Brian's Notebook: Faith & Bible

Keep It Simple

If you are beginning to explore this subject, I would keep it simple.

Do not chase a title.

Do not try to sound impressive.

Do not use “God told me” to make people obey you.

Stay close to Scripture.

Learn to hear the Lord.

Ask Him how you can encourage people.

Share humbly.

Let people test what you say.

Be willing to admit when you are wrong.

And remember Paul’s standard:

edification, exhortation, and comfort.

Prophecy should build the church—not build the prophet.

It should point people toward Jesus—not make them dependent on us.

And it should never compete with the written Word of God.

The Bible remains the authority.

We are the learners.

Next in the series: What If I Hear God Wrong? — how to test impressions, recognize mistakes, deal with fear, respond when God seems silent, and grow in discernment without becoming either gullible or afraid.

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Why the Change to Revelation 21:6 Matters to Me

Brian — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:28:18 GMT

A simple question about a serious change

Would you be comfortable with your Bible changing from God saying “I am Alpha and Omega” to “I have become, I, the Alpha and the Omega”?

That question is why I am writing this article.

In the King James Bible, Revelation 21:6 reads:

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 21:6, KJV

But the University of Münster announced a different reading in a new scholarly Greek edition of Revelation:

“I have become, I, the Alpha and the Omega”.

The announcement called this a “theological difference in meaning.” In plain language, that means a difference in what the passage says about God.

I have often heard that differences among biblical manuscripts do not affect doctrine. Yet here was the university whose research institute helps lead the reconstruction of the Greek New Testament describing a change in theological terms.

And this is no longer just an announcement. I have seen the new reading in my own copy of UBS 6, a Greek New Testament used by translators and students.

The critical Greek text is still being revised. Revelation 21:6 is a concrete example.

I believe God has preserved His Word, and I believe we have that preserved Word in the King James Bible. I want to show you what changed, why it matters, and why it strengthens my conviction to stay with the KJV.

Read the original University of Münster announcement.

See the evidence

What changed

On August 7, 2024, the University of Münster published an English announcement about new volumes of the Editio Critica Maior, usually shortened to ECM. This is a detailed edition of the Greek New Testament based on comparisons of surviving manuscripts, or handwritten copies.

The announcement identifies Revelation 21:6 as its most significant change from the previously published text. It explains the theological distinction as God always being the first and last versus becoming the first and last. It says the editors preferred the new reading because of their assessment of the manuscript evidence and how the other reading arose.

The University of Münster’s English announcement, August 7, 2024, describes a theological difference in the new reading of Revelation 21:6.

Why Münster’s work can reach your English Bible

The University of Münster in Germany is home to the Institute for New Testament Textual Research, or INTF. Its researchers study the manuscript evidence and work to reconstruct the initial Greek text of the New Testament.

A text assembled by evaluating different manuscript readings is called a critical text. The word “critical” refers to that process of evaluation.

Münster’s institute helps produce the editions that scholars and translators use. The Revelation project also involved researchers at the Protestant University Wuppertal. This is a shared scholarly effort with a direct connection to Bible translation.

Here is how that connection works:

Researchers compare manuscripts. They examine places where the handwritten copies differ.
Editors choose the Greek wording. The ECM publishes the text they judge best supported.
Working Greek editions adopt the changes. These include the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament and the Nestle-Aland edition.
Translators consult those editions. Their decisions can carry the changes into new or revised English Bibles.

Read about the INTF and its work.

You do not need to remember every abbreviation. The important point is that this research helps shape the Greek text from which English translations are made.

The change has already reached UBS 6

The sixth edition of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament is called UBS 6. The German Bible Society confirms that it adopted all the ECM textual changes in Mark, Acts, and Revelation.

My photograph shows these words in Revelation 21:6:

γέγονα ἐγώ

These are the words behind Münster’s rendering “I have become, I.”

Revelation 21:6 in my copy of UBS6. The words γέγονα ἐγώ appear before the Alpha and Omega title. (Page 1 of 2)

Revelation 21:6 in my copy of UBS6. The words γέγονα ἐγώ appear before the Alpha and Omega title. (Page 2 of 2)

The change is also included in the published plans for NA 29, the 29th Nestle-Aland edition. Hendrickson’s description says UBS 6 shares its Greek text with NA 29. The German Bible Society’s NA 29 listing advertises all ECM textual changes and specifically names Acts, Mark, and Revelation. That includes the Revelation 21:6 change.

Münster’s announcement also said:

“This change will have an impact on all new translations.”

That is the university’s prediction. Translation committees still decide whether to adopt the reading and how to translate it; the announcement does not establish that every English Bible will change in the same way or at the same time.

But translators using these newer editions for an English translation or revision will encounter this changed Greek wording. The source text has already changed. That is why Christians should pay attention before a change appears in the Bible they read each day.

Why the wording matters

Revelation 21:6 is a declaration by God, the one seated on the throne. The question is what He declares about Himself.

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In this verse, the title stands alongside “the beginning and the end.”

Being Alpha and Omega and becoming Alpha and Omega are not the same statement. The KJV declares who God is. Münster’s rendering raises a question about becoming what He already is.

Read the related passages together.

Revelation 1:8

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending”

In the current ESV, Alpha and Omega remains, but “the beginning and the ending” is omitted.

Revelation 1:11

“I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last”

In the current ESV, this entire declaration is omitted.

Revelation 1:17–18

“I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead”

In the current ESV, the connection between the first and last and the one who died remains.

Revelation 21:6

“It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”

In the current ESV, the familiar wording remains. It has not been replaced by Münster’s new rendering.

Revelation 22:13

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

In the current ESV, all three titles remain, in a different order.

Compare these passages on the ESV publisher’s website.

The chapter 1 omissions predate the new Revelation 21:6 decision. They show why my concern extends beyond one verse. Words connecting these titles are already missing from critical-text translations.

A person reading only a critical text translation may never realize these statements are missing from their translation and appear in the KJV. That reader still sees some important testimony to these titles, but does not see all the same repeated connections.

The German Bible Society advertises almost 100 textual changes in ECM Revelation compared with NA 28. These are not all omissions or equally significant. But the revision clearly reaches beyond Revelation 21:6.

Screenshot of the German Bible Society 100 text changes.

How can God become what He already is?

Even in the ESV, Revelation 1:8 identifies God as Alpha and Omega.

If God is already Alpha and Omega, how can He later become Alpha and Omega?

If the title has the same meaning in both passages, and “become” means acquiring an identity He previously lacked, those claims are inconsistent. God cannot first acquire an identity that has always been His.

Someone might explain the new reading as God bringing His purposes to completion rather than acquiring a new identity. But that explanation needs support from the words and context. It should not simply be assumed, especially given Münster’s own explanation of the difference.

In the KJV, the connection reads naturally. God is Alpha and Omega in chapter 1 and declares that same identity in chapter 21. The KJV gives a consistent testimony without introducing this question about becoming.

Read Revelation 1, Revelation 21, and Revelation 22 in the KJV.

What readers may not see in a footnote

Most Christians will never examine the Greek text behind their English Bible. But this photograph from my UBS 6 shows the decision being made before an English translation reaches the reader.

The editors list several possible readings in the footnote. The reading behind the KJV’s “It is done. I am” is marked TR, meaning Textus Receptus. The new reading appears above it in the main text.

The familiar wording is still recorded, but it is not the wording this edition chooses for the verse. That choice matters because translators using UBS 6 will encounter the new reading as they prepare English translations.

The main text prints the new reading. The footnote records alternatives, including the Textus Receptus reading marked “TR.”

What about the assurance that doctrine does not change?

There is an important distinction here:

A doctrine can remain supported elsewhere in Scripture.
A particular verse can still change in meaning.

For example, Got Questions argues that manuscript differences do not put any major biblical doctrine in doubt. That is different from saying no passage changes in theological meaning.

Screen Capture of Got Questions link above.

Someone could accept a change in this verse while arguing that God’s eternal nature remains clearly taught elsewhere. But that still leaves my concern unanswered: What has happened to the testimony of this verse?

Finding the doctrine somewhere else does not make the wording here unimportant. We read and preach individual passages. Their meaning matters.

My question for anyone defending the new reading is simple: Does it change what Revelation 21:6 teaches about God? If Münster’s explanation overstates the difference, what is the better explanation, and what evidence supports it?

A changing text raises a question about preservation

When I first began studying these issues, I spoke with ministers, theologians, and scholars. I was disappointed when some described the biblical text as unfinished and told me we probably would not have a finished text in our lifetime.

Revelation 21:6 is a concrete example of what I mean by an unfinished critical text. A reading printed in earlier editions has been replaced in a newer one. Its wording remains open to revision.

I am basing my life, my faith, and my hope of eternal life on what God has said about Jesus Christ. The words matter to me.

Jesus said:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
— Matthew 24:35, KJV

That promise is central to why I believe preservation matters. I do not believe God gave His words only for His people to lose them. I do not believe His people had to wait for nineteenth-century manuscript discoveries or modern editorial work to recover His preserved Word.

My confidence does not depend on treating Sinaiticus or Vaticanus as the place where God’s Word had to be recovered after being lost. I believe His words remained available to His people, and I believe we have His preserved Word in the King James Bible.

That is why pastors should address preservation alongside inspiration. If a church’s doctrinal statement says Scripture is without error in the original writings, what does that mean for the Bible its members can read today?

Can your pastor point you to a finished Bible—a settled text containing all the words God intended us to have?

By “finished,” I mean its words are settled, and scholars are not trying to reconstruct the original or initial text.

If the answer is that the text is still being reconstructed, ask:

What assurance do we have that other important passages will not change in future editions?
How should Christians respond when a revision changes the meaning of a passage?
Where can we read the words our church believes God has preserved?

These are questions for ordinary believers, because this is the Bible we read, teach our children, and build our lives upon.

Why I invite you to consider the KJV

This example does not settle every question about Bible history. But it shows that the critical text remains open to changes that can affect how a passage is understood.

The KJV’s wording in Revelation 21:6 is not waiting for the next ECM decision. It declares, “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” That agrees naturally with God’s declaration in chapter 1.

I believe the King James Bible is God’s preserved Word. Its settled wording gives me confidence as I read and study. By that, I mean the received wording I read is not being revised to follow each new critical edition—not that the KJV has no history of printing corrections and editorial differences.

If you have never seriously considered using the KJV, I invite you to begin with the passages in this article. Read them in context. Compare the wording. Follow the source links and look at the photograph of UBS 6.

You do not have to know Greek to recognize that “I am” and “I have become” raise different questions. You can ask what changed, why it changed, and whether you are comfortable building your study on a text that remains open to this kind of revision.

