking on water, reflecting
their struggle to comprehend His true identity as the Son of God. Despite witnessing the miraculous
feeding of the five thousand just before this, their fear indicates that they still have doubts about His
divine power and presence.

The encounter demonstrates that faith can waver, especially in challenging situations. Jesus reassures
them by saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid," which calls them to trust in Him. This moment
serves as a pivotal lesson about recognizing Jesus’ authority and presence in the midst of life's storms,
encouraging believers to strengthen their faith even when they feel overwhelmed. Ultimately, it
highlights the journey of understanding who Jesus is and learning to trust Him more deeply in difficult
times.

(c). Do you agree or disagree that the incident of Jesus walking on water in Mark 6:45-52
demonstrates the disciples' struggle with faith and their growing understanding of Jesus’ identity, and
what is your own opinion on how this applies to our lives today?

Agree: Many would agree that this passage highlights the disciples' struggle with their faith. Despite
witnessing miracles, their fear shows that they still grapple with fully understanding who Jesus is,
indicating a gradual growth in their faith journey.

Disagree: Others might disagree, arguing that the focus should be more on Jesus’ miraculous power
rather than the disciples’ faith. They may feel that the emphasis is on Jesus demonstrating His authority
over nature rather than the disciples’ understanding of Him.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe this story illustrates both aspects. It serves as a reminder that faith
can be tested during challenging times. In our lives, we often face situations that challenge our
understanding and trust in God. This encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing
that even when we struggle, He is present and capable of providing comfort and strength.

Healing Miracles

(a). Give an account of the occasion when Jesus healed a paralytic. Mark 2:1-12

(b). What does the story of Jesus healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 reveal about the relationship
between faith, community, and the authority of Jesus?

In this passage, the healing of the paralytic illustrates several key themes. First, the faith of the paralytic
and his friends is central to the miracle. Their determination to bring him to Jesus, despite the crowd,
showcases the importance of community support in seeking healing and hope.

Second, Jesus' response to their faith highlights His authority to forgive sins, which initially astonishes
the scribes present. This act emphasizes that Jesus’ power extends beyond physical healing to spiritual
restoration, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.

Finally, the miracle challenges the audience's understanding of faith and authority. It invites believers to
consider how their faith can impact not only their lives but also the lives of those around them. This
story encourages us to foster a community that supports one another in faith, trusting in Jesus’ power to
transform lives.
(b). How does the account of Jesus healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 illustrate the themes of
forgiveness and physical healing, and what do these themes reveal about Jesus’ mission?

The themes of forgiveness and physical healing are intricately linked. When Jesus first tells the paralytic
that his sins are forgiven, He prioritizes spiritual healing over physical restoration. This indicates that
Jesus’ mission encompasses both spiritual and physical needs, emphasizing the importance of
addressing the whole person.

Furthermore, the reaction of the scribes reveals a challenge to their understanding of authority. By
claiming the power to forgive sins, Jesus affirms His divine identity and mission to offer salvation. The
subsequent physical healing serves to validate His authority and reinforce the connection between faith,
forgiveness, and restoration.

Overall, this story illustrates that Jesus came not only to heal but also to transform lives spiritually. It
encourages believers to recognize the significance of both forgiveness and healing in their relationship
with Him and to understand that Jesus’ mission is holistic, seeking to restore both body and soul.

(c). “The healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 emphasizes the importance of both forgiveness and
physical healing in Jesus’ ministry”. What is your opinion on how these themes apply to our lives
today?

Agree: Many would agree that this account highlights the dual importance of forgiveness and physical
healing. Jesus first addresses the man’s sins, showing that spiritual restoration is fundamental, while
also demonstrating His power to heal physically, indicating that both aspects are vital in His ministry.

Disagree: Others might disagree, arguing that the emphasis should be primarily on physical healing, as
this was a visible miracle that demonstrated Jesus’ authority. They may feel that the spiritual aspect is
secondary to the tangible impact of the physical healing on the crowd and the paralytic.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe both themes are crucial. The story reminds us that Jesus cares for us
holistically—body, mind, and spirit. In our lives today, this encourages us to seek both spiritual growth
and physical well-being, recognizing that true healing involves addressing our entire being and
understanding our need for forgiveness as part of our journey.

(c). Do you agree or disagree that the miracles of Jesus, such as healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12,
serve primarily to demonstrate His authority and divinity, and what is your own opinion on how this
impacts our understanding of faith today?

Agree: Many would agree that the miracles of Jesus clearly demonstrate His authority and divinity. Acts
like healing the paralytic not only showcase His power over illness but also His ability to forgive sins,
affirming His identity as the Son of God and reinforcing His divine authority in the eyes of the onlookers.

Disagree: Others might disagree, arguing that the miracles should be seen more as acts of compassion
rather than primarily demonstrations of authority. They may feel that the focus should be on Jesus’ love
and care for individuals in need, rather than on establishing His divinity.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe that while the miracles do highlight Jesus’ authority, they also reflect
His deep compassion for humanity. This dual aspect is vital for our understanding of faith today. It
encourages us to trust in His power while also recognizing His desire for a personal relationship with us.
Miracles remind us that faith is not just about acknowledging Jesus’ authority but also about
experiencing His love and care in our lives.

