DATE: 3-22-15
SERMON: MIRACLES: IMAGINE WHAT GOD CAN DO (4)
SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:20
Read Matthew 14:34-36
“God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (KJV) God is
able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. (NIV) “
Jesus has won the hearts of the common people:
1) He has condemned institutionalized religion and its politics.
2) He placed no emphasis on organizational religion.
3) He placed no emphasis on academic religious training. Most followers were of simple
education---including the 12 Apostles. The Apostle Paul was the first formally educated leader.
4) THE EMPHASIS was always on the power of Jesus Christ.
For better understanding, we have grouped Jesus’ miracles under five subject headings:
1) Control over nature. 2) Healing of illness and disease. 3) Healing from demonic possession.
4) Resurrection of the dead. 5) Forgiveness of sins.
Imagine what God can do. He can raise people from the dead. The following are the
Gospel examples.
1. WIDOW’S SON RAISED.
“The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
(Luke 7:11-17)
Problem: A widowed mother has lost her only son and has probably lost her only means
of support. Jesus encountered the large funeral procession and “his heart went out to her.”
Solution: “Jesus went up and touched the bier on which the boy was being carried and
said ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!’”
Results: “They were all filled with awe and praised God. This news spread throughout
Judea and the surrounding country.” Imagine what God can do.
2. JARIUS’ DAUGHTER HEALED.
“They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But Jesus took her by the hand and
said, ‘My child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up.” (Luke 8:40-56,
Mt. 9:18-26, Mk. 5:21-43)
Problem: A father’s twelve year old daughter was dying. While seeking Jesus’ help,
some people from home arrive and deliver the bad news that the child is dead. “Don’t trouble
the teacher anymore.”
Solution: Jesus heard this and said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be
healed.”
Results: “Her spirit returned. Her parents were astonished. Jesus ordered them not to
tell anyone.” Imagine what God can do.
3. LAZARUS RAISED.
“Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:1-44)
Problem: One of Jesus’ closest friends became ill and died. By the time Jesus arrived,
Lazarus had been dead and buried four days.
Solution: “Jesus came to the tomb which was a cave with a stone laid across the
entrance. ‘Take away the stone,’ he said.” Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his
face. Jesus said, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’”
Results: “Many of the Jews who had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” Imagine
what God can do.
4. JESUS RESURRECTED.
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who
was crucified. He has risen from the dead and you will see him.’” (Mt. 28:5-7, recorded in all
four Gospels)
Problem: Jesus had been crucified and buried.
Solution: Jesus was resurrected on Easter Sunday morning.
Results: We have a risen, live Savior in heaven who still performs miracles. Imagine
what God can do.
5. WE WILL ALL BE RESURRECTED FROM THE DEAD.
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall
have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40)
Problem: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “The
wages of sin is death,
Solution: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans
6:23)
Results: “Everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life.” (John 3: 15-16) Imagine what God can do.
“Jesus Christ has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) This is right
now, present tense.