For me, this is another reason to stay with the King James Bible. I believe God has preserved His Word, and I want to read, trust, and live by it.

Would you be comfortable with your Bible’s reading of Revelation 21:6 changing from “I am Alpha and Omega” to God saying, “I have become, I, the Alpha and the Omega”? Why or why not?

The Many Ways God Speaks

Brian — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:01:16 GMT

When people talk about hearing God, one of the first questions is usually this:

What does that actually mean?

Does hearing God always mean hearing an audible voice?

I don’t think Scripture gives us that picture.

As I began studying this subject, one of the things that surprised me most was how many different ways God communicated with people in the Bible. Sometimes He gave direct instructions. Sometimes the Holy Spirit redirected someone. Sometimes a person saw a vision. Sometimes an angel brought a message. Sometimes a prophet was shown something symbolic and then had to ask what it meant.

God was not limited to one method.

That does not mean every thought, feeling, dream, or unusual experience comes from God. It does mean we should let Scripture expand our categories beyond the idea that God can only communicate in one particular way.

1. God Gives Direct Instructions

One of the clearest examples is Philip in Acts 8.

An angel of the Lord told Philip to go toward the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip went. Then the Spirit gave him another specific instruction:

“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
— Acts 8:29 KJV

Philip obeyed, met the Ethiopian eunuch, explained Isaiah to him, preached Jesus, the Ethopian believed, and Philip baptized him.

That is very practical direction.

The same kind of thing happens with Ananias in Acts 9. The Lord speaks to him in a vision and gives him a location, a street, a house, and a man’s name.

“Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.”
— Acts 9:11 KJV

Ananias even talks back. He knows Saul’s reputation and is understandably nervous.

But the conversation continues, and the Lord tells him to go.

I love that detail because it is not presented as a mechanical command. There is relationship and interaction.

2. The Holy Spirit Can Lead—and Restrain

Sometimes direction in Scripture is not merely, “Go here.” Sometimes the Spirit keeps someone from going somewhere.

Acts 16 describes Paul and his companions trying to preach in different regions:

“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”
— Acts 16:6–7 KJV

Then Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” The group concludes that God has called them to preach there.

That passage fascinated me and became an example of what I called “spiritual intel from God.”

They were already doing something good—preaching the Gospel—and yet the Spirit redirected where they were going to do it.

That tells me something important: guidance is not always about choosing between something obviously good and something obviously evil. Sometimes it is about learning where and when the Lord is leading.

3. God Uses Visions

Visions appear repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments.

Peter’s experience in Acts 10 is one of the clearest examples.

He goes onto the housetop to pray. He falls into a trance and sees a sheet coming down from heaven filled with animals. He hears a voice. He does not immediately understand what the vision means.

In fact, Acts says Peter “doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean.”

That is encouraging to me.

Peter had a genuine experience from God and still had to process it.

Then, while he was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him that men were looking for him and that he should go with them. The meaning became clearer as events unfolded.

Sometimes Scripture shows the communication first and understanding afterward.

Paul also received visions. In Acts 18 the Lord spoke to him in the night and encouraged him to keep preaching. In Acts 22 Paul describes seeing the Lord while praying in the temple. In Acts 16 the Macedonian vision redirected an entire missionary journey.

So when Scripture speaks about hearing God, seeing and hearing are sometimes connected.

4. God Sometimes Sends Angels With Messages

There are also times when God communicates through angels.

Cornelius saw an angel in Acts 10 who told him where Peter was staying and instructed him to send for him.

Paul later described an angel standing by him during a dangerous storm at sea:

“For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar...”
— Acts 27:23–24 KJV

I do not think the lesson is that Christians should go looking for angels.

The point is simply that Scripture itself gives this as one of the ways God communicated important direction and encouragement.

The focus remains on God.

5. God Reveals Things People Could Not Know Naturally

The ministry of Jesus contains several striking examples of supernatural knowledge.

When Jesus met Nathanael, He said:

“Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.”
— John 1:48 KJV

Nathanael immediately recognized that something extraordinary had happened.

The Samaritan woman had a similar experience.

Jesus told her details about her relationship history that He had not learned through ordinary conversation. Her response was:

“Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”
— John 4:19 KJV

Jesus also spoke accurately about future events: His own death and resurrection, Peter’s denial, Judas’s betrayal, and other things yet to come.

The supernatural ministry of Jesus was not only visible miracles. His words also revealed knowledge beyond normal human understanding.

Later in this series, prophecy deserves its own article. But these passages belong here because they show that divine communication can include information a person could not simply know through normal observation.

6. God Uses Pictures and Symbolic Visions

One of my favorite discoveries in this study was how often God asked a prophet some version of:

“What do you see?”

In Jeremiah 1, the word of the Lord comes to Jeremiah and asks what he sees. Jeremiah sees an almond rod. Then he sees a seething pot. God explains the significance of each picture.

Amos is shown a plumb line and later a basket of summer fruit. Again, the Lord asks what he sees and then gives the meaning.

Zechariah sees lampstands, olive trees, a flying roll, and other images. Sometimes he understands immediately. Sometimes he asks follow-up questions.

That last part is important.

Zechariah does not always pretend he knows what the image means.

He asks.

“What are these, my lord?”
— Zechariah 4:4 KJV

That fits with something we talked about in the previous article: if you believe something has come to mind while praying, do not rush to invent an interpretation. Ask the Lord. Keep the conversation going. Test what you think you are receiving.

7. Seeing and Hearing Can Work Together

Habakkuk uses language that really caught my attention:

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me...”
— Habakkuk 2:1 KJV

Notice the language.

He will watch to see what God will say.

Seeing and hearing are woven together.

John describes something similar in Revelation:

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me.”
— Revelation 1:12 KJV

We tend to put communication into very neat categories. Hearing means ears. Seeing means eyes.

Scripture is sometimes less tidy than that.

A person may see something and receive understanding through it. A vision can include a voice. A symbolic image can lead to a conversation. God may ask the person what they see and then explain it.

8. God Can Use Physical Objects as Part of a Message

Jeremiah 13 contains a very unusual example.

God tells Jeremiah to obtain a linen girdle, wear it, take it to the Euphrates, hide it, later retrieve it, and observe what happened to it.

The ruined girdle became part of a message about Judah’s pride and the relationship God intended to have with His people.

The object itself was not special.

God used it as a living illustration.

The prophets contain other symbolic actions as well. Sometimes God did not merely tell a prophet what to say. The prophet acted out part of the message.

That opened my mind to the fact that God can use something visual and ordinary to illustrate truth.

But I also think we need wisdom here.

The fact that God deliberately used an object in Scripture does not mean every random object around us contains a secret divine message. In Jeremiah’s case, God initiated the action and explained its meaning.

The key is to always take what you think you are hearing and seeing to the Lord.

9. Prophetic Warnings and Foreknowledge

Acts also contains examples of believers receiving information about events that had not happened yet.

Agabus predicted a famine in Acts 11, and the church responded practically by preparing relief for believers in Judea.

Later, Agabus used Paul’s belt as part of a prophetic warning about what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem.

Paul himself said that the Holy Ghost was testifying in city after city that bonds and afflictions were waiting for him.

These examples are important because biblical revelation was not always given simply to make someone feel spiritual.

Often there was a purpose.

People were warned.

People were prepared.

People were sent.

People were encouraged to keep going.

People were directed toward ministry.

What About Impressions, Peace, Feelings, and “Knowing”?

Christians commonly describe experiences they believe are from the Lord: an impression, inner peace, an inner voice, a picture, a sense of knowing, a feeling, a dream, or a vision.

I still think those descriptions can be useful, but I want to be careful about how we talk about them.

Not every item on that list is presented in Scripture as a technical category with a label.

For example, Christians often say, “I just had a strong impression,” or, “I had peace about it.” That may describe their experience accurately, but the experience still needs discernment.

The safer approach is not:

“I felt it, therefore God said it.”

The safer approach is:

“This is what I sensed. Does it agree with Scripture? Is there confirmation? What fruit does it produce? Am I willing to be wrong?”

That keeps us open without becoming gullible.

God Is Not Limited to One Method

What strikes me about these passages is the variety.

Philip received direction from an angel and then from the Spirit.

Ananias received instructions in a vision.

Peter saw a vision, heard a voice, reflected on it, and then received further direction from the Spirit.

Paul was restrained from one region, redirected through a vision, encouraged by the Lord in the night, warned by the Spirit, and later encouraged through an angel during a storm.

Jeremiah and Amos were shown symbolic pictures and asked what they saw.

Jeremiah was also given a physical object as part of a prophetic illustration.

Jesus knew things about people that He could not have known through ordinary human observation and spoke accurately about events yet to come.

Scripture gives us a much broader picture than simply “a voice in my head.”

God communicates.

And He is not limited to one method.

At the same time, the variety of biblical experiences should make us more careful, not less careful. If spiritual experiences can take different forms, then we need Scripture, humility, testing, and discernment all the more.

The goal is not to chase experiences.

The goal is to know the Lord.

When He speaks, we want to listen.

When He redirects us, we want to follow.

When He shows us something we do not understand, we can ask Him what it means.

And whatever we believe we hear, see, sense, or receive, we keep bringing it back to the written Word of God.

Next in the series: What Is Prophecy? — what the New Testament says prophecy is for, why Paul tells believers to desire it, and how prophecy relates to hearing God without replacing Scripture.

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How to Hear God’s Voice

Brian — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:01:39 GMT

If Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,” then one of the next questions is obvious:

How do we actually learn to hear Him?

That was a question I had to work through myself.

For a long time, I thought hearing God was either something mysterious that happened to especially spiritual people or something people were making up. Once I became convinced from Scripture that the Lord still speaks and that His people can hear Him, I had another problem.

I did not know what I was doing.

I did not suddenly recognize every thought, impression, picture, or feeling perfectly. I had to learn.

And I am still learning.

I think that is an important place to begin, because sometimes we make hearing God harder by expecting ourselves to be experts before we have even started.

Learning Takes Time

Think about a baby learning to walk.

No one watches a baby fall down and says, “Well, I guess walking isn’t real.”

No one gets angry and slaps the baby because the baby took three steps and fell.

We cheer.

We help the baby back up.

We create a safe place for the baby to learn. Over time, those shaky steps become normal walking.

Learning to recognize the Lord’s voice can involve that same kind of growth.

Learning takes time, effort, safety, and risk.

There will be moments when you think you heard something clearly and later realize you were wrong. There may also be moments when you step out nervously and discover that what you sensed was surprisingly accurate.

Both can teach you something.

