MiraclesPascual Session 3B

Discussion

How do we understand miracles TODAY?

How might miracles be understood in the culture during Biblical times?

Definition of Miracles

From Latin word miraculum meaning “object of wonder” or “something that is amazing.”

NOTE: In the Bible, none of the “miracles” involved “scientific investigations” of HOW they happen.

CONTEXT, CONTEXT, CONTEXT The miracles of Jesus are part of a

bigger picture…

Actions speak louder…

Jesus’ parables are examples of God’s Reign (Kingdom) proclaimed through word,

Jesus’ miracles are examples of God’s Reign in action. God’s Kingdom (REIGN) as the presence

of God’s love, mercy and compassion made known through these SIGNS.

Miracles as SIGNS

In fact, the Gospel of John doesn’t refer to them as miracles, but signs. Gospel designed to have seven signs to

show that Jesus is the Son of God. These healings are a promise that in the Kingdom of Heaven we are made whole

Physically and spiritually

Supernatural

Miracles are supernatural

Meaning they defy the laws of nature

Note

In Jesus’ time, there was the belief that illness and sin are connected. “Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are

forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise and walk?” (Mt 9:5)

EMPHASIS

Miracles are acts or events that are attributed to the power of God and attest to God’s care and compassion for all people, especially for the most vulnerable.

Miracles are to actions as Parables are to words…

SAYING? God’s plan of salvation is fulfilled Holistic healing, physical and spiritual Jesus, the Christ, makes God’s Reign

present

When reading miracles in the New Testament… There’s a pattern!!!

On leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. (Mark 1:29–31)

1. a description of the sick person’s condition

2. the healing action

3. evidence that the miracle took place

Again [Jesus] entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. [The Pharisees] watched him closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. (Mark 3:1–6)

1. a description of the sick person’s condition

2. the healing action

3. evidence that the miracle took place

Another Note: Literary patterns

• Call narrative 1 (Mark 1:16–20) • Miracle 1: Healing of a demoniac (Mark 1:21–

28) • Miracle 2: Healing of Simon’s mother-in-law

(Mark 1:29–31) • Summary of the power of Jesus’ teaching and

healing (Mark 1:32–39)

Literary patterns continued

• Miracle 3: Curing a leper (Mark 1:40–45)

• Miracle 4: Healing of a paralytic; conflict account inserted (Mark 2:1–12)

Literary Patterns

• Call narrative 2 (Mark 2:13–14) • Conflict story 1: Eating with

sinners (Mark 2:15–17) • Conflict story 2: Question of

fasting (Mark 2:18–22) • Conflict story 3: Keeping the

Sabbath (Mark 2:23–28) • Conflict story 4: Keeping the

Sabbath; miracle account inserted (Mark 3:1–6)

Gospel use of Miracles Mark was using the miracles to push

his theological narrative of Jesus. Matthew does similar, using the ten

miracles in the same section to parallel the ten plagues of Exodus. Matthew’s Jewish audience.

John uses them as SIGNS, pointing them towards Jesus as the Son of God. Seven signs that intensify.

Mark 10:46-52

DISCUSSION for review…

What are the Luminous Mysteries? What is the pattern of a parable? What is the purpose of miracles?