(a). Recount the healing of the centurion’s servant. Mt 8:5-13

(b). What does the healing of the centurion's servant in Matthew 8:5-13 teach us about Jesus’ faith
and authority?

In this passage, the centurion demonstrates remarkable faith by acknowledging Jesus' authority. He
believes that Jesus can heal his servant simply by speaking a word, showing that he understands the
power of authority in both military and spiritual contexts. This faith impresses Jesus, who remarks that
He hasn’t found such great faith even in Israel.

The story teaches us that faith does not depend on proximity or visible signs; it is about trusting in Jesus’
power and authority. It highlights that faith can come from unexpected places, like a Roman centurion,
reminding us that anyone can experience God’s grace and healing through faith in Jesus.

(b). How does the centurion’s attitude towards Jesus in Matthew 8:5-13 reflect humility and
understanding of authority?

The centurion approaches Jesus with humility, recognizing that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his
home. This attitude demonstrates a deep respect for Jesus’ authority. By comparing Jesus’ power to his
own experience as a commander, he understands that just as he can give orders that are obeyed, Jesus
can command healing from a distance.

This reflects a profound understanding of who Jesus is—not just a healer but the Son of God with
ultimate authority over illness. The centurion’s humility and recognition of Jesus’ authority serve as a
model for us, teaching that true faith often includes acknowledging our own limitations and trusting in
God’s greater power.

(a). Give an account of the healing of the sick woman. Luke 8:43-48

(b). What does the healing of the sick woman in Luke 8:43-48 teach us about faith and perseverance?

In this passage, the woman who has been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years shows great
faith and perseverance by pushing through the crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. Her
determination to reach Jesus, despite her illness and the obstacles in her way, highlights the importance
of not giving up in the pursuit of healing and help.

When Jesus acknowledges her and tells her that her faith has made her well, it emphasizes that faith is
an active response. This story teaches us that perseverance in faith, even in difficult circumstances, can
lead to healing and restoration. It encourages us to seek Jesus with the same determination and belief in
His power to heal and transform our lives.

(a). Give an account of a Syrophoenician woman’s faith. Mark 7:24-30

(b). What does the encounter between Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30 reveal
about her faith?

In this passage, the Syrophoenician woman demonstrates remarkable faith and persistence. Despite
Jesus initially responding to her request for healing by saying that He was sent only to the lost sheep of
Israel, she does not give up. Instead, she cleverly replies that even the dogs under the table eat the
children’s crumbs.

Her response shows her deep understanding of Jesus' compassion and her belief that even a small
amount of His grace can bring healing. This encounter illustrates that faith can transcend cultural
boundaries and highlights the importance of humility and determination in seeking help from God.
Ultimately, Jesus praises her faith and grants her request, demonstrating that genuine faith is
recognized and rewarded, regardless of background.

(c). The Syrophoenician woman’s response to Jesus in Mark 7:24-30 illustrates the importance of
humility and persistence in faith, and what is your own opinion on how this applies to our own
spiritual journeys?

Agree: Many would agree that the woman’s humility and persistence are key aspects of her faith. Her
willingness to engage with Jesus despite initial rejection shows that she understands the value of
seeking help and does not allow cultural barriers to stop her from pursuing healing for her daughter.

Disagree: Others might disagree, arguing that the focus should be on Jesus’ response rather than the
woman’s attitude. They may feel that the emphasis is more on His willingness to help those outside of
Israel rather than on the lesson of humility and persistence from the woman.

Own Opinion: Personally, I believe the woman’s example is powerful for our spiritual journeys. It
encourages us to approach God with both humility and determination, reminding us that persistence in
prayer and faith can lead to transformative outcomes. Her story inspires us to overcome obstacles in our
faith and to trust in God’s compassion, no matter our background or circumstances.

Exorcism Miracles

(a). Give an account of the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac. Luke 8:26-39

(b). What happened to the Gerasene Demoniac after Jesus healed him?

After Jesus healed the Gerasene Demoniac, he was found sitting at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right
mind. He wanted to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructed him to return home and tell others how much God
had done for him. This led to the man becoming a witness of Jesus' power in his community.

(b). How did the townspeople react to the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac?

The townspeople were initially afraid when they saw the healed man, as they had witnessed his violent
behavior before. They were also troubled by the loss of the pigs that had drowned in the lake after the
demons were cast out. Ultimately, they asked Jesus to leave their region because they were afraid and
disturbed by the miraculous events.

(a). Give an account of the healing of a boy with an evil spirit. Luke 9:37-43

(b). What symptoms did the boy with the evil spirit exhibit?

The boy suffered from severe symptoms, including convulsions, as the evil spirit would often throw him
to the ground. He would foam at the mouth and become rigid, and the spirit would cause him to harm
himself. His father described the boy's condition as desperate, expressing his anguish over the situation.
(c). Do you think the healing of the boy with the evil spirit demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus?