Instead of becoming proud when you get something right or crushed when you get something wrong, learn from both.

Ask yourself:

What did this feel like when I believed the Lord was speaking?

Was it consistent with Scripture?

Did I rush?

Was I trying too hard to make something happen?

Did fear affect what I thought I heard?

Was there confirmation afterward?

Growth usually happens one step at a time.

Start With Relationship, Not Performance

The goal is not to become impressive.

The goal is to know Jesus.

That changes the whole atmosphere of learning to hear Him.

You do not have to sit down and force yourself to receive some spectacular revelation. You can simply spend time with the Lord.

Find somewhere quiet.

Sit in a chair. Go outside. Put on worship music if that helps you focus. Read the Bible. Worship Him. Thank Him. Slow down.

Then stay there for a little while.

A lot of our prayer can become one-directional. We bring God our list. We tell Him everything that is wrong. We ask Him to fix it all. Then we get up and leave.

And God is left standing there saying, “I had an answer for you.”

What would happen if we also made room to listen?

Prayer is relationship.

Sometimes the most practical first step in learning to hear God is simply to stop talking for a moment and wait before Him.

Ask the Lord Questions

One of the practices that helped me was asking the Lord questions and then waiting.

They do not have to be complicated questions.

You might ask:

Father, what’s on Your heart?
Father, what do You want to tell me?
Father, what do You love about me?
Father, where would You like me to read in Scripture today?
Father, who should I pray for today?
Father, what should I pray for that person?
Father, what do You want me to do with my time right now?
Father, what do You want to show me about Yourself today?

Then wait.

Do not panic if nothing dramatic happens.

You are not trying to manufacture an answer.

You are learning to listen.

Scripture Shows People Asking Specific Questions

This idea of asking God for direction is not foreign to Scripture.

David repeatedly inquired of the Lord and received specific direction. At times he went back and asked again for clarification.

Samuel had to learn to recognize when God was calling him.

God gave Moses detailed instructions.

Jesus gave His disciples specific directions.

The early church prayed about specific situations and saw specific answers.

These examples encouraged me to stop thinking that asking God questions was somehow inappropriate.

We should absolutely seek wisdom in Scripture. We should use the minds God gave us. We should receive wise counsel.

But we can also ask the Lord for direction.

And then we can listen.

Pay Attention to How the Answer Comes

One thing that surprised me as I began learning is that hearing God does not always mean hearing an audible voice.

You might have a thought come strongly to mind.

You might picture something.

You might have an impression or a sense of knowing.

You might be reminded of a Scripture.

You might suddenly think of a person you need to pray for or contact.

The point is not to become fascinated with the method. The point is to pay attention to the Lord.

We will look much more closely at the different ways God communicates in the next article in this series.

For now, simply become willing to notice.

Ask Follow-Up Questions

This was another important lesson for me.

Sometimes we sense something and immediately try to interpret it ourselves.

Suppose while praying you picture a mountain.

You could immediately decide what the mountain means.

Or you could ask:

Lord, what does the mountain mean?

Maybe another thought comes. Maybe the picture develops. Maybe you are reminded of a Scripture. Maybe nothing else happens.

The point is that you do not have to rush to invent an interpretation.

Keep talking with the Lord.

Ask follow-up questions.

Relationship involves conversation.

Start Small

When you are learning, I would not recommend basing enormous life decisions on a single impression you are not sure about.

Start small.

Ask the Lord who you could encourage today.

Ask if there is someone you should call.

Ask what you should pray about for a friend.

Ask Him to draw your attention to something in Scripture.

Then pay attention to what happens.

As you learn, you can look back and recognize patterns.

This is much healthier than receiving one impression and immediately deciding to quit your job, move across the country, marry someone, or make another major life change because “God told me.”

Learning requires humility.

There is nothing wrong with saying:

“I think the Lord may be leading me this way, but I’m still praying about it.”

That is very different from using “God told me” to shut down every question.

Practice in a Safe Environment

I have benefited from being around other believers who are also learning.

A healthy environment gives people room to try without pretending they are infallible.

You can pray together, ask the Lord questions, share what you think you are hearing, and receive honest feedback.

If you share something with another person, humility matters.

Instead of approaching someone as though you have descended from heaven with an unquestionable message, you can simply say something like:

“I’ve been learning to hear the Lord, and while I was praying I had this thought. Does that mean anything to you?”

That gives the other person room to say yes, no, maybe, or I don’t know.

You are serving them, not controlling them.

You are learning, not performing.

Let Love Shape What You Share

This matters especially when you believe you have sensed something about another person.

It is easy to notice people’s problems.

Maybe you believe you sense anger, fear, depression, addiction, bitterness, or another struggle.

But simply identifying someone’s problem is not necessarily the most loving thing you can do.

Ask the Lord another question:

What is Your heart for this person?

How can I encourage them?

How can I help build them up?

How can I point them toward Jesus?

There is a proper place for correction, but when we are learning, humility, love, encouragement, and compassion are essential.

Paul wrote:

“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV

That gives us a helpful picture of the heart behind ministering to other people.

Keep Scripture at the Center

Learning to listen to the Lord should never move us away from Scripture.

It should drive us deeper into it.

If I believe I am hearing something that contradicts the written Word of God, I have a problem with what I think I heard—not with the Bible.

Sometimes, though, what we hear may challenge something false we believe about ourselves.

Maybe you have spent years believing that your sin is too great for God to forgive. Then while praying, you keep being reminded that you are forgiven in Christ.

You can test that against Scripture:

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;”
— Ephesians 1:7–8 KJV

And again:

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
— Colossians 1:13–14 KJV

Scripture helps us distinguish between something that merely challenges our current thinking and something that actually contradicts God.

What About Discernment?

This is where people often become nervous.

How do I know whether something came from God, my own thoughts, fear, imagination, or something else?

That is an important question, and it deserves more than a paragraph.

The Bible tells us not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits. It also gives us objective truth about Jesus Christ against which spiritual claims must be tested.

So learning to hear God should never mean becoming gullible.

We can listen and test.

We can be open and discerning.

We can have faith without pretending that we cannot make mistakes.

We will deal with that much more fully later in this series.

Take the Next Step

At some point, learning requires taking a step.

You can read about hearing God forever without actually making room to listen.

So start small.

Spend time with Jesus.

Ask a question.

Wait.

Pay attention.

Write down what comes to mind.

Check it against Scripture.

If it involves another person, approach them humbly.

Ask for feedback.

Then learn from what happened.

You may get something wrong.

Learn from it.

You may get something right.

Stay humble and learn from that too.

Then take another step.

The purpose of all of this is not to become someone who can say, “Look how spiritual I am.”

It is to know the Lord more deeply, follow Him more closely, and love people more faithfully.

Learning takes time.

But children grow by walking.

And sheep learn the voice of their Shepherd by staying close enough to follow Him.

Next in the series: The Many Ways God Speaks — looking at the different ways people received direction, revelation, pictures, dreams, impressions, and other forms of communication throughout Scripture.

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Can We Hear God Today?

Brian — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:24:13 GMT

For a long time, I did not think I could hear God’s voice in a real, personal way.

I knew the Bible said that His sheep hear His voice. I had also heard stories about people who said God spoke to them. But I was skeptical. Sometimes I thought there had to be a trick behind it. Maybe someone was trying to get attention, money, or influence. Maybe the story had been exaggerated somewhere along the way.

Because of that, I mostly kept the whole idea at a distance.

The problem was that much of what I thought I knew came through third-hand stories. Someone heard about someone else who supposedly heard from God, and the story sounded fake, so I assumed the whole subject was probably fake too.

Then I began meeting people for myself.

I watched ordinary Christians pray for people and then share things they believed the Lord was showing them. Sometimes the person receiving the word would say it connected with something deeply personal. Sometimes it touched a question they had just been praying about. Sometimes it made them feel seen and loved by God.

That challenged me.

I had always wanted to know the Lord. I had wanted His presence to be real in my life. But hearing God still felt like something that belonged to prophets in the Old Testament or apostles in the New Testament—not something for ordinary Christians today.

Then I had to come back to a simple verse I already knew.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
— John 10:27 KJV

Jesus did not say, “My prophets hear my voice.” He said, “My sheep hear my voice.”

That made me start asking a different question.

What if hearing the Lord is not supposed to be strange and unreachable? What if it is part of knowing and following Him?

His Sheep Know His Voice

John 10 gives us a beautiful picture of the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep.

“...he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
— John 10:3–4 KJV

The picture is personal.

The shepherd knows the sheep. He calls them by name. He leads them. They learn his voice and follow him.

That does not sound like a distant relationship.

Sometimes we make hearing God sound like something reserved for a tiny group of unusually spiritual people. We think of prophets, apostles, pastors, or people with some special ministry. We put hearing God at such a high level that ordinary Christians may never even try to listen.

But when we read the Bible, we find God communicating with all kinds of people. Kings, judges, shepherds, fathers, mothers, fishermen, and many others encountered Him in different ways. The Bible even records unbelievers receiving dreams from God.

So I began asking myself: if God could speak to people throughout Scripture, why would I assume that His children today should expect a relationship in which He never speaks to them?

The New Testament Does Not Treat This as Unusual

The New Testament also gives us a picture of the Spirit of God working among ordinary believers.

Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost and quoted the prophet Joel:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:”
— Acts 2:17–18 KJV

Paul later wrote to the church at Corinth:

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV

Whatever conclusions we reach about every detail of prophecy and spiritual gifts, we cannot simply ignore passages like these. They caused me to look again at assumptions I had carried for years.

I realized that I had often started with my experience and then read the Bible through that experience.

I had not experienced hearing God clearly, so I assumed He probably did not speak that way anymore.

But what if I reversed that?

What if I allowed Scripture to challenge my experience instead?

I Had to Learn

Once I became open to the possibility that the Lord still speaks, I did not suddenly become good at recognizing His voice.

I went to a training where I could practice in what felt like a safe environment. At first, I was terrible at it.

I mean terrible.

I got things wrong. Nothing I shared seemed to connect. I could have easily walked away and decided, “See? I knew this wasn’t real.”

But I kept practicing.

I asked people for honest feedback. I tried to pay attention to what I thought I was hearing. I learned not to treat every thought in my head as automatically coming from God.

Over time, things began to change.

Sometimes I would share something and a person would tell me it was surprisingly accurate. Sometimes it connected with something they had recently been praying about. Sometimes I still missed it.

That distinction became important to me: learning to hear the Lord is not the same thing as claiming that every impression I have is from God.

I am still learning.

That is one reason Scripture matters so much.

Two Small Experiences That Encouraged Me

There were two experiences from that season that especially encouraged me.

