"Powerful In Work"

Jesus was also "powerful in work." (Luke 24:19) The Gospels report over 30 specfic miracles performed by Him-all in Jehovah's power." (Luke 5:17) Jesus' miracles touched the lives of thousands. Just two miracles-the feeding of 5,000 men and later 4,000 men " besides women and young children" -Involved crowds probably totaling some 20,000 people! - Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-38.

There was great diversity in Jesus' miracles. He had authority over demons, expelling them with ease. (Luke 9:37-43) He had power over physical elements, turning water into wine. (John 2:1-11) To the amazement of his disciples, he walked on the windswept Sea of Galilee. (John 6:18, 19) He had mastery over disease, curing organic defects, chronic illness and life-threatening sickness. (Mark 3:1-5; John 4:46-54) He perforned such healings in various ways. Some were healed from a distance, whereas others felt Jesus' personal touch. (Matthew 8:2, 3, 5-13) Some were healed instantly, others gradually. -Mark 8:22-25; Luke 8:43, 44.

Outstandingly, Jesus had the power to undo death. On three recorded occasions, he raised the dead, giving a 12-year-old daughter back to her parents, an only child to his widowed mother, and a beloved brother to his sisters. (Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-56; John 11:38-44) No circumstance prove too formidable. He raised the 12-year-old girl from her deathbed shortly after she died. He resurrected the widow's son from the funeral bier, no doubt on the same day of his death. And he raised Lazarus from the burial tomb after he had been dead for four days.

Next time: Unselfish, Responsible And Considerate Use Of Power

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002