The Paralytic | Miracles of Jesus Christ

The Bible talks about a man who was paralyzed. He obviously needed to be healed but how was he supposed to get to Jesus? Did he have enough faith that Jesus could heal him? Did the man still have hope for a miracle?

We read that Jesus came into Capernaum and was teaching in a house. The crowd was so large you could not fit anyone else inside. There was no room for them to enter through the door. And in the crowd, Luke tells us there were Pharisees and doctors of the law from Galilee, Judaea, and Jerusalem. Luke also says, "The power of the Lord was present to heal them." I love that he included that. The presence of God was in that place and healing virtue was flowing.

How can a paralyzed man hope to get to Jesus in a crowd of that size? He had four friends who carried him on a cot to Jesus but after trying to get in, and seeing no other way, they carried him up to the roof and began disassembling it so they could create an opening large enough that they were able to lower the man down in front of Jesus. Because of their faith, Jesus healed the man. We do not know if the man believed Jesus could do it, but we do know that Jesus was moved by their faith.

Matthew 9:1-2 And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mark 2:1-5 And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them. And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Luke 5:17-20 And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 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. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Jesus knew the statement, "Thy sins are forgiven," would be controversial particularly with the Pharisees and doctors of the law. He could have said a lot of things to the man to heal him, but He chose to say this. I think it is for more than one reason. If the paralysis came upon the man because of sinful living, which is a real possibility, then Jesus would be giving the man a warning that He was healing the man and forgiving the sins, but not to go back to the old way of living. It was also to demonstrate His power.

Matthew 9:3-6 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Mark 2:6-11 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in His Spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

Luke 5:21-24 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 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 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.

Jesus did not need to take a vote among the religious leaders and scribes to see if He could heal this man. Jesus did not need permission to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven." These things displayed the power of God and because of the large crowd that day, many were able to thank God and praise God for the miracle that took place before their very eyes. When Jesus told him to take up his bed, he did exactly that! Look at what our text says about this miraculous healing.

Matthew 5:7-8 And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Luke 5:25-26 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

Imagine the jubilee of the paralytic and his friends as they walked home. He was carried in and under the power of Almighty God, he walked home completely healed and forgiven. What a celebration! Those who saw it were in awe, amazement, and fear saying they had never seen someone healed that way and how strange it was to them. 

Friends, regardless of what you are facing, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. He will not force you to walk in that purpose or to follow His plan, but He definitely has it all figured out. If you will trust Him, He will make a change in your life, too. Do you need healing? Do you need to get closer to Him? Are you in need of forgiveness? Call upon the name of Jesus and you will receive your healing. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, according to James 4:8. If you need forgiveness the Bible says in 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Don't put it off. Don't wait. Do not think you have plenty of time. Sunday my dear brother-in-law and my sweet sister were riding a motorcycle like they had done hundreds of times before. The weather was great for taking a ride and with helmets on they rode familiar paths. It was a day like any other. Only this time they were killed in an accident as someone hit them. I am rejoicing in knowing these powerful prayer warriors lived for God with everything they had. Often they would call me and sing to me and pray over me and give me encouraging words as I fought one battle after another. They were the first to cheer me on with my blog posts, YouTube videos, and prayer journals and things I made with Blue's Blessings. They are no doubt in the arms of Jesus and for that I am forever grateful. They made the decision to place their hands in the Master's and they never looked back.

You are not promised tomorrow. You are not promised your next breath. God wants you to be His child. Join His family by asking Jesus to come into your heart and save you. Admit you need a Savior and ask Him to forgive you for things you did knowingly and unknowingly. He is a loving Father who will accept you and heal you, help you, forgive you, and love you into His Kingdom.