The first happened while I was praying for someone. I believed I heard a particular name. I shared it, and the person told me that was the name of a family member in Indonesia. I had never met the person before and had no way of knowing the family member’s name on my own.

That got my attention.

Another experience happened at work.

I was about to send off a quote for more than $400. Before doing it, I had a strong impression that I should call the manufacturer first. I had been asking the Lord to help me hear Him at work and to give me wisdom in practical things, so I decided not to ignore the thought.

I called.

The manufacturer told me I could send the equipment in and they would take care of it for free.

Was that the biggest miracle anyone has ever experienced? No.

But it mattered to me because it made the relationship feel practical. I was beginning to believe that God cared about ordinary parts of my life too—not only church services, Bible studies, or “spiritual” moments.

Experience Is Not the Standard

This is important.

I do not believe we should accept something merely because someone says, “God told me.”

Our experiences do not become Scripture.

Feelings can be wrong. Impressions can be wrong. People can misunderstand things. We can want something so badly that we mistake our own desires for the Lord’s direction.

That is why everything we think we hear should be checked against Scripture.

The written Word of God gives us a standard outside of ourselves.

If something contradicts Scripture, I do not need to wonder whether God told me to do it. God is not going to contradict His Word.

And even when something does not contradict Scripture, that does not mean we should become careless. We can stay humble. We can ask questions. We can seek confirmation. We can invite feedback. We can admit when we were wrong.

Later in this series, I want to spend much more time on how to test what we think we hear and what to do when we get something wrong.

But before we get there, I think we have to settle the first question:

Can we hear God today?

I believe the answer is yes.

Not because I think every strange spiritual story is true.

Not because every person who says “God told me” is correct.

And not because I believe Christians become infallible when they pray.

I believe it because Scripture gives us a picture of a God who communicates with people, a Shepherd whose sheep know His voice, and a Spirit poured out upon His people.

My own experiences did not create that belief. They caused me to go back and look at the Bible again.

And once I did, I realized how much I had assumed.

Start With the Shepherd

If you have never thought you could hear the Lord, I would not start by trying to become impressive or prophetic.

Start with Jesus.

Be His sheep.

Spend time with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Ask Him questions. Learn His character. Follow what He has already made clear in Scripture.

And then begin making room to listen.

You do not have to pretend you heard something when you did not.

You do not have to make something happen.

You can simply begin with a prayer like:

Lord, I want to know You. Help me recognize Your voice and follow You. Keep me grounded in Your Word, and teach me to hear You clearly.

For years, hearing God felt distant to me.

Now I am amazed that the God who spoke to people throughout Scripture would care enough to lead, teach, and speak to His children today.

I am still learning.

But I want to keep listening.

Next in the series: How to Hear God’s Voice — practical ways to begin listening, learning, testing, and growing without pretending that every thought is from God.

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What is Shaping the Way You Read the Bible?

Brian — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:01:49 GMT

A number of times, I’ve been told it’s too long Brian. I don’t have time to read what you’re writing.

We’ve all done this. We’ve looked at something that’s long, and then decided that we just don’t have time to read it. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s that our lives are being pulled in hundreds of different directions.

With that in mind, I decided to try a series where I created a series of posts as pictures to help make it easier to think about the different ways we’ve allowed certain ideas and theologies to impact our thinking before allowing the Scripture to impact our thinking.

I thought it could be good to give Scriptures to things people might or might not have ever thought about. If someone could get a perspective from Scripture, if someone came along and shared something else, they would already be able to point to these Scriptures and find hope and faith in the Gospel for all people.

I’ve decided to post them all together in this one post to keep them organized and easier for people to find them in the future.

I hope they will be helpful to you.

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77 Statements about Our Identity in Christ

Brian — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:29:57 GMT

I created a poster to hang on my wall. It’s got 77 statements about who I am in Christ. I believe these statements and Scriptures will be helpful for you too. If you’d like a poster, please reach out.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

77 Statements About Our Identity in Christ

Our identity is not based on feelings, performance, circumstances, or the opinions of others. Our identity is found in Jesus Christ and in what God says about us in His Word.

The following statements are drawn directly from Scripture and organized by theme. Each statement is supported by one or more verses from the King James Bible. Read them, meditate on them, memorize them, and allow God’s Word to renew your mind concerning who you are in Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

I. A NEW CREATION IN CHRIST

1. I am a new creature in Christ.

Verse:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17

2. I am born again by the incorruptible word of God.

Verse:

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

Reference: 1 Peter 1:23

3. I am crucified with Christ and Christ lives in me.

Verse:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Reference: Galatians 2:20

4. I am quickened together with Christ.

Verse:

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

Reference: Ephesians 2:5

5. My life is hid with Christ in God.

Verse:

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Reference: Colossians 3:3

6. I am risen with Christ and seated in heavenly places.

Verse:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Reference: Colossians 3:1

Verse:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

Reference: Ephesians 2:6

II. A CHILD AND HEIR OF GOD

7. I have power to become a son of God.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
— John 1:12

8. I am a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:26

9. I am an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ.

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
— Romans 8:17

10. I am chosen in Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
— Ephesians 1:4

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
— Ephesians 1:13

III. REDEEMED AND FORGIVEN BY GRACE

11. I have redemption through Christ’s blood.

Verse:

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Reference: Ephesians 1:7

12. I have forgiveness of sins through His blood.

Verse:

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”

Reference: Colossians 1:14

13. I am justified by faith, have peace with God, and am made righteous.

Verse:

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Reference: Romans 5:1

Verse:

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Reference: Romans 5:19

14. I walk after the Spirit, and there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.

Verse:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Reference: Romans 8:1

15. I am free from the law of sin and death.

Verse:

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Reference: Romans 8:2

16. I am made free from sin and became a servant of righteousness.

Verse:

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

Reference: Romans 6:18

17. I am reconciled to God by Christ, saved by His life and brought nigh.

Verse:

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

Reference: Romans 5:10

Verse:

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Reference: Ephesians 2:13

IV. SANCTIFIED AND MADE HOLY

18. I am sanctified in Christ Jesus.

Verse:

“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:2

19. I am chosen to be holy and without blame.

Verse:

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

Reference: Ephesians 1:4

20. I am made the righteousness of God in Christ.

Verse:

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:21

21. I am complete in Christ.

Verse:

“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Reference: Colossians 2:10

22. I am established, anointed, sealed, and given the Holy Ghost.

Verse:

“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;”

“Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”

Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

V. A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN AND LIGHT

23. My conversation is in heaven.

Verse:

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”

Reference: Philippians 3:20

24. I am a child of light and of the day.

Verse:

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”

Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:5

25. I am light in the Lord.

Verse:

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

Reference: Ephesians 5:8

26. I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son.

Verse:

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”

Reference: Colossians 1:13

27. I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Verse:

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Reference: Matthew 5:13

Verse:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

Reference: Matthew 5:14

VI. UNITED WITH CHRIST AND HIS BODY

28. I am joined unto the Lord and am one spirit.

Verse:

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:17

29. I am a member of the body of Christ.

Verse:

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:27

30. My body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

Verse:

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19

31. I am a branch abiding in the true Vine bringing forth much fruit.

Verse:

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Reference: John 15:5

32. I am an holy priesthood and built up a spiritual house.

Verse:

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

Reference: 1 Peter 2:5

VII. BLESSED WITH SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

33. I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Verse:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Reference: Ephesians 1:3

34. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Verse:

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

Reference: Ephesians 1:13

Verse:

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Reference: Ephesians 1:14

35. God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Verse:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7

36. I have the mind of Christ.

Verse:

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 2:16

37. God has given me all things pertaining to life and godliness.

Verse:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

Reference: 2 Peter 1:3

38. My God shall supply all my need.

Verse:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Reference: Philippians 4:19

VIII. ACCESS TO GOD AND CONFIDENCE IN HIM

39. I have access by faith into this grace.

Verse:

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Reference: Romans 5:2

40. I may come boldly unto the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace.

Verse:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Reference: Hebrews 4:16

41. God hears me when I ask according to His will, and I receive.

Verse:

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

Reference: 1 John 5:14

42. I come to God believing that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Verse:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Reference: Hebrews 11:6

IX. LOVED AND PROTECTED BY GOD

43. God commendeth His love toward me and died for me.

Verse:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Reference: Romans 5:8

44. Nothing shall separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Verse:

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reference: Romans 8:39

45. The wicked one toucheth me not.

Verse:

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Reference: 1 John 5:18

46. I am dead to sins, and live unto righteousness. By Christ’s stripes I was healed.

Verse:

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Reference: 1 Peter 2:24

47. The peace of God passes all understanding and keeps my heart and mind through Christ.

Verse:

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Reference: Philippians 4:7

X. CALLED TO A HOLY PURPOSE

48. I am God’s workmanship.

Verse:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Reference: Ephesians 2:10

49. I am chosen and ordained to bring forth fruit.

Verse:

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

Reference: John 15:16

50. I am part of a chosen generation and royal priesthood.

Verse:

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Reference: 1 Peter 2:9

51. I am an ambassador for Christ.

Verse:

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:20

52. God causes me to triumph in Christ.

Verse:

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

Reference: 2 Corinthians 2:14

53. I am a steward of the grace of God.

Verse:

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Reference: 1 Peter 4:10

54. I am God’s husbandry and God’s building.

Verse:

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:9

XI. EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

55. The Spirit of God dwells in me and quickens my mortal body.

Verse:

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Reference: Romans 8:11

56. I am of God, and greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Verse:

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Reference: 1 John 4:4

57. I can do all things through Christ.

Verse:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Reference: Philippians 4:13

58. I believe on Jesus and do the works of Christ and greater.

Verse:

“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.”

