Wow, what a great study we have done on the miracles performed by Jesus. We have learned so much about Jesus and how to apply heavenly things to our lives. We just spent 37 weeks going through all of the miracles Jesus performed. We have learned that God can and is willing to do anything. We have learned God has the power over disease, sickness, evil possessions, death, bodily deformities, the wind, the seas, and everything on this Earth. These miracles are all very impressive for it would have been impossible for man himself to be able to manifest these. Even when Peter walked on water, he had to do so according to Jesus calling Peter to Him. And of course, as soon as the focus is taken off Jesus, Peter begins to sink. And we also know because of our mistrust and unbelief, we know Jesus cannot perform certain miracles.
(Mark 6:3-6) (3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (4 )But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. (5) And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (6) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
We have also learned that when God is working on us, there is a part we must play. The main take away is we must have faith that God is willing and able to do what it is we ask of Him or need of Him. God will not force His ways on our lives just as we see in the verses above. We learned it only takes pure faith not a lot of faith.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
We have also learned that in order for us to have God do miracles through us, we need to make sure our faith is strengthened through prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17: 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Jesus is continuing on in Matthew 17 when the disciples were asking why they could not cast out the demons. Not just faith alone, but there are time you have to be prayed up and fasted to completely be the vessel for God to work with.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
This is a verse that we see quoted and used quite often, but do we truly believe it and stand firm on it. Because that verse will not be true in your life if you are not praying, fasting, and exercising true faith. Yes, it can be a feel-good quote, but it is empty without doing our part. How does Christ strengthen me? Getting to know him through fasting and prayer. Reading His word, spending time meditating on Him.
John 14 (11) Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Jesus was talking to Phillip when He asked Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus was making it very clear the works He was doing the disciples should be also doing and great works they should be doing. All the great and wonderful miracles Jesus did were not only to have the effect on those they were directed to or benefitted from but was also to be example for all those who believe in Christ what they also can do for God’s sake.
Today, and as I write this, truly there is a lot of work on my part that still needs to be homed in on. Reading all the great things Jesus did and to also know the great things the disciples ended up doing (which we will probably study those at some time) makes me feel I fall short greatly on what God wants to do through me. I need to draw closer to God and allow Him to manifest is Glory through me to where it has a profound effect on those around me.
Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD , That I may declare all thy works.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Let us not to what this verse suggests.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
COMMENTS
[ posted by Cindy, 11/26/2023 06:59 PM ]
I also think Simon and the others went back to fish "their old normal life" after seeing Jesus the second time after his resurrection and then He disappeared a few days. This event was the 3rd time they saw Him, and I think when we read further past John 21:4-11 we see Jesus asking Simon 3 times if he loved Him, and his responses were to feed the lambs, feed my sheep, and then feed my sheep again. I feel this is telling him to go and teach what you have learned to others for my kingdom. Don't go back to your old life, you have a new life to teach people about what they need to know and do for the kingdom coming when I call you all up from death to be with me forever.
[ posted by Cindy, 11/26/2023 07:02 PM ]
Sorry this was meant as an add on to last lesson. I don't know how to delete it.
[ posted by Cindy, 12/01/2023 01:59 PM ]