I hope something I shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way! God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Demons Enter Pigs | Miracles of Jesus Christ

Do you know that demons are real? Some Christians do not believe in their existence but in Jesus' ministry on the earth, He not only lets us know they are real, but that He has all power over them. The apostle Paul writes to us in the book of Ephesians, in chapter six, instructing us to fully suit up in the armor of God because we do not fight with human beings, but rather spiritual forces of darkness.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke share an eyewitness account of Jesus delivering those possessed of devils in today's study. One thing I was not sure about was a small detail Matthew includes, but Mark and Luke leave out. Matthew says two were possessed with devils, but Mark and Luke each only speak of one. Perhaps Matthew is speaking about both because of the impact it made on his own faith journey. Maybe Mark and Luke wrote about the one they felt had a bigger impact in the events that transpired that day. Regardless, we can read and study these stories and see how powerful God is. We can also see that demons are real and they know who Jesus is. Let's jump right in.

This particular miracle takes place on the heels of the disciples watching Jesus calm the storm. Do you remember that? If not, click here, and you can study that miracle. 

Matthew 8:28-29 And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Mark 5:1-8 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure Thee by God, that Thou torment me not. For He said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

Luke 8:26-29 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when He went forth to land, there met Him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God Most High? I beseech Thee, torment me not. (For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Isn't this an incredible introduction to this miracle? There was a major storm on one side of the sea where Jesus displays His powerful ability to control nature and then on the other side of the sea another storm is brewing but this time it is inside the demon-possessed man. The disciples are about to encounter the power of God in a way they have never seen before.

It's important to study what is being said about this man. He is no longer in control of his body, his mind, his emotions, or his actions. He is exceeding fierce, according to Matthew's Gospel. This man is in torment day and night. While we are never told what happened to open the door for the enemy to invade his entire being like this, we do know that it had been going on for a long time. Others tried to tame him by putting him in chains and fetters but the forces of evil at work in his body would simply break them into pieces. There was no restraining this man, so instead of wearing clothes and living in a home like the rest of society, he was driven away by the devil into the wilderness and spent his time among the tombs. Imagine if all you ever saw was death, desolation, isolation, and torment day after day? No wonder the man would cry and he would take sharp rocks to cut himself. Perhaps he was hoping they would leave him alone if he gave them a way out?

The first thing the man did was run to Jesus and fall at His feet. The Scriptures say he worshipped Jesus. We know that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. These demons know who Jesus is and they know what He plans to do with them at the end of time. Notice they must get permission from Jesus before doing anything. They beg Him not to torment them. Isn't it interesting that they are tormenting spirits but they do not want to be tormented?

Mark 5:9-10 And He asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought Him much that He would not send them away out of the country.

Luke 8:30-31 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought Him that He would not command them to go out into the deep. 

My study Bible footnote says this, "The deep is a place of confinement for spirits, the place where Satan will be bound during the millennium (Revelation 20:1-3). The demons, who called themselves "Legion," recognized Jesus. They knew that Jesus would command them to come out of the man. They begged Jesus not to send them into the deep, which referred to the "bottomless pit," or "dark abode of the dead."

Jesus asked the unclean spirit to identify itself. The name they gave was Legion because of the amount of unclean spirits that was living in that man. In those days, a Legion was a military term, and in the Roman army it would have been about 5,000 men. Legion means a multitude, so it could be thousands of demons in this case. As we read on, we know the fate of the demons and the swine they joined themselves to and if that number of pigs equals one devil we can estimate about how many demons were in this man.

Matthew 8:30-32 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And He said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

Mark 5:11-13 Now there was nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought Him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

Luke 8:32-33 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought Him that He would suffer them to enter into them. And He suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

The Lord allowed the demons to enter the pigs who were grazing nearby. Swine is unclean beasts to the Jews, so maybe that is why Jesus allowed them to overtake the herd. We do not know exactly why they wanted to enter the pigs. What is interesting to me is that pigs know how to swim instinctively. The violent running off the steep cliff into the lake demonstrates the power of evil overtaking the will of the pigs. It is clear that Jesus is showing all those present that when evil forces take over your life it only leads to destruction and death. The miracle is the evidence of God's power over every force of darkness.

Mark 8:33-34 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw Him, they besought Him that He would depart out of their coasts.

Mark 5:14-17 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray Him to depart out of their coasts.