Reference: John 14:12

59. Mountains move when I speak.

Verse:

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Reference: Mark 11:23

XII. SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

60. By grace I am saved through faith. It is the gift of God.

Verse:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

Reference: Ephesians 2:8

61. I confess and believe in the Lord Jesus. I am saved.

Verse:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Reference: Romans 10:9

62. My faith comes by hearing the word of God.

Verse:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Reference: Romans 10:17

XIII. A LIFE OF WORSHIP AND SERVICE

63. I present my body a living sacrifice to God.

Verse:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Reference: Romans 12:1

64. I deny myself and follow Christ.

Verse:

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Reference: Luke 9:23

65. I am to be a doer of the word.

Verse:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Reference: James 1:22

66. I esteem others better than myself.

Verse:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Reference: Philippians 2:3

67. I forgive others as God for Christ’s sake forgave me.

Verse:

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Reference: Ephesians 4:32

68. I abide in Christ’s love by keeping His commandments.

Verse:

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”

Reference: John 15:10

69. I follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts.

Verse:

“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:1

XIV. A FUTURE AND A HOPE

70. I have an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away, and reserved in heaven.

Verse:

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”

Reference: 1 Peter 1:4

71. Christ came that I might have abundant life.

Verse:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Reference: John 10:10

72. I am sealed unto the day of redemption.

Verse:

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

Reference: Ephesians 4:30

Verse:

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Reference: Philippians 1:6

73. I am a son of God, and shall be like Him when He appears.

Verse:

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Reference: 1 John 3:2

XV. CHRIST IN ME, THE HOPE OF GLORY

74. Christ in me is the hope of glory.

Verse:

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Reference: Colossians 1:27

75. I follow Christ, I shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

Verse:

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Reference: John 8:12

76. I purifieth myself even as Christ is pure.

Verse:

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Reference: 1 John 3:3

77. All things work together for good to them that love God.

Verse:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Reference: Romans 8:28

Start Here: The Supernatural Ministry of Jesus Series

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:09:54 GMT

I published a series exploring the supernatural ministry of Jesus in the four Gospels.

The series examines more than 100 supernatural events recorded in the ministry of Christ, including:

• healings
• deliverances
• miracles over nature
• prophetic revelations
• the resurrection
• and the mission given to the disciples

If you’re new to the series, the best place to begin is the series guide below, which includes the full table of contents.

👉 Start here:
The Supernatural Ministry of Jesus (KJV) — Series Guide

From there you can follow the study article by article.

Enjoyed this study?

If this series helped you see the ministry of Jesus more clearly, consider subscribing to Brian’s Notebook for future Bible studies, Scripture reflections, and long-form explorations of faith.

You can also help others discover the series by sharing it with a friend or posting it on social media.

Your support helps these studies reach more people.

Over 100 Supernatural Events in the Ministry of Jesus (KJV)

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:06:29 GMT

Introduction

Throughout this series, we explored the supernatural ministry of Jesus as recorded in the four Gospels. We saw how Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, calmed storms, multiplied food, revealed hidden knowledge, and even raised the dead.

These works were not random displays of power. The Gospels present them as signs—events that reveal the identity of Jesus and point people toward faith in Him.

The purpose of this article is to gather every major supernatural event and teaching related to supernatural authority in the ministry of Jesus into a single reference list using the King James Bible (KJV).

This index is designed to help readers:

• Study the miracles of Jesus in one place
• See the scope of His supernatural ministry
• Trace how these events unfold throughout the Gospels
• Use the passages for personal Bible study or teaching

The list below follows the same structure used throughout the series.

Supernatural Events Surrounding the Birth of Jesus

Luke 1:5–25 — Angel appears to Zacharias
Luke 1:26–38 — Gabriel announces Jesus’ birth
Luke 1:39–45 — Elizabeth filled with the Holy Ghost
Luke 1:46–55 — Mary’s prophetic praise
Luke 1:57–66 — Birth of John the Baptist with signs
Luke 1:67–79 — Zechariah prophesies
Luke 2:8–14 — Angels appear to the shepherds
Luke 2:15–20 — Shepherds confirm the angelic message
Luke 2:25–35 — Simeon moved by the Spirit
Luke 2:36–38 — Anna the prophetess
Matthew 1:18–25 — Angel appears to Joseph in a dream
Matthew 2:1–12 — The star leads the wise men
Matthew 2:13–15 — Dream: flee to Egypt
Matthew 2:19–23 — Dream: return to Israel

The Healing Ministry of Jesus

Matthew 8:1–4 — Leper cleansed
Matthew 8:5–13 — Centurion’s servant healed
Matthew 8:14–15 — Peter’s mother-in-law healed
Matthew 8:16–17 — Many healed and demons cast out
Matthew 9:1–8 — Paralytic healed
Matthew 9:20–22 — Woman with issue of blood healed
Matthew 9:27–31 — Two blind men healed
Matthew 9:32–33 — Mute demoniac healed
Matthew 12:9–13 — Withered hand restored
Matthew 14:34–36 — Many healed by touching Jesus’ garment
Matthew 15:29–31 — Multitudes healed
Matthew 20:29–34 — Two blind men near Jericho healed
Matthew 21:14 — Blind and lame healed in the temple

Mark 1:29–31 — Peter’s mother-in-law healed
Mark 1:32–34 — Many healed at sunset
Mark 1:40–45 — Leper cleansed
Mark 7:31–37 — Deaf and mute man healed
Mark 8:22–26 — Blind man healed at Bethsaida

Luke 13:10–17 — Woman bent over healed
Luke 14:1–6 — Man with dropsy healed
Luke 17:11–19 — Ten lepers healed

John 4:46–54 — Nobleman’s son healed
John 5:1–15 — Man at Bethesda healed
John 9:1–41 — Man born blind healed

Luke 22:50–51 — Malchus’ ear healed

Jesus’ Authority Over Demons

Mark 1:23–27 — Demon cast out in synagogue
Mark 5:1–20 — Legion delivered
Matthew 9:32–34 — Mute demoniac delivered
Matthew 12:22 — Blind and mute demon-possessed man healed
Matthew 15:21–28 — Daughter of Canaanite woman delivered
Mark 7:24–30 — Same event recorded in Mark
Mark 9:14–29 — Boy with unclean spirit delivered
Luke 8:1–3 — Mary Magdalene delivered of seven devils
Luke 11:14 — Demon cast out

Teaching passage:
Matthew 12:25–29 — Jesus explains His authority over Satan

Jesus’ Authority Over Nature

Matthew 8:23–27 — Storm calmed
Matthew 14:22–33 — Jesus walks on water
Mark 4:35–41 — Storm calmed (parallel)
Mark 6:45–52 — Jesus walks on water (parallel)
John 6:16–21 — Walking on water (John’s account)

Matthew 17:1–8 — The Transfiguration
Matthew 3:16–17 — Voice from heaven at Jesus’ baptism
John 12:28–30 — Voice from heaven answers Jesus

Miraculous Provision

John 2:1–11 — Water turned to wine
Luke 5:1–11 — Miraculous catch of fish
Matthew 14:13–21 — Feeding the 5,000
Matthew 15:32–39 — Feeding the 4,000
Matthew 17:24–27 — Coin found in the fish’s mouth
John 21:1–14 — Miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection

Raising the Dead

Mark 5:35–43 — Jairus’ daughter raised
Luke 7:11–17 — Widow’s son at Nain raised
John 11:1–46 — Lazarus raised from the dead

Supernatural Knowledge and Prophecy

John 1:47–51 — Jesus knows Nathanael before meeting him
John 4:16–19 — Samaritan woman’s life revealed

Matthew 16:21 — Jesus predicts His death
Matthew 17:22–23 — Jesus predicts His death again

Matthew 26:31–35 — Peter’s denial predicted
John 13:21–26 — Judas identified

John 18:4–9 — Soldiers fall backward when Jesus speaks

Matthew 24:1–51 — Prophecy of future events
Luke 21:5–36 — Prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction and Christ’s return

Luke 22:31–34 — Peter warned again

Teachings About Supernatural Authority

Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 7:7–11 — Ask, seek, knock
Matthew 10:1 — Authority over demons and disease
Matthew 10:7–8 — Heal the sick, raise the dead
Matthew 17:20 — Faith moving mountains
Matthew 18:18–20 — Binding and loosing
Matthew 21:21–22 — Faith and prayer

Mark 11:22–24 — Believe when you pray

Luke 11:24–26 — Teaching about unclean spirits

John 14:12 — Greater works promised
John 14:13–14 — Ask in My name
John 14:16–17 — Promise of the Spirit
John 15:26–27 — Spirit of truth
John 16:7–15 — The Spirit sent

The Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Miracles

Matthew 27:50–54 — Earthquake and supernatural signs
Matthew 28:1–10 — Resurrection announced

Mark 16:1–8 — Angel at the empty tomb
Luke 24:1–12 — Angels at the tomb

John 20:10–18 — Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene
Luke 24:13–35 — Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:36–43 — Jesus appears to the disciples

John 20:19–23 — Jesus appears in a locked room
John 20:26–29 — Jesus appears to Thomas

John 21:1–14 — Appearance by the sea

Luke 24:50–53 — Ascension of Jesus
Mark 16:19 — Ascension (parallel)

The Supernatural Ministry Given to the Disciples

Matthew 10:1–8 — Twelve given authority
Luke 9:1–6 — Twelve sent
Luke 10:1–20 — Seventy sent

Mark 16:15–18 — Signs following believers
Mark 16:20 — Signs confirming the word

John 14:12 — Greater works promised

Summary of the Supernatural Events in the Ministry of Jesus

Many of the passages listed above contain multiple supernatural moments within the same narrative. For example, Luke 1 records several prophetic and angelic events, and Matthew 28 records several supernatural events surrounding the resurrection.

The following summary shows the scope of the supernatural ministry recorded in the four Gospels.

Birth Narratives

14 passages
Approximately 20 supernatural events

Healing Ministry

25 passages
Approximately 35 healings and miraculous restorations

Authority Over Demons

10 passages
Approximately 12 deliverance events

Authority Over Nature

8 passages
Approximately 10 supernatural demonstrations over creation

Miraculous Provision

6 passages
Approximately 8 provision miracles

Raising the Dead

3 passages
3 resurrection miracles

Supernatural Knowledge and Prophecy

10 passages
Approximately 15 prophetic or supernatural revelations

Teachings About Supernatural Authority

14 passages
Teachings about faith, prayer, spiritual authority, and the Holy Spirit

Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Miracles

12 passages
Approximately 15 supernatural events surrounding the resurrection

Supernatural Ministry Given to the Disciples

6 passages
Multiple commissions and promises of supernatural ministry continuing through believers

Total Scope of the Supernatural Ministry

When the individual events within these passages are counted, the four Gospels record:

Well over 100 supernatural events and teachings connected to the ministry of Jesus.

These include:

• Healings
• Deliverances from demons
• Miracles over nature
• Miraculous provision
• Raising the dead
• Angelic appearances
• Prophetic revelation
• The resurrection of Jesus
• And the supernatural authority given to His followers

Final Reflection

When the Gospels are read together, they reveal a consistent picture of the ministry of Jesus. Everywhere He went, the power of God was present.

The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached.
The sick were healed.
The oppressed were delivered.
The hungry were fed.
The dead were raised.

But these signs ultimately point to something even greater: the identity of Jesus Himself.

As the Gospel of John explains:

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
— John 20:31 (KJV)

Enjoyed this study?