Agree: Many people believe that the healing showcases the immense power of faith in Jesus. The boy's
father approached Jesus, expressing his belief but also his doubt, which highlights the importance of
having faith, even in challenging circumstances.

Disagree: On the other hand, some might argue that the focus should be on Jesus' authority and power
rather than on faith alone. The healing happened because of Jesus' command over the spirit, not merely
because of the father’s belief.

Own Opinion: In my opinion, both aspects are important. The story illustrates how faith can lead to
healing and restoration, while also emphasizing Jesus' divine power. It reminds us that, even in our
doubts, reaching out to Jesus can bring about transformation.

Raising From The Dead

(a). Describe the healing of widow of Nain’s son. Luke 7:11-17

(b). How did the people react to the miracle of the widow of Nain's son being raised from the dead?

The people were filled with awe and fear after witnessing the miracle. They praised God, saying that a
great prophet had arisen among them and that God had visited His people. This miracle spread news
about Jesus throughout the region, highlighting His power and compassion.

(a). Give an account of the healing of the daughter of Jairus. Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

(b). What happened to Jairus's daughter after Jesus arrived at his home?

When Jesus arrived at Jairus's home, He found that the daughter had already died. However, He told the
mourners not to weep, as she was merely sleeping. Jesus then took her by the hand and commanded
her to rise, and she came back to life, astonishing everyone present.

(b). What actions did Jesus take when He arrived at Jairus's house to heal his daughter?

When Jesus arrived at Jairus's house, He found people mourning and weeping for the girl. He reassured
them by saying she was not dead but sleeping. Jesus then took the girl by the hand and commanded her
to rise. Immediately, she got up and began to walk, demonstrating His power over death and His ability
to restore life.

(c). Do you believe that the healing of Jairus's daughter demonstrates the importance of faith in
Jesus?

Agree: Many people agree that the healing showcases the significance of faith. Jairus approached Jesus
with a desperate belief that He could heal his daughter, emphasizing that faith plays a crucial role in
receiving help and miracles.

Disagree: However, some might argue that the focus should be on Jesus's power alone, suggesting that
faith is not a prerequisite for miracles. They could contend that Jesus acts out of compassion and
authority, independent of the level of faith shown by those involved.
Own Opinion: In my opinion, both faith and Jesus's divine authority are important in this story. Jairus's
faith opened the door for healing, but Jesus's compassion and power ultimately brought about the
miracle. This balance highlights how faith can enhance our experience of Jesus's work in our lives.

(c). Does the miracle of Jairus's daughter illustrate the relationship between faith and fear?

Agree: Many would agree that the story highlights the tension between faith and fear. When Jairus
received the news of his daughter's death, fear could have overwhelmed him, but Jesus encouraged him
to not be afraid and to have faith instead. This shows that faith can counteract fear in challenging
situations.

Disagree: On the other hand, some might argue that fear is a natural human response to crisis and that
it doesn’t diminish one’s ability to have faith. They may believe that experiencing fear does not negate
the possibility of faith, and that both emotions can coexist.

Own Opinion: I think the story beautifully illustrates how faith can transform fear. While it’s natural to
feel fear in dire circumstances, Jesus's reassurance encourages us to shift our focus to faith. This
dynamic shows that while fear is part of the human experience, faith can empower us to face challenges
with hope.

Miracles and The Kingdom of God

Definition: The Kingdom of God refers to God’s reign or rule over creation, characterized by
righteousness, peace, and joy. It encompasses both a present reality and a future hope, where God’s will
is fully realized. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God through His teachings and actions. His miracles
demonstrated the Kingdom's presence, revealing a reality where healing, restoration, and justice
prevail. They served as glimpses of what the Kingdom entails. The Kingdom of God also carries ethical
dimensions. It calls for a way of life that reflects God's values—love, mercy, justice, and humility. Jesus’s
miracles often challenged societal norms, promoting inclusion and compassion.

(a). Give an account of when John sent his disciple from prison to Jesus whether are you the one who
was to come. Mt 11:1-6, 20-24

(a)(i). What did Jesus say when John the Baptist sent messengers to Him?

When John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus to ask if He was the one who was to come, Jesus
responded by highlighting His works. In Luke 7:22, He told them to report back to John what they had
seen and heard. By doing this, Jesus affirmed His identity as the Messiah and fulfilled the prophecies
about Him, encouraging John to recognize that His ministry was indeed the fulfillment of God's
promises.

(a)(ii). What did Jesus say about John as a prophet? Luke 7:24-35?

In Luke 7:24-35, Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist, saying that John is more than just a prophet; he
is the one who prepares the way for the Lord. Jesus emphasizes John's greatness, declaring that among
everyone born, there is no one greater than him. However, He also notes that even the least in the
Kingdom of God is greater than John, highlighting the special privilege of being part of the Kingdom.
Additionally, Jesus points out that people rejected John’s message, criticizing both him and Jesus for
their different lifestyles. Through this, Jesus honors John's important role while also emphasizing the
unique nature of the Kingdom of God.