Luke 8:34-37 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought Him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and He went up into the ship, and returned back again.

The swine are dead and those who were responsible for feeding and caring for them ran back into town to tell the owners what happened. The owners of the swine meet up with Jesus and the man who was possessed with the devil and they want to know what happened. They all know the man from the tombs. They were unable to hold him or control him in any way. Now he sits calmly, fully clothed, and in his right mind beside Jesus. The men are terrified about what has taken place. They do not demand restitution for the loss of their herd. They do ask Jesus what they must do to have the same peace as this once tormented man now has. They decide they do not want to know anymore. They beg Jesus to leave their borders! Can you imagine seeing people so held by fear and disbelief that they kick Jesus out of their country? But the story is not over yet.

Mark 5:18-20 And when He was come into the ship, he that been possessed with the devil prayed Him that he might be with Him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Luke 8:34-39 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought Him that he might be with Him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

The young man has his life back. He wants to do something great for God and so he wants to join Jesus on His mission to heal, save, and deliver. Jesus has other plans for him. He tells him to go evangelize in his own hometown. What better example of God's power and mercy than his own testimony? Imagine when he went home to see his mom and dad and he was able to hug them and have a real conversation. The excitement and joy he felt must have been explosive. The Bible tells us that he went to Decapolis and told everyone what Jesus had done and all of them marveled! They were all in awe of the power of God. He went throughout the whole city and no doubt others were changed, encouraged, blessed, and helped by his powerful testimony.

Friends we do not ever go through battles and afflictions for no reason. We also never go through pain and suffering just for our own benefit. Everything we face and overcome gives us a voice and a platform to share with others who may be struggling with the same things. We must go around sharing God's goodness and faithfulness with everyone we meet. Keep this miracle going by passing it on. Tell your story and let others be encouraged and find hope when things may seem bleak.

I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into this incredible miracle of Jesus Christ. I pray that something I shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Calming the Storm | Miracle of Jesus Christ

Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like there was no way out? Maybe you were facing something so overwhelming it felt like you would not make it? Was there ever a time when you felt like if God did not intervene you would lose everything?

When we think of the miracles of Jesus Christ we may think of how He healed lepers, opened blind eyes and deaf ears. Those are actual miracles Jesus performed. These historical accounts serve to deepen our faith and remind us that God loves us and wants to help us. While those miraculous events are encouraging, sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we need God to move quickly and that is what we will see today as we read from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As we read what happened in a life-threatening situation long ago, we can hold onto faith knowing Jesus is still able to meet our needs rapidly today.

Matthew 8:23 And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him.

The first thing Matthew tells us is that Jesus boarded a ship and the disciples followed Him. These are men in relationship with Jesus. He talks with them. He has performed miracles in their presence. They know and trust Jesus. Do you? Have you spent time with the Master? Are you familiar with Jesus? If He went onto a ship, do you trust Him enough to follow Him? Would you first want to ask some questions about the destination or perhaps the weather conditions? Would you need some time to think about whether or not you should go? The disciples followed Jesus without questioning Him. 

Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep.

Things were going well at first. Jesus lays down to rest. Have you ever been on a boat and the waves begin to rock the boat and the sun is warm against your skin, and then a cool breeze blows out across the water? Recently my family took my mom and my sister's family out on the water. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed our time together. My son fell asleep and my brother-in-law stated he was so relaxed he could take a nap, too! 

The disciples had no idea everything was about to change! A storm comes up quickly and the waves start crashing against the sides of the boat, and then the waves get bigger and they are getting soaked. The Bible says in Matthew's account that the ship was covered with waves. I can imagine that would be terrifying and anyone who may have dozed off was no longer sleeping! Except, it says that Jesus was asleep! The storm did not move Jesus. He was not concerned about the waves or how threatening the situation had turned. He is asleep!

Sometimes we may feel like we have been blindsided. Maybe a diagnosis or a loss of some sort has taken us by surprise and it seems like our only hope is not around. Maybe we feel overwhelmed and attacked on every side. Where is Jesus when the storms of life rage around us? He may be near but it feels like you are fighting this battle all alone.