If this series helped you see the ministry of Jesus more clearly, consider subscribing to Brian’s Notebook for future Bible studies, Scripture reflections, and long-form explorations of faith.

You can also help others discover the series by sharing it with a friend or posting it on social media.

Your support helps these studies reach more people.

What the Supernatural Ministry of Jesus Reveals

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:54:21 GMT

Introduction

Throughout this series, we have examined more than one hundred passages in the Gospels that reveal the supernatural ministry of Jesus.

We have seen Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, calm storms, multiply food, reveal hidden knowledge, and even raise the dead. We have watched as the power of God was demonstrated in ways that astonished crowds, transformed lives, and revealed the authority of Christ.

Yet the Gospels themselves make something very clear: the miracles of Jesus were never meant to stand alone. They were signs. Each one pointed to something deeper about who Jesus is and why He came into the world.

The supernatural works of Jesus reveal His identity, confirm His mission, and invite people to believe in Him.

The following passages summarize what the Gospel writers themselves say about the meaning of these signs.

The Word Made Flesh

The Eternal Word Revealed

John 1:1–14 (KJV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Power Over Death

The Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25–26 (KJV)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

Why the Miracles Were Written

The Purpose of the Signs

John 20:30–31 (KJV)

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The Authority of the Risen Christ

All Authority Given to Jesus

Matthew 28:18–20 (KJV)

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Mission Continues

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Final Reflection — What the Supernatural Ministry of Jesus Reveals

As we step back and look at the full picture of the Gospels, the supernatural ministry of Jesus reveals several important truths.

First, it reveals who Jesus is. The miracles demonstrate that He is not merely a teacher or prophet. The authority He displayed over sickness, demons, nature, and death shows that the power of God was present in Him. As John wrote, the Word who created all things became flesh and dwelt among us.

Second, the miracles reveal the nature of the kingdom of God. Everywhere Jesus went, brokenness was restored. The sick were healed. The oppressed were set free. The hungry were fed. Even the dead were raised. These signs show what the kingdom of God looks like when it breaks into the world.

Third, the miracles reveal the mission of Jesus. They were signs pointing people toward faith. As the Gospel of John explains, these things were written so that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing they might have life through His name.

Finally, the ministry of Jesus reveals the mission given to His followers. The story does not end with the resurrection or the ascension. Jesus sent His disciples into the world and promised that the Holy Spirit would empower them to continue proclaiming the message of the kingdom.

The supernatural ministry of Jesus was not only a demonstration of divine power. It was an invitation to believe, to follow Him, and to participate in the work of God in the world.

Bonus Article

This series has examined the supernatural ministry of Jesus throughout the four Gospels.

If you would like to see the complete list of passages referenced throughout the series, including more than 100 supernatural events recorded in the ministry of Jesus, you can explore the companion resource below:

Bonus Article:
“Over 100 Supernatural Events in the Ministry of Jesus (KJV)”

This resource gathers every passage referenced throughout the series into a single master list for study and reference.

Enjoyed this study?

If this series helped you see the ministry of Jesus more clearly, consider subscribing to Brian’s Notebook for future Bible studies, Scripture reflections, and long-form explorations of faith.

You can also help others discover the series by sharing it with a friend or posting it on social media.

Your support helps these studies reach more people.

The Supernatural Ministry Given to the Disciples

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:52:14 GMT

Introduction

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrated supernatural authority through healing, deliverance, miraculous provision, and even raising the dead. Yet His ministry was never meant to remain limited to Himself.

At several key moments, Jesus commissioned His followers to continue the work of the kingdom of God. He gave them authority over sickness and unclean spirits, sent them out to preach the message of the kingdom, and instructed them to minister to people in the same way they had seen Him minister.

These passages reveal that the supernatural ministry of Jesus was not only a demonstration of His identity, but also a model for the mission of His disciples. As they went from town to town, they proclaimed the message that the kingdom of heaven had come near.

The following passages record how Jesus entrusted His followers with this work.

Authority Given to the Twelve

The Twelve Given Authority

Matthew 10:1–8 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

The Twelve Sent Out

Luke 9:1–6 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 10:1–15; Mark 6:7–13

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

The Seventy Sent

The Seventy Sent Out

Luke 10:1–20 (KJV)

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Signs Following the Message of the Gospel

Signs Following Believers

Mark 16:15–18 (KJV)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils;
they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Signs Confirming the Word

Mark 16:20 (KJV)

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Greater Works Promised

Greater Works Than These

John 14:12 (KJV)

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.

Closing Reflection

As the earthly ministry of Jesus drew to a close, the work of the kingdom did not end. Instead, Jesus entrusted that mission to His followers.

Throughout the Gospels, the disciples watched as Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, multiplied food, and spoke with authority over both the physical and spiritual world. Yet these miracles were not meant to remain confined to His own ministry. Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to minister to people with the same authority He had demonstrated.

The sending of the Twelve and later the Seventy revealed that the message of the kingdom would spread through ordinary men and women empowered by God. After His resurrection, Jesus expanded this commission even further, calling His followers to carry the gospel to the whole world.

The promise of signs accompanying the message of the gospel and the promise of “greater works” both point forward to the continuing work of God through His people.

In the final article of this series, we will step back and consider what the supernatural ministry of Jesus reveals about His identity, His mission, and the nature of the kingdom of God.

Next in the series:
Conclusion — What the Supernatural Ministry of Jesus Reveals (KJV)

Enjoyed this study?

If this series helped you see the ministry of Jesus more clearly, consider subscribing to Brian’s Notebook for future Bible studies, Scripture reflections, and long-form explorations of faith.

You can also help others discover the series by sharing it with a friend or posting it on social media.

Your support helps these studies reach more people.

The Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Miracles

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:48:46 GMT

Introduction

The resurrection of Jesus stands at the center of the Christian faith. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus performed miracles that demonstrated His authority over sickness, demons, nature, and even death. Yet the resurrection is the moment where all of those signs reach their ultimate fulfillment.

When Jesus rose from the dead, it confirmed everything He had said about Himself. It revealed that death itself could not hold Him and that the power of God had fully vindicated His mission.

The Gospel writers record a series of supernatural events surrounding the resurrection. There were earthquakes, angels appearing at the tomb, and multiple appearances of the risen Christ to His followers. These encounters transformed the disciples from fearful followers into bold witnesses of the resurrection.

The following passages record the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus and the miraculous appearances that followed.

Supernatural Signs at the Death of Jesus

Earthquake and Signs

Matthew 27:50–54 (KJV)

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

The Resurrection

Jesus Rises from the Dead

Matthew 28:1–10 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.
And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

The Empty Tomb

The Angel at the Tomb

Mark 16:1–8 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 28:1–10; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–10

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed.

Angels at the Tomb

Luke 24:1–12 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; John 20:1–10

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
And they remembered his words.

The First Appearances of the Risen Christ

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

John 20:10–18 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 28:9–10; Mark 16:9

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?
She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith unto her, Mary.
She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

The Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13–35 (KJV)

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Luke 24:36–43 (KJV)
Also recorded in: John 20:19–23

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.

The Risen Christ Appears to His Disciples

Jesus Appears in the Locked Room

John 20:19–23 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 24:36–43

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Jesus Appears to Thomas

John 20:26–29 (KJV)

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Jesus Appears by the Sea

John 21:1–14 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 5:1–11 (similar miracle earlier in Jesus’ ministry)

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee.
They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.
They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.

The Ascension

Jesus Ascends into Heaven

Luke 24:50–53 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Parallel Account of the Ascension

Mark 16:19 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:9–11

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Closing Reflection

The resurrection of Jesus stands as the greatest supernatural event recorded in the Gospels. It confirms everything that came before it—the miracles, the teachings, and the promises that Jesus made during His earthly ministry.

The empty tomb, the testimony of angels, and the many appearances of the risen Christ showed that death itself had been defeated. Jesus did not merely predict His resurrection; He accomplished it. He appeared to His followers, spoke with them, walked with them, and even ate with them, demonstrating that He was truly alive.

These encounters transformed the disciples. Those who had once been fearful and uncertain now became witnesses of the risen Lord. The resurrection became the central message they proclaimed to the world.

Finally, Jesus ascended into heaven, returning to the Father and taking His place at the right hand of God. Yet His departure was not the end of the story. He promised that the Holy Spirit would come and that His followers would continue the work of proclaiming the kingdom of God.

In the next article, we will explore how the supernatural ministry of Jesus was extended to His followers as He commissioned them to carry His message to the world.

Next in the series:
The Supernatural Ministry Given to the Disciples (KJV)

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Teachings About Supernatural Authority

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:43:48 GMT

Introduction

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus did more than perform miracles. He also taught His disciples about the spiritual authority available through faith, prayer, and the power of God.

In these teachings, Jesus explained how His followers should approach God, how they should pray, and how faith could influence the world around them. He spoke about asking and receiving, believing prayer, authority over spiritual forces, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Some of these teachings were given privately to the disciples. Others were spoken publicly to crowds. Together, they reveal that the supernatural ministry seen in the life of Jesus was not meant to end with Him alone. He repeatedly taught that those who followed Him would also participate in the work of God through faith, prayer, and the power of the Spirit.

The following passages record some of the key teachings of Jesus about spiritual authority and the supernatural life of faith.

The Foundation of Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 11:2–4

After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7:7–11 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 11:9–13

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Authority Given to the Disciples

One of the most remarkable aspects of the ministry of Jesus is that He did not keep supernatural authority to Himself. At several points in the Gospels, He explicitly gave authority to His disciples to continue the work of the kingdom of God.

These instructions included authority over sickness and unclean spirits, as well as the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven.

Authority Over Demons and Sickness

Matthew 10:1 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Heal the Sick, Raise the Dead

Matthew 10:7–8 (KJV)

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Teachings About Faith and Prayer

In several teachings recorded in the Gospels, Jesus emphasized the power of faith and prayer. He spoke about faith that could overcome obstacles, prayer that receives answers, and the authority given to believers who trust in God.

These teachings were often given in response to questions from the disciples or as explanations following miraculous events.

Faith That Moves Mountains

Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

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.

Binding and Loosing

Matthew 18:18–20 (KJV)

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Faith and Prayer

Matthew 21:21–22 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 11:22–24

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Believing Prayer

Mark 11:22–24 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 21:21–22

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Teaching About the Spiritual Realm

The Return of an Unclean Spirit

Luke 11:24–26 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 12:43–45

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Teachings About the Work of the Holy Spirit

Greater Works

John 14:12 (KJV)

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.

