In the few short years that Jesus Christ walked this earth He touched many lives. He fed thousands of people with just a few fish and a little bread, He brought people back from the dead, and forgave sin. Let’s take a look at a few of these wonders.

Many blind men were healed, but one in particular caused quite an uproar. This man had been blind from birth and when Jesus saw him He healed his blindness by spitting on the ground and making clay which He put on the man’s eyes.

“And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” (John 9:7)

People who had seen him begging and knew he was blind were confused, and asked him how he could now see. He told them what Jesus had done and when he washed in the pool of Siloam he received his sight. So, they took him to the Pharisees. This had been done on a Sabbath day and the Pharisees were very upset. They showed their own blindness by accusing Jesus of violating the Law.

“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.” (John 9:16)

There are none so blind as those who will not see. They didn’t believe the man when he said that he had been blind so they called in his parents. They confirmed he was their son and had been blind but said he was old enough to speak for himself as to how he was healed.

“These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” (John 9:22)

This miracle should have brought joy to the parents, but they were only concerned about their own self-interests. The Pharisees should have been convinced that God had done a miracle, but instead they insisted that Jesus was a sinner. Because the blind man wouldn’t deny what Christ had done for him, he was cast out. When Jesus heard about this He found the man and asked him if he believed on the Son of God.

“And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.” (John 9:38)

Jesus was always willing to heal people wherever they were found, no matter what  infirmity was ailing them.

“And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.” (Mark 7:31-32)

Jesus answered their request and healed this man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking.

“And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.” (Mark 7:33-35)

Joy swept through the crowd! Jesus told them not to tell anyone, but they just couldn’t contain themselves.

“And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” (Mark 7:37)

It’s easy to understand their joy. When a miracle happens we want to tell everyone about it. Jesus healed the blind and deaf, but He also healed those who were unable to walk. His fame had grown and people came from far and wide to hear His words and receive healing.

One day He was in a house teaching and a large crowd had gathered, including Pharisees and doctors of the law. Oh, they weren’t there for healing or to hear Jesus’ words; they were there to criticize and condemn Him.

“And behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.” (Luke 5:18)

This man was paralyzed and unable to walk, but he had friends who were willing to carry him to Jesus for healing. When they were unable to get through the door they carried him onto the roof and lowered him on his cot down through loosened tiles to rest before Jesus.

“And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, ‘Man, they sins are forgiven thee.’” (Luke 5:20)

Of course the scribes and Pharisees could only find fault. They accused Jesus of blasphemy because only God can forgive sin. What feeble minded fools they were! Jesus was not being blasphemous because Jesus is God.

“But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.” (Luke 5:22-24)

That was all it took. Just a word from Jesus and the man was healed.

“And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying. God.” (Luke 5:25)

The people who received healing were always full of joy and praised God. It was the Pharisees who were displeased.

Demons are real and have caused much trauma throughout time. They can cause various physical troubles and one such trouble is dumbness. The Pharisees had a way of casting out demons which involved causing the demon to give its name, so if the physical problem was the inability to speak that demon could not be cast out. Or at least so the Pharisees thought.

“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.” (Matthew 9:32-33)

Jesus has authority over all things, including demons that cause dumbness. The Pharisees accused Him of evil.

“But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of devils.” (Matthew 9:34)

That, of course, was not true. Jesus did His miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Although the religious leaders were miffed over the healings, those who received them were filled with joy.

Of all the miraculous things Jesus did, raising people from the dead seems to be the most amazing. There was a widow whose son and died leaving her alone, and Jesus brought her son back to life. Jairus’ daughter is another one whom Jesus raised from the dead. The one that rankled the Pharisees the most was Lazarus. Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus were friends of Jesus. One day word reached Jesus that Lazarus was ill. Instead of rushing to Lazarus, Jesus took His time.

“Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.” (John 11:17)

Jewish thinking of the time was that a soul would stay near a body for three days hoping to re-enter the body, but after that there was no hope of coming back from the dead. When Jesus arrived He was met by Martha who said that if He had been there her brother wouldn’t have died.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26)

Do you believe that? I do and so did Martha.

“She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:27)

So Jesus went to the tomb where Lazarus had been laid four days earlier.

“Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.” (John 11:39)

Martha just spoke what she knew to be true. After four days a body goes through certain changes that would make it uncomfortable to open the tomb. Jesus insisted and they obeyed. First, Jesus prayed giving thanks to God the Father for hearing His prayer.

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, ‘Loose him, and let him go.’” (John 11:43-44)

Though his hands and feet were bound, Lazarus came out of the grave. Alive. Jesus never allowed the Pharisees to stop Him from fulfilling His ministry on earth. They criticized everything He did, but they couldn’t stop Him until all Scripture was fulfilled. Even then nobody took Jesus’ life from Him but He willingly gave His life when the time was right.

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17-18)

When the time had come for Jesus to lay down His life He was illegally arrested, illegally tried, and condemned to be crucified. Jesus had healed multitudes of people, but I wonder where they were on that day. Jesus healed a blind man. Did that man see Him hanging on the cross? Jesus healed a deaf man. Did that man hear Him cry out My God why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus healed a lame man. Did that man walk with Him as He carried His cross? Jesus healed a dumb man. Did that man cry out “Hosanna” or did he cry “Crucify Him”?

Jesus raised people from the dead so they would know firsthand His power over life and death. Were they there to hear one criminal mock Jesus as He hanged on the cross but hear the other one receive the promise from Jesus of eternity with Him? There were many people who had received healing or who had a loved one who had been healed.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (John 21:25)

John was an eyewitness to all that Jesus did so we know this to be true. We also know that the miracles didn’t stop upon Jesus’ crucifixion. We still have power through the Holy Spirit to be God’s instrument of healing. Jesus has given every Christian the miracle of new life through Him.

We have been born-again and we need to share the gospel with the people around us who remain dead in their sins. Friends and family may mock us as we share the gospel with them, but how each of us use our eyes, ears, voice, and feet reflects how much we love Him. Through His death, burial, and resurrection He has given us eternal life.

What do you do with the miracle Jesus gave to you? Live so people around you will see Him living in you.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original Scripture is “theopneustos” (God breathed).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

That’s quite a challenge. When we accept Christ we know that our sin has been forgiven and our souls are acceptable for eternity with God. What about our life here on earth? Is the way we live our life acceptable to God? The way we conduct our life from day to day is important.

The above verse admonishes us to present our body as a living sacrifice. This isn’t a call to be a martyr. A martyr is a person who’s killed for his or her faith in Jesus Christ. A living sacrifice means that we live daily in a manner that honors our Lord. We turn away from the temptations that come our way instead of giving in. We make choices in life that are based on “What would Jesus do?” instead of “What’s in it for me?”

One step in being a living sacrifice is to be humble and not puff ourselves up in order to gain recognition from people.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

Paul wrote this letter to Christians and urged them (and us) to not let self-importance get in the way of serving Christ. Each person in the body of Christ is important and nobody is more important than anyone else. Pride is a very self-centered attitude and gets in the way of living for Christ.

As Christians we must understand that the women who organize charitable events are as important to the Body of Christ as the man who preaches to the congregation. We all have abilities and gifts which need to be used to help brothers and sisters in their own walk with the Lord.

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5)

We are all one in the Lord. When you do what you can for the entire Body of Christ then you’re being a living sacrifice and giving a reasonable service to the Lord. Our love toward fellow Christians should be sincere.

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Romans 12:9-10)

Most congregations get together on Sunday, sometimes on Wednesday, and once in awhile for a potluck. Other than that we go our separate ways and blend in with the non-Christian world around us. We seldom abhor evil and usually see no problem in having friends who aren’t Christians. As long as it’s not on Sunday morning we join them in their ungodly activities rather than abhorring the evil, non-Christian activities they espouse.

On the other hand our love for our fellow Christians is oftentimes hypocritical. We smile and say kind words on Sunday mornings, but come Monday we couldn’t care less about their troubles. Recently I’ve been having some medical problems and some dear Christian friends who live many miles from me have shown true Christian love in my time of need and their kindness is a living sacrifice. Too often, we forget that we are admonished to care for our fellow Christians with the love that Christ showed to us.

The way we conduct our daily lives is an indication as to whether we are dying to self or not…whether we are a living sacrifice for Christ.