Matthew 8:25 And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

The disciples went to Jesus. Have you gone to Him? In their desperation they beg for Jesus to save them. They feel as though they will die. They want Jesus to calm their nerves, to put their minds at ease, and to fix it. Do you want that? Are you in a place where you are running to Jesus to save you because you think you are not going to make it? It is not wrong to do that. We must turn to our Savior and ask Him to get us through these circumstances, but we have to want more than a life preserver from Jesus. We need to know that Jesus can solve any problem we have, but when we are asking, do we believe that He can change things, or do we just hope so?

Matthew 8:26 And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 

Notice that Jesus speaks to the disciples before He speaks to the wind and sea. He asks the men why they are afraid and why they have so little faith. You see, He has done miraculous things in front of these disciples. They know the power that He has but they ran to Him in fear instead of asking from a place of faith. It is sometimes very difficult to remember that Jesus wants to help us. We are safe just because He is with us. Keep in mind, Jesus does not reject the disciples because they asked in fear, but rather once again displays His power right before their eyes. He commands the situation to be still and immediately it is calm. Jesus did not calm the disciples, He changed the circumstances. 

Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!

The disciples are surprised that Jesus answered their prayers. They are safe. They are with the Peace Speaker and everything is okay. Now they see Jesus in a different way. They are in awe that Jesus has power over nature. There is no limit to what He can do.

Mark's account is quite similar to Matthew, but let's see what Mark's experience was.

Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

The disciples are with Jesus in the evening and Jesus suggests they cross over to the other side of the sea.

Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships.

So Jesus and the disciples sent the multitude away after Jesus had been teaching them, There were other little ships near where people were most likely boarded to listen to Jesus speak. Jesus and His disciples are all on the same ship at this point in the evening.

Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so it was now full.

Mark shares that a terrible storm came upon them and the ship they were in was filling up with water as the waves are beating into the vessel they are in. The water is high enough to splash over into the ship. This is no small matter. They are in danger of losing their life if something is not done.

Mark 4:38 And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish?

Did you catch that? Mark says Jesus is laying on a pillow! He is good and comfortable. Jesus is in the stern of the ship sleeping while they are scared out of their minds! They wake Jesus and ask Him if He even cares that they are about to die. Have you ever asked something similar? I know I have. I have felt like Jesus was not concerned about how bad things were in my life and in my health especially. I wondered if He had forgotten me. We all can face circumstances that feel so overwhelming and heavy that it can feel like we are left to fight the winds and the sea alone while Jesus is safe and comfortable somewhere else.

Mark 4:39 And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

In Mark's account, Jesus got up and told the wind and the sea to be still and there was a great calm. It wasn't just an absence of stormy conditions, but there was a big change in the atmosphere. Have you ever been in a situation where God came on the scene and it was instant peace? I know I have and there is nothing like experiencing the power of God in that way.

Mark 4:40 And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Jesus calmed the storm and then addresses the disciples and asks them why they were afraid and how is it they have no faith. Of course Jesus understands that the storm and the waves crashing overboard is a scary situation. He knows the humanity of the men that are with Him. He is not telling them they are wrong for being afraid of the storm. He is reminding them there is no reason to fear anyone or anything when they have their confidence in Him.

Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

The men who witnessed the power of Jesus were in awe that He had authority to do more than the healing miracles they saw with their own eyes. They had never encountered anyone with the ability to command the wind and sea to obey. Jesus does not condemn the disciples for being fearful and lacking faith, but rather challenges them to think differently about who He is and what He can do. It is almost as if He is saying, "Guys, you are with Me so there is nothing to be afraid of. Simply believe in Me."

We have heard from Matthew and Mark, now let's turn our attention to the book of Luke. The physician takes four verses to discuss what happened that day on the lake.

Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that He went into a ship with His disciples: and He said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

Again we see, as in the other Gospels, Jesus is with His disciples and wants them to go with Him to the other side of the lake, and so they did. I think this is very important to highlight that it is Jesus's idea to take this boat trip across the water. Could it be to show the disciples, and ultimately all of us, another side of Jesus we have not encountered yet?

Luke 8:23 But as they sailed He fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

Luke states that as they sail along Jesus falls asleep. Again, not an unusual experience. Jesus may have been exhausted after ministering to the multitudes for so long and now He is resting before they go to the other shore and He begins to minister again. Luke's account says that as the weather changed they were in jeopardy. This is not just a scary moment because of the high winds and choppy water, but the ship is taking on water and Luke lets us know their lives are at stake.

Luke 8:24 And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Master, Master, we perish. Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Again, we see the disciples turn to Jesus. Something about Him makes the disciples run to Him to save them and help them. If Jesus was just an ordinary man, would they have ran to Him to save them? It is doubtful. Why are they not looking to one another for help. Instead, they run to Jesus. It is important not to gloss over that fact. We Christians know that Jesus is our hope and our answer, but the disciples do not have the New Testament to read. They are living this out and it is important to note that they expected Jesus to do something to help them.

Jesus gets up and rebukes the wind and the "raging of the water." It is important for Luke to describe the situation. There was a violence to this storm. It was not just a rain shower. There was a real threat felt by all the men aboard the ship. Luke says they call on Jesus and state, "We perish." This is a different perspective than Matthew or Mark had. Luke remembers the encounter as they were in danger of dying and so they addressed Jesus with that news. Luke says that when Jesus rebuked the storm, the raging ceased and there was a calm.

Jesus will take the chaos and the raging of spiritual storms in our own lives and will rebuke them, leaving us with a peace and a calm that can only happen with His authority. We must not think we are alone to fight these rough battles, because Jesus is with us and we do not have to be afraid.

Luke 8:25 And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.

We should note that Luke only quotes Jesus asking where is their faith. He does not mention that Jesus asked why they are afraid. Perhaps this stuck out more to Luke that Jesus is questioning their faith. Jesus could have said a lot of things to them. He could have bragged about His ability to calm the wind and sea, but He did not do that. He gently asks them where their faith is. He was teaching them to put their trust in Him. He is teaching us that today as we look at these passages.

What battle are you in? Do you feel like you are facing some storms that came on suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere? Did you find yourself following Jesus and doing what He asked of you and yet this raging, angry storm appeared knocking you off your feet and you feel as though you are in jeopardy? Friends, don't be discouraged. That same Jesus who calmed their storm and removed their fear, is the same Jesus who is offering you the same solution. He wants to be your storm chaser. He will provide peace and calm to the chaos that threatens to destroy you. Where is your trust? Where is your hope? Where is your faith? Let it be found in the Peace Speaker, the Master of the Wind and the Tamer of the Sea.

I have enjoyed looking at these miracles of Jesus Christ with you all. It is so rewarding and enriching for me to dig deeper into the Scriptures and reflect on what Jesus did when His disciples felt as though they were going to drown. It reminds me that He is not going to let me go under either. I pray that you are encouraged today and that this has given you strength for your journey and light for your way.

God bless you!

Bridgett Owens

Healing the Sick at Evening | Miracle of Jesus Christ

The Bible gives us many examples of Jesus healing people, delivering people, and setting the captives free. We also know that many more miracles were done by Jesus but not ever recorded. Think back to after the resurrection when Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas, and said, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29) John writes in verses 30 and 31 of that same chapter, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." So the point in reading these miraculous accounts of what Christ did is to build our faith and that faith will cause us to accept Jesus as Son of God and Messiah, so then we will receive everlasting life. We must continue to share these stories because everyone needs to know the truth about who Jesus is and what He actually did while He was on the earth.

The first account of this miracle is in Matthew 8:16-17. It reads:

When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Jesus had a reputation that He could do the miraculous and that drew desperate people to Himself. Many were possessed with devils. This is an important statement. This was an issue in that area at the time. We see today in 2024 there are many in this nation, and around the globe who are possessed with devils and they are in