Ask in My Name

John 14:13–14 (KJV)

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16–17 (KJV)

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Spirit of Truth

John 15:26–27 (KJV)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

The Spirit Sent

John 16:7–15 (KJV)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Closing Reflection

In addition to performing miracles, Jesus repeatedly taught His followers about the spiritual authority available through faith, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

He taught them how to pray, how to believe, and how to trust God to act in response to faith. He spoke about authority over sickness and unclean spirits, and He commissioned His disciples to continue the work of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven.

These teachings also pointed forward to a future moment when the Holy Spirit would be given to believers. Jesus explained that the Spirit would guide them, teach them, and empower them to continue the work that He had begun.

Taken together, these passages reveal that the supernatural ministry seen in the life of Jesus was not meant to end with His earthly ministry. Instead, He prepared His followers to continue walking in faith, prayer, and the power of God.

In the next article, we will examine the final and greatest supernatural event recorded in the Gospels: the resurrection of Jesus and the miracles that followed after He rose from the dead.

Next in the series:
The Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Miracles (KJV)

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Supernatural Knowledge and Prophecy

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:43:19 GMT

Introduction

Another category of supernatural events in the Gospels involves moments when Jesus demonstrated knowledge beyond normal human understanding. In these passages, Jesus reveals hidden details about people’s lives, speaks accurately about future events, and declares things that could only be known through divine insight.

Sometimes this knowledge revealed the private circumstances of individuals. At other times, it concerned events that would unfold in the days ahead—His own death, the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and the destruction of Jerusalem.

In several cases, these moments also included visible demonstrations of divine authority. Those who encountered Jesus quickly realized that He knew things no ordinary person could know.

These passages remind us that the ministry of Jesus was not limited to visible miracles. His words themselves carried supernatural authority, revealing truths about the present and the future.

Jesus Reveals Hidden Knowledge

Jesus Knows Nathanael

John 1:47–51 (KJV)

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

The Samaritan Woman Revealed

John 4:16–19 (KJV)

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband.
Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Jesus Predicts Future Events

Jesus Predicts His Death

Matthew 16:21 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Jesus Predicts His Death Again

Matthew 17:22–23 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 9:30–32; Luke 9:43–45

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again.
And they were exceeding sorry.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Matthew 26:31–35 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 14:27–31; Luke 22:31–34; John 13:36–38

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.

Jesus Predicts the Betrayal of Judas

John 13:21–26 (KJV)

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it.
And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

The Power of His Words

Soldiers Fall Backward When Jesus Speaks

John 18:4–9 (KJV)

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus saith unto them, I am he.
And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Prophecy of Future Events

Jesus Predicts Future Events

Matthew 24:1–51 (KJV)

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(The remainder of the chapter continues with parables and warnings about readiness for His coming.)

Prophecy of the Future

Prophecy of the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Return of the Son of Man

Luke 21:5–36 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 24:1–51; Mark 13:1–37

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Jesus Again Predicts Peter’s Denial

Peter’s Denial Foretold

Luke 22:31–34 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; John 13:36–38

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Closing Reflection

The passages in this article reveal another dimension of the supernatural ministry of Jesus. His miracles were not limited to visible signs and wonders. His words themselves carried divine authority.

Again and again, Jesus demonstrated knowledge that no ordinary person could possess. He knew the private details of a stranger’s life. He predicted the betrayal of one disciple and the denial of another. He foretold His own death and resurrection long before those events occurred.

In the Olivet discourse, Jesus spoke of events that would unfold far beyond His earthly ministry: wars, deception, tribulation, and the future return of the Son of Man in glory.

These moments remind us that Jesus was not merely responding to events as they happened. He spoke with authority over the future itself. The same voice that calmed storms and raised the dead also declared what was yet to come.

In the next article, we will examine another important category in the Gospels: the teachings of Jesus about supernatural authority and the power given to His followers.

Next in the series:
Teachings About Supernatural Authority (KJV)

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Raising the Dead

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:42:36 GMT

Introduction

Among the most powerful miracles recorded in the Gospels are the moments when Jesus raised people from the dead. These events go beyond healing sickness or casting out demons. They demonstrate that the authority of Jesus extends even over death itself.

In the ancient world, death was understood as the final and irreversible boundary of human life. Yet in several moments recorded in the Gospels, Jesus confronted that boundary directly. In each case, the result was the same: life returned where death had already taken hold.

A young girl was raised from her bed. A widow’s son was restored as he was being carried to burial. And in one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels, a man who had been dead for four days walked out of his tomb at the command of Jesus.

These events were not merely displays of power. They revealed something deeper about who Jesus is. The one who spoke life into the world at creation stood among the people, demonstrating that death itself was subject to His authority.

The following passages record these extraordinary moments.

Raising Jairus’ Daughter

Jairus’ Daughter Raised

Mark 5:35–43 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 9:18–26; Luke 8:40–56

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn.
But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years.
And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Raising the Widow’s Son

The Widow’s Son at Nain

Luke 7:11–17 (KJV)

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still.
And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak.
And he delivered him to his mother.
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Lazarus Raised from the Dead

Lazarus Raised

John 11:1–46 (KJV)

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.
Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.
Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

Closing Reflection

The raising of the dead stands among the most powerful signs recorded in the Gospels. In these moments, Jesus demonstrated authority over the final and ultimate enemy of humanity—death itself.

When Jairus’ daughter died, Jesus took her by the hand and spoke life back into her body. When the widow of Nain followed the funeral procession of her only son, Jesus stopped the procession and restored the young man to life. And when Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus called him out of the grave with a command that death itself could not resist.

These miracles reveal more than compassion and power. They reveal identity. When Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life,” He was not speaking metaphorically. The events that followed showed that life itself responds to His voice.

For those who witnessed these moments, the message was unmistakable: the authority of Jesus extends beyond sickness, beyond demons, and even beyond the grave.

In the next article, we will examine another category of supernatural events in the Gospels—moments when Jesus revealed knowledge of hidden things and spoke prophetic words about the future.

Next in the series:
Supernatural Knowledge and Prophecy (KJV)

Enjoyed this study?

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Miraculous Provision

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:42:07 GMT

Introduction

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus not only healed the sick and cast out demons—He also provided for people in extraordinary ways. In several moments recorded by the Gospel writers, Jesus supplied what people needed through supernatural provision.

Water became wine at a wedding feast. A night of empty fishing nets was suddenly filled with abundance. Thousands of people were fed from a small amount of bread and fish. Even a temple tax was provided through an unexpected coin found in a fish’s mouth.

These events demonstrate that the power of Jesus extended to everyday needs. Hunger, lack, and scarcity were not barriers when the Son of God was present. The same authority that healed sickness and calmed storms could also provide what people needed in ways that revealed the generosity and power of God.

The following passages describe several of these moments of miraculous provision.

Miraculous Provision in the Gospel of John

Water Turned to Wine

John 2:1–11 (KJV)

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Miraculous Provision in the Gospel of Luke

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

Luke 5:1–11 (KJV)

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land.
And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them.
And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Jesus Feeds the Multitudes

Feeding the Five Thousand

Matthew 14:13–21 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
He said, Bring them hither to me.
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Feeding the Four Thousand

Matthew 15:32–39 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 8:1–10

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

Provision in Unexpected Ways

The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth

Matthew 17:24–27 (KJV)

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Peter saith unto him, Of strangers.
Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Miraculous Provision After the Resurrection

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

John 21:1–14 (KJV)

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee.
They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.
They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.

Closing Reflection

The miracles of provision recorded in the Gospels show another dimension of the ministry of Jesus. These moments reveal that the power of God is not limited to healing sickness or casting out demons. It also reaches into the ordinary needs of daily life.

At a wedding celebration, Jesus turned water into wine so the feast could continue. On the shores of Galilee, He filled empty nets with fish. In the wilderness, He fed thousands of people with only a few loaves and fish. Even a simple tax payment was provided through a coin found in a fish’s mouth.

These miracles remind us that God is aware of both the great and the small needs of human life. Hunger, lack, and practical concerns were not beneath the attention of Jesus.

In each of these events, the disciples and the crowds witnessed the same truth: when Jesus spoke, what seemed insufficient became more than enough.

In the next article, we will examine another category of supernatural events recorded in the Gospels—those moments when Jesus raised the dead and demonstrated authority over death itself.

Next in the series:
Raising the Dead (KJV)

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Jesus’ Authority Over Nature

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:41:36 GMT

Introduction

The Gospels not only record Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons. They also describe moments when Jesus demonstrated authority over the natural world itself.

Wind and waves obeyed His command. Water supported His steps. The glory of God was revealed on a mountain before His disciples. At key moments in His life and ministry, a voice from heaven testified about who He was.

These events remind us that the authority of Jesus extends beyond the human body and the spiritual realm. The same God who created the heavens and the earth was present among His people. When Jesus spoke, creation itself responded.

The following passages record several moments in the Gospels where the power of Jesus was revealed through the natural world.

Authority Over the Wind and Waves

Jesus Calms the Storm

Matthew 8:23–27 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Jesus Walks on the Water

Matthew 14:22–33 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 6:45–52; John 6:16–21

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side.
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Parallel Account in the Gospel of Mark

Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark’s Account)

Mark 4:35–41 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 8:23–27; Luke 8:22–25

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow.
And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Parallel Accounts of Jesus Walking on the Water

Jesus Walks on the Water (Mark’s Account)

Mark 6:45–52 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 14:22–33; John 6:16–21

And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
For they all saw him, and were troubled.
And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Jesus Walks on the Water (John’s Account)

John 6:16–21 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 14:22–33; Mark 6:45–52

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

The Glory of Christ Revealed

The Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1–8 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here.
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

The Voice of the Father from Heaven

At several key moments in the life of Jesus, God the Father spoke audibly from heaven. These events were not simply private spiritual experiences. They were public confirmations that Jesus was the Son of God.

The Voice from Heaven at Jesus’ Baptism

Matthew 3:16–17 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The Voice from Heaven in Jerusalem

John 12:28–30 (KJV)

Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Closing Reflection

The miracles recorded in these passages reveal that the authority of Jesus extends beyond the human body and the spiritual realm. Wind, waves, water, and even the visible glory of God responded to His presence.

When Jesus rebuked the storm, the wind and the sea obeyed Him. When He walked across the water, the laws of nature themselves yielded to His authority. On the mountain of transfiguration, the glory of God shone through Him before the eyes of His disciples. And at important moments in His ministry, the Father Himself spoke from heaven, declaring that Jesus was His beloved Son.

These events remind us that Jesus was not merely a teacher or a prophet. The same power that created the world was present in Him. The authority He demonstrated over nature was another sign that the kingdom of God had come into the world.

In the next article, we will examine another category of supernatural events in the Gospels: miracles of provision, where Jesus multiplied food and supplied what people needed in unexpected ways.

