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Lesson 17A – Matthew 8–9, Mark 1:23–2:12; 5:21–6:6, Luke 7–8. Miracles. The Teachings of Christ. Again, we are now in the period of the teaching and ministry of Christ. Three main methods of teaching during this time: Sermons Parables Miracles
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Lesson 17A – Matthew 8–9, Mark 1:23–2:12; 5:21–6:6, Luke 7–8 Miracles
The Teachings of Christ • Again, we are now in the period of the teaching and ministry of Christ. • Three main methods of teaching during this time: • Sermons • Parables • Miracles • Today let’s talk about what a genuine miracle is and why they were performed by Christ.
What is a miracle? • In the most generic sense, something we cannot explain. • There are some types of miracles that are not genuine. • Manmade and understandable by some (technology, medicine, etc) • Tricks by magicians or religious practitioners • Deceptions by the adversary (detectable by the Spirit)
Requirements • Dallin H. Oaks requires 3 elements for a genuine miracle • They are brought about by divine power • Mortals do not understand them • Mortals cannot duplicate them • (They are for the benefit of man)
Two types of genuine miracles • Miracles worked by the power of priesthood • Invoked intentionally by authority from God • Reliant on the faith of the blessed and worthiness of the blesser • Most of the miracles of Christ • Miracles worked through the power of faith • Without specifically invoking the power of the priesthood. • Luke 8:43-48 • Often happen to strengthen our faith (Stake Conference)
Scope • Macro-miracles • Some miracles affect many people. Examples? • Growth of the church, tithing, family history • What miracle is the greatest of all? Affects everyone? • The Atonement of Jesus Christ • Micro-miracles • Some miracles affect only one or very few. • These are personal experiences, often not shared • Demonstrate His care for each of His children
Why then did Christ perform miracles? • To Gather • Would Christ have had such multitudes to teach if He hadn’t performed miracles? • Also when recruiting the apostles • Yet He did not want to be known solely for these acts • Matthew 8:4 – Why did He discourage the man from telling others? • Show of humility • “Pearls before swine”
To Gather • Was He able to convert people through miracles alone? • No, because there were those who witnessed the miracles and were not converted; in fact, they were hardened even more. • Those converted usually had faith in Christ before the miracle. • After the miracle, the Spirit testified of the true nature of Christ’s power and they understood how that same power can heal their souls.
To Testify of Power • Christ showed His power over many things • Matthew 8:2-4 • Matthew 8:18-27 • Matthew 8:28-34 • Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26 • Why was it important for Christ to show this power over all? • If we trust in Christ, we need not worry about sickness, the elements, the devil, or even death. Through Him we can also overcome all.
To Teach • We’ve already talked about how Christ uses each miracle to teach. • There are very few instances that don’t have some extra element to learn from. • Often the miracle is symbolic and uses symbolic terms • Be ye whole, clean, healed • Pease, be still • Arise • Those attuned to the Spirit will understand the significance.
To Love • We cannot say that Christ performed these miracles out of anything but absolute pure love and compassion for each of us. • His miracles are intimate; He connects with the blessed spiritually as well. • Even more so, His greatest miracle, the Atonement, was done with the greatest love by Him, and by the Father • John 3:16
Notebook Ideas • What miracles have you seen in your life? How were you able to know they were miracles? • What have personal miracles or the stories of others taught you about Jesus Christ?