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:11-13)

There are many Scriptures translated in the King James Version which can be misunderstood simply because language has changed over the years. The phrase “not slothful in business” is better translated “not lagging in diligence” (NKJV) or “do not lag in zeal” (NET).

Paul exhorted the Christians in Rome to have joy in their salvation and extend that joy to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Every Christian has troubles in his or her life (King James uses the word tribulation). Sometimes we can’t physically help, but we can always pray. I have dear friends I pray for who are dealing with illness in their family, facing the death of a spouse, going through marital troubles, and making decisions as to a career that will honor God.

How is prayer a living sacrifice?

Thoughts are taken captive and moved from worldly thoughts to focus on the needs of fellow Christians and turning to God for His provision. This is true of all the exhortations in the above passage. Are you patient when troubles come your way? Do you see the needs of fellow Christians and help as you can? Hospitality takes time and effort on your part, but by welcoming others to your home for dinner or Bible study you’re giving yourself as a living sacrifice.

One of the most difficult sacrifices we make is mercy toward others:

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” (Romans 12:14)

Human nature wants revenge upon someone who has done us wrong, but when you think of the mercy God has shown you and the blessings He gives so abundantly, then it’s understandable why Christians should bless someone who has persecuted us.

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

How God deals with a person is up to His perfect love. How many times have you been shown mercy when you deserve vengeance? Jesus gave His life so all who accept His sacrifice can be saved…He doesn’t want anyone to perish. Be a living sacrifice and let go of the desire for revenge upon someone and maybe you can turn an enemy into a brother or sister in Christ.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17)

Is that easy? No, but when living for Christ, that’s a sacrifice we should make for His glory. It’s easier to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). It’s easier unless we allow jealousy to make us desire what others are rejoicing over. If a friend gets a promotion that you wanted, do you rejoice with them?

Let’s reverse that. What if you get a promotion that your friend really wanted, can you weep with them or do you gloat? When we live for Christ we die to our own selfish interests and care about others. The way we handle various situations is an example of Christ’s love. Other people watch us and if they can see Christ living through us we can strengthen the walk of fellow Christians, or we can be God’s instrument to lead someone to salvation. Let the Holy Spirit guide all your actions.

As Christians we need to be unified. There are many denominations and each one focuses on a different aspect of God’s Word. Some focus on the spiritual gifts while others look more to legalism and structure in worship. Should one look down upon the other?

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” (Romans 12:16)

Rich or poor liberal or conservative we are all one in Christ. You shouldn’t view it as a sacrifice to mingle with fellow Christians who aren’t of the same denomination or “social status” as you because in God’s eyes we’re equal. Sacrifice arrogance and conceit and live for Christ. This will bring peace among the brethren.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Be a living sacrifice. Do Christians have enemies? Yes, and it’s easy for us to want our enemies to suffer. That’s not an attitude for a Christian to embrace. Doing good for someone who has persecuted you is a sacrifice we all have to make.

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20)

When we see our enemy in need, we need to sacrifice our feeling of victory over their plight. Before you became a Christian you were an enemy of God, but He still provided for you. You had air to breath, water to drink, and so on. God has provided for the needs of our enemy so how can we say we follow Christ if we choose to ignore the needs of others, even the needs of our enemy?

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Until the final battle there will always be evil in the world. Satan has already lost, but he’s in denial. There’s no love in him, only hatred. Our only defense is Jesus Christ. By choosing to be a living sacrifice we choose to do good no matter how others treat us. What’s directed towards us that’s meant for evil can be used for good if we make the choice to follow Jesus in all we do. As we grow in our walk with the Lord, there should be changes that are evident for all to see.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

we conform to the world we deny Christ. The word “transformed” means to change into another form. We become new when we accept Christ and have a fresh start in life. Worldly attitudes should be done away with. This change won’t take place if you continue in your sin. Your sin has been forgiven, but that doesn’t give you the license to continue sinning.

If you’re conformed to the world you aren’t transformed by Jesus. Examine your life and see if you’ve become a living sacrifice for Jesus, or if you’re still dead in your sin. If you haven’t truly accepted Christ for salvation, then you’re still dead in sin. If you have truly accepted Him, then start making choices that reflect your love and appreciation for what Jesus did for you on the cross.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

Christ died for you so the very least you can do is be a living sacrifice for Him.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original Scripture is “theopneustos” (God breathed).