Next in the series:
Miraculous Provision (KJV)

Jesus’ Authority Over Demons

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:41:03 GMT

Introduction

In addition to healing sickness and disease, the Gospels frequently record Jesus confronting and casting out unclean spirits. These encounters reveal another dimension of His authority: power over the spiritual forces of evil.

In the world of the New Testament, people sometimes suffered under the influence of unclean spirits that tormented them physically, mentally, and spiritually. When Jesus encountered these situations, the result was always the same. The unclean spirits recognized His authority, and at His command they departed.

The Gospel writers record many of these events. Some occurred in public places such as synagogues. Others happened in villages or remote regions. In every case, Jesus demonstrated that the kingdom of God was stronger than the power of Satan.

The following passages describe several of these moments when Jesus delivered people from unclean spirits.

Deliverance in the Gospel of Mark

The Demon Cast Out in the Synagogue

Mark 1:23–27 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 4:33–36

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Legion Delivered

Mark 5:1–20 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 8:28–34; Luke 8:26–39

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains.
And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
And he asked him, What is thy name?
And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
And forthwith Jesus gave them leave.
And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea.

The Boy with an Unclean Spirit

Mark 9:14–29 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 17:14–21; Luke 9:37–43

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them.
And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him.

Deliverance in the Gospel of Matthew

The Mute Demoniac Delivered

Matthew 9:32–34 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 1:32–34; Luke 4:40–41 (similar events)

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

The Blind and Mute Man Delivered

Matthew 12:22 (KJV)

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

The Daughter of the Canaanite Woman Delivered

Matthew 15:21–28 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 7:24–30

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
But he answered her not a word.
And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.
And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Parallel Account in the Gospel of Mark

The Daughter Delivered (Mark’s Account)

Mark 7:24–30 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 15:21–28

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon.
And entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
And he said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.
And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Deliverance Recorded in the Gospel of Luke

Mary Magdalene Delivered of Seven Devils

Luke 8:1–3 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 16:9

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

A Demon Cast Out

Luke 11:14 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 9:32–33; Matthew 12:22 (similar events)

And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb.
And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

Teaching About Authority Over Satan

While the Gospels record many individual deliverances, Jesus also taught directly about His authority over Satan and the kingdom of darkness.

The Kingdom Stronger Than Satan

Matthew 12:25–29 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 3:23–27; Luke 11:17–22

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Closing Reflection

The deliverances recorded in the Gospels reveal an important dimension of the ministry of Jesus. While sickness and disease affected many people physically, the presence of unclean spirits brought a different kind of suffering—one that touched the mind, the body, and the soul.

Again and again, the Gospels show that unclean spirits recognized the authority of Jesus. They spoke through the people they tormented, cried out in fear, and obeyed His commands. With a word, Jesus cast them out and restored those who had been oppressed.

These events were not simply dramatic moments in the ministry of Jesus. They were signs that the kingdom of God had come. When Jesus said that a stronger one had come to bind the strong man, He was declaring that the power of Satan was being overcome.

Wherever Jesus went, the power of darkness was forced to retreat.

In the next article, we will examine another category of supernatural events recorded in the Gospels: the moments when Jesus demonstrated authority over the natural world itself—calming storms, walking on water, and exercising power over creation.

Next in the series:
Jesus’ Authority Over Nature (KJV)

Enjoyed this study?

If this series helped you see the ministry of Jesus more clearly, consider subscribing to Brian’s Notebook for future Bible studies, Scripture reflections, and long-form explorations of faith.

You can also help others discover the series by sharing it with a friend or posting it on social media.

Your support helps these studies reach more people.

The Healing Ministry of Jesus

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:40:28 GMT

Introduction

One of the most consistent features of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospels is His healing of the sick. Wherever Jesus traveled, people brought to Him those who were suffering from disease, injury, and long-standing physical conditions. Again and again, the Gospel writers record the same pattern: people came to Jesus in faith, and He healed them.

These healings were not random acts. They demonstrated the authority of Jesus and revealed the compassion of God toward those who suffer. The Gospels show that Jesus healed individuals, small groups, and sometimes entire crowds. Some were healed instantly with a word. Others were healed through a touch. In every case, the power of God was present to restore what sickness had damaged.

The following passages record many of the healing miracles of Jesus as described in the four Gospels.

Healings in the Gospel of Matthew

The Leper Cleansed

Matthew 8:1–4 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

The Centurion’s Servant Healed

Matthew 8:5–13 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Luke 7:1–10

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh.
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.
And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed

Matthew 8:14–15 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 1:29–31; Luke 4:38–39

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Many Healed

Matthew 8:16–17 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 1:32–34; Luke 4:40–41

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

The Paralytic Healed

Matthew 9:1–8 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, then saith he to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
And he arose, and departed to his house.

The Woman With the Issue of Blood

Matthew 9:20–22 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.
And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Two Blind Men Healed

Matthew 9:27–31 (KJV)

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?
They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
And their eyes were opened.

A Mute Man Healed

Matthew 9:32–33 (KJV)

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

The Man with the Withered Hand

Matthew 12:9–13 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 3:1–6; Luke 6:6–11

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand.
And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Many Healed by Touching His Garment

Matthew 14:34–36 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 6:53–56

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Multitudes Healed

Matthew 15:29–31 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 7:31–37 (in part)

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Blind Men Healed Near Jericho

Matthew 20:29–34 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

The Blind and Lame Healed in the Temple

Matthew 21:14 (KJV)

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Healings Recorded in the Gospel of Mark

Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed

Mark 1:29–31 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 8:14–15; Luke 4:38–39

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Many Healed

Mark 1:32–34 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 8:16–17; Luke 4:40–41

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

The Leper Healed

Mark 1:40–45 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 8:1–4; Luke 5:12–16

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

The Deaf and Mute Man Healed

Mark 7:31–37 (KJV)

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

The Blind Man Healed at Bethsaida

Mark 8:22–26 (KJV)

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Healings Recorded in the Gospel of Luke

The Woman Bent Over for Eighteen Years

Luke 13:10–17 (KJV)

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

The Man with Dropsy Healed

Luke 14:1–6 (KJV)

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.
And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
And they held their peace.
And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.

The Ten Lepers Healed

Luke 17:11–19 (KJV)

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests.
And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

Healings Recorded in the Gospel of John

The Nobleman’s Son Healed

John 4:46–54 (KJV)

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth.
And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

The Man at the Pool of Bethesda Healed

John 5:1–15 (KJV)

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.

The Man Born Blind Healed

John 9:1–41 (KJV)
(Also recorded in part in Matthew 9:27–31 and Mark 8:22–26 as similar miracles)

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.
He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

(The remainder of the chapter records the testimony of the healed man and the response of the Pharisees.)

The Final Healing Before the Crucifixion

Malchus’ Ear Healed

Luke 22:50–51 (KJV)
Also recorded in: Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; John 18:10

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far.
And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Closing Reflection

The healing ministry of Jesus reveals both the compassion and the authority of the Son of God. Throughout the Gospels, people came to Him with every kind of physical suffering—leprosy, blindness, paralysis, fever, deformity, and long-standing disease. Again and again, Jesus responded with mercy.

Some were healed by His touch. Others were healed by His word alone. At times people were healed simply by touching the hem of His garment. In every case, the power of God restored what sickness had broken.

These miracles also reveal something deeper about the mission of Jesus. The prophets had foretold that the Messiah would bring healing and restoration. When Jesus healed the sick, opened blind eyes, and caused the lame to walk, He was demonstrating that the kingdom of God had come near.

Even at the moment of His arrest, when His enemies had come to take Him away, Jesus performed one final act of healing by restoring the ear of the high priest’s servant. His ministry ended the same way it had begun—with mercy toward those in need.

In the next article, we will examine another dimension of Jesus’ supernatural ministry: His authority over demons and unclean spirits.

Next in the series:
Jesus’ Authority Over Demons (KJV)

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Supernatural Events Surrounding the Birth of Jesus

Brian — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:39:34 GMT

Introduction

The story of Jesus begins with a series of remarkable supernatural events. Before Jesus preached a sermon, healed the sick, or called His first disciples, God was already announcing His arrival through angels, prophetic words, and divine signs.

The Gospel of Luke gives the most detailed account of these early events. Angels appear with messages from God. People are filled with the Holy Ghost and begin to prophesy. Faithful men and women recognize that God’s promises are being fulfilled.

Matthew also records several supernatural events that guided Joseph and protected the child Jesus. Through dreams and divine warnings, God directed the family of Jesus and preserved the life of the promised Messiah.

Together, these passages show that the birth of Jesus was not an ordinary moment in history. From the very beginning, heaven itself testified that the Savior had come into the world.

Announcements and Prophecy Before the Birth of Jesus

The Angel Appears to Zacharias

Luke 1:5–25 (KJV)

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

Gabriel Announces the Birth of Jesus

Luke 1:26–38 (KJV)

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Elizabeth Filled with the Holy Ghost

Luke 1:39–45 (KJV)

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Mary’s Prophetic Praise

Luke 1:46–55 (KJV)

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1:57–66 (KJV)

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Zechariah Prophesies

Luke 1:67–79 (KJV)

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Angelic Witnesses to the Birth of Christ

Angels Announce the Birth to the Shepherds

Luke 2:8–14 (KJV)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The Shepherds Confirm the Message

Luke 2:15–20 (KJV)

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Witnesses in the Temple

Simeon Recognizes the Messiah

Luke 2:25–35 (KJV)

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, ) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Anna the Prophetess Speaks About the Child

Luke 2:36–38 (KJV)

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age…
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Divine Guidance Through Dreams

An Angel Appears to Joseph

Matthew 1:18–25 (KJV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Star and the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1–12 (KJV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Joseph Warned to Flee to Egypt

Matthew 2:13–15 (KJV)

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

Joseph Told to Return to Israel

Matthew 2:19–23 (KJV)

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Closing Reflection

The birth of Jesus was surrounded by unmistakable signs from heaven.

Angels delivered messages from God. People were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke prophetically. A miraculous conception took place by the power of the Holy Ghost. A star guided travelers across great distances. Dreams warned and directed those responsible for protecting the child.

Every one of these events pointed to the same truth: the birth of Jesus was not ordinary. God Himself was announcing the arrival of the promised Messiah.

Even before Jesus began His public ministry, heaven testified about who He was.

In the next article, we will begin examining the healing ministry of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly demonstrates authority over sickness and disease, bringing restoration and hope to those who come to Him in faith.

Next in the series:
The Healing Ministry of Jesus (KJV)

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