His Deeds

Not only did Jesus teach profound truths about how to show love, but he also practiced what he taught. For example, he put the interests of others ahead of his own. One day Jesus and his disciples were so busy helping people that they had not time to even eat a meal. Jesus saw the need fro his disciples to rest up a bit, and he took them to a lonely place. But when they got there, they found a crowd waiting for them. How would you have responded upon seeing a crowd who expected you to work when you felt that you needed a little break? Well, Jesus "was moved with pity for them" and started to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34) This concern for others always moved Jesus to assist them.

Jesus did more than teach them. He also extended practical help. For example, on one occasion he fed more than 5, 000 people who had been listening to him until late in the day. Soon after that, he fed another large crowd - this time more than 4,000 - who had been listening to him for three days and had nothing left to eat. On the first occasion, he used five loaves of bread and two fishes,, and on the latter, seven loaves and a few little fishes. (Matthew14:14-22; 15:32-38) Miracles? Yes, he was a miracle worker. Jesus also healed many ailing ones. He cured the blind, the lame, the lepers and the deaf. Why, he even raised the dead! (Luke 7:22; John 11:30-45) Once a leper entreated him: "If you just want to, you can make me clean." How did Jesus respond? "At that he was moved with pity, and he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him: 'I want to. Be made clean.' " (Mark 1:40, 41) Through such miracles, Jesus demonstrated his love for the afflicted.

Do you find it hard to believe in Jesus' miracles? Some do. Remember, though, that Jesus performed his miracles in public. Even his opposers, who tried to find fault with him on every occasion, could not deny that he was a miracle worker. (John 9:1-34) Further, his miracles had a purpose. They helped people to identify him as the One sent by God.- John 6:14.

In performing miracles Jesus was not seeking attention for himself. Rather, he glorified God, the Source of his power. In Capernaum he was once in a home filled with people. A paralyzed man wanted to be healed but could not get in. So his friends lowered him on a cot through the roof. Upon seeing their faith, Jesus healed the paralytic. As a result, the people "glorified God" and said: "We never saw the like of it." (Mark 2:1-4, 11, 12) Jesus' miracles brought praise to Jehovah, his God, and helped those in need.

Miraculous healing of the sick, however, was not the main thrust of Jesus' ministry. One who wrote an account of Jesus' life explained: "These have been written down that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that, because of believing, you may have life by means of his name." (John20:31) Yes, Jesus cam to earth so that believing humans might have life.

Next time: His Sacrifice