Resurrection. It can’t happen without first death, but so often we find engaging with the reality of our loss and grief so difficult. We can be tempted to either avoid it altogether or indulge it. Neither approach enables us to let God’s power in to bring life out of death, joy out of grief and rejoicing out of sorrow. But when we understand and trust in God’s loving resurrection power, it makes it so much easier for us to give our pain over to him, and see him make all things new. So let’s see again the kindness and transformative power of Jesus and trust in the resurrection once more.
Jesus' Supernatural Power - The Fish and the Fisherman
Unlike other categories of Jesus’ miracles, these 2 accounts of miraculous catches (told in Luke 4 and John 21) bookend Peter’s time as a disciple in the gospels, but stand alone as phenomenons (ie - miraculous provision of bounty wasn’t something Jesus did a lot of, and isn’t necessarily the point of these stories at all)… But when we look at them together they speak volumes about what happened to Peter in his time as Jesus’ disciple, and what we can learn from him. Struggling with fear and anxiety? This one is for you.
Jesus’ Supernatural Power - Over the Elements
The withered fig tree isn’t the point of the miracle in Matthew 21. The point is in the reality that Jesus offers to share his power with us. He empowers us to participate in all the good that He wants to unfold in our neighborhoods. This divine power transforms us and brings shalom but where do we begin? We begin with trust in the One who upholds us. Take a listen.
Jesus' Supernatural Power - Healing
The gospel accounts are full to the brim with stories of Jesus healing people; the blind are given sight, the lepers are cleansed, and the paralyzed get up and walk. In each of these accounts we learn something perhaps obvious but very important nonetheless: sickness is anti-Kingdom and it is central to Jesus’ mission to bring healing and restoration. In light of our commission to do as Jesus did, what does praying for healing look like during a worldwide pandemic? Spoiler: in our weakness He is strong and in our openness He authorizes and empowers us to pray for healing by His Spirit- even over Zoom.
Jesus' Supernatural Power: Deliverance
Jesus’ ministry was characterised by how he frequently set people free from demonic oppression. And he commands us, his disciples, to do the same in his name. There are of course theological and pastoral sensitivities about the subject, which need to be addressed. But let’s not let them distract from the main thing: Jesus has all authority and power over the demonic; and he comes to deliver the whole cosmos from evil.
Jesus’ Supernatural Power: 12 Baskets Left Over
The feeding of the multitude is one of Jesus most well-known miracles, and its central message is clear: Jesus provides - physically, as well as spiritually. But it’s the 12 baskets leftover we examine this morning. Each one of the 12 disciples, with a full basket of bread, left to sit and contemplate what they’d just been a part of. Maybe the most significant thing about this miracle is not that God can provide, but what it shows us about what happens when we trust, and follow him.
Jesus’ Supernatural Power: Joy Bringer
Jesus first miracle is about joy! And it encapsulates the whole meaning of his ministry. He comes to earth as the joy-bringer. So let us open ourselves to him the great provider- to provide joy instead of our sadness, our disgrace, our hopelessness, or our pain. Our supernatural faith means his joy comes to us from his spirit directly. We just have to open ourselves to him and ask.