In our age of theological relativism, Jesus' question to His own disciples continues to ring true: "Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?" Through Jesus' seven miracles and His seven "I Am" sayings, the apostle John provides a clear answer to that all-important question. Furthermore, what do Jesus' miracles represent? Are they designed to point to something or someone? In our "supernatural-crazed" culture that affects even evangelical Christianity, it is refreshing to be reminded that biblical miracles were never arbitrary but were always purposeful, authenticating God's message and His messenger(s). In the Gospel of John, the miracles of Jesus are both Christological, that is, they highlight Jesus' Person, and eschatological, that is, they foreshadow the work the Messiah will do in His future Advent. The miracles remind us that God's desire for every believer is first and foremost a spiritual relationship with Him through His Son. Furthermore, Jesus' miracles also remind us that God's work in and for every believer will be fully and ultimately realized in the everlasting life.
In our age of theological relativism, Jesus' question to His own disciples continues to ring true: "Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?" Through Jesus' seven miracles and His seven "I Am" sayings, the apostle John provides a clear answer to that all-important question. Furthermore, what do Jesus' miracles represent? Are they designed to point to something or someone? In our "supernatural-crazed" culture that affects even evangelical Christianity, it is refreshing to be reminded that biblical miracles were never arbitrary but were always purposeful, authenticating God's message and His messenger(s). In the Gospel of John, the miracles of Jesus are both Christological, that is, they highlight Jesus' Person, and eschatological, that is, they foreshadow the work the Messiah will do in His future Advent. The miracles remind us that God's desire for every believer is first and foremost a spiritual relationship with Him through His Son. Furthermore, Jesus' miracles also remind us that God's work in and for every believer will be fully and ultimately realized in the everlasting life.
Explanations of Jesusb miracles often get stuck in their supernatural elements, speculating whether such things could possibly have occurred. Jeffrey John argues that this is to mistake the shell for the kernel. The Gospel writers recorded the many miracles of Jesus not to provoke open-mouthed amazement but, rather, to prompt readers to seek the deeper meaning inside each of these spectacular events. A best-seller in England and now available for the first time in the United States, "The Meaning in the Miracles" is praised as a must-have guide to Jesusb miracles. John walks readers through each miracle story, providing the biblical text then offering insightful commentary that first connects the event with other biblical themes and then makes clear its meaning for today. Each discussion ends with a selection of relevant scripture passages, quotes from literature, and other material meant to aid in further personal reflection and prayer. As John shows, the stories of Jesusb miraculous works are loaded with prophetic and theological significance meant primarily to foster personal faith. By reflecting on the depths and dimensions of meaning the Gospel writers intended to convey, readers encounter afresh the One whose works of power were always a means of announcing the good news of his transforming love -- then and now. bA delight: considerable scholarship with a light touch. . . . Highly recommended.b -- "The Reader"
The stories of Jesus' miracles can be challenging to modern sensibilities, conditioned as we are to believe that there must be a logical explanation for water being turned into wine or nets suddenly overflowing with fish. But John Wurster suggests that for contemporary preachers and their listeners, the most important question raised by these remarkable accounts is not "How did they happen?" but rather "What do they mean?" "Ordinary Words, Extraordinary Deeds" helps answer that question by exploring the theological significance of the nine miracle stories appearing in Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Each chapter includes the biblical text along with interpretive reflections that set the passage in its literary context and connect it to major themes of the gospel writer. There's also a section investigating a variety of preaching possibilities and offering brief thoughts about what these texts tell us about the sacraments, since (like the miracles) the sacraments make grace evident in ways we can touch and feel. Specifically geared for the busy pastor with limited time, this is an excellent volume packed with valuable idea starters and rich material for sermon development. But it's also stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous stories of God's power at work. Chapter titles include: - The Star (Matthew 2:1-12) - Wedding At Cana (John 2:1-11) - Jesus Transfigured (Luke 9:28-36) - The Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) ... and five more! John W. Wurster is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas (B.A. summa cum laude), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (D.Min). Currently the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, Ohio, Wurster has previously served congregations in Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He is the author of "What If What They Say Is True?" (CSS), a collection of sermons on prophetic texts.
By the signs, wonders and miracles He performed, Jesus manifested His compassion for His creatures and the ultimate reason for his coming into the world - His healing and restoration of mankind. The miracles are presented in three parts. The first deals with the miracles recorded in St Matthew's and St Luke's Gospels, as they are read on the Sundays after Pentecost. The second section treats the signs of the Gospel of St John, and the third part surveys the miracles in St Mark's Gospel.
One of the important means of Jesus to proclaim the gospel was miracles through which he attempted to lead the people to the faith in God and also the faith in him being the Son of God. Jesus' miracles can generally be classified into four as nature miracles, healing miracles, exorcism, and miracles of bringing back to life. This is an attempt to make a brief analysis of the miracles of Jesus, their types, characteristics, different possible approaches to understand them and a theological overview.
Finding and using apt illustrations to enhance a sermon or Bible study is a fine art. In this book, Forrest Chaffee proves himself a master at this endeavor. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to plumb the depths of some of the most significant miracles of Jesus. Herbert Chilstrom Former Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Gospel of John has a unique function - unlike the synoptic Gospels, which provide chronological accounts of Jesus' life and ministry, John weaves the story and words of Jesus around seven miracles that he calls signs. These signs are the visible evidence that Jesus is the source of true life. Through his spoken words and healing power, Jesus' inspiring life force flows outwardly to all who believe in him. This in-depth exploration of the miracle stories in John's Gospel helps you discover how to tap in to this powerful life force and become more alive than ever. Each chapter studies the scripture text of a miracle to identify the quality associated with it, then offers numerous illustrative examples demonstrating how this sign or trait can positively influence daily living. With thought-provoking discussion questions included, More Alive Than Ever is an excellent resource for small group Bible study or adult Sunday school classes. Its convenient illustration index also makes this a rich source of meaningful metaphors and stories for preaching. But even more, it's stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous accounts of God's power at work. Chapters include: ? Joy Is Like The Rain John 2:1-12 ? Trust Is An Umbrella John 4:46-54 ? Hope Can Be Moving John 5:1-9 ? Bread Is Always Needed John 6:1-14 ? Peace Is Like A Flowing River John 6:16-21 ? Seeing Is Getting The Mud Out Of Your Eyes John 9:1-41 ? New Life Is Like A Grain Of Wheat John 11:1-44 This book is a beautiful witness to the possibilities of a deeper and richer spiritual life. Chaffee opens up for us the spiritual wisdom of John's Gospel in understandable simplicity. Jerry L. Schmalenberger Former President Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Forrest Chaffee has an amazing gift of using stories and illustrations to help his readers discover what he is attempting to say. Laypersons will find this text to be very interesting and easy to read and understand. Chaffee takes the signs of Jesus and brings them down to very practical and earthy applications of everyday life. (from the Foreword) Paul M. Werger Bishop Emeritus, Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Forrest Chaffee opens up the signs of John's Gospel to us as he also opens up his own life and experiences for us to behold. Pastors and laypersons alike will enjoy his rich storytelling abilities. This engaging work, deeply rooted in a faithful pastor's heart, is a resource that will surely help others grow in their faith - and become more alive than ever Daniel Solomon Senior Pastor, Augustana Lutheran Church Boone, Iowa In its sensitivity and simplicity, Forrest Chaffee's pastoral style penetrates to the heart of the Fourth Gospel's theology, which is the sacramental nature of all life. Both the Evangelist and Pastor Chaffee encourage readers to find God in the immediacy of daily existence. Edward W. Amend Emeritus Professor of Religion and Humanities University of Northern Iowa Forrest Chaffee served for over 40 years as the pastor of Lutheran congregations in Minnesota and Iowa. He has taught Old Testament, New Testament, and church history at Gustavus Adolphus College.
This publication, The Miracles of Christ first began as a series of expositions written with the intent to help the people of God "Be Hopeful" as they draw nearer to The Christ of our Salvation, as well as a call for the unsaved to seek Him. The Miracles of Christ began as true-life experiences and a testimony in my heart where Christ worked miracles in my life. This publication is one among many of my spiritual and Christian witnesses and testimonies to what Christ can and will do if we surrender our all to him. The miracles of Christ became a reality within my life. This book you now hold in hand is one of my many testimonies to Christ's Love and how the Power of His Love makes a difference in one's life. This publication is a "MUST READ." Read and you will be greatly inspired, uplifted, and all the more encouraged in the Lord with the aid of the Holy Spirit, as He orders your steps - He DID MINE! So read on beloved, and you will be drawn ever closer to Christ in a more personal and fulfilling way. As you read, refer to the Word of God (The Bible) often, but prayerfully, as you seek His counsel. Believe in Faith, and He will work a miracle in your life. As you read The Miracles of Christ, expect Christ to bless your life anew. It is my prayer that Christ will bless you abundantly for supporting this book ministry.