Jesus: The Miracle Worker Pastor Kile Baker - January 21st, 2024 What did people say about Jesus? He was a “Miracle Worker” Mark 6:2 “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? Miracles in Matthew 8 A man with leprosy made “clean” Long distance healing of paralysis Healing of Peter’s mother in law Exorcisms of demon possession Calming of nature The unbelievable things Jesus said and did actually make him believable. We all have beliefs, we just don’t have the same beliefs. Everyone believes something because of someone. John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory… John 2:1-11 “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” “Mom, I’ve come to save the world, not to save weddings.“ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” The reason they believed is that there was a reason to believe.: John 20:30-31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. If we can confirm someone’s guilt in a courtroom with an eyewitness account, can we be convinced of our innocence in Christ with an eyewitness account? Seeing or experiencing a miracle doesn’t directly lead to belief in Jesus as the savior of the world. Supernatural occurrences of miracles hopefully lead to the very natural response of faith in Christ. The miracle that you and I should form our faith around is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of our own resurrection someday. Next Steps: Ask yourself what your faith is built on. Join in with others in praying for a miracle for someone. Small Group Questions 1. In the context of Jesus turning water into wine in John 2, how does this miracle challenge our understanding of the natural world and its laws? How might such an event lead to skepticism among witnesses or those who hear about it later? 2. How do you reconcile faith in God with the absence of personal experience with miracles? Can faith exist independently of witnessing a miraculous event? 3. What role do miracles play in reinforcing your belief in Jesus as the savior? Do they serve as definitive evidence, or are they supplementary to your faith? 4. Why, according to you, might someone refuse to believe in God despite having witnessed a miracle firsthand? What factors could contribute to this disbelief? 5. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is considered the ultimate miracle for many believers. Do you think it holds more weight than other miracles like turning water into wine? If so, why does it have such a significant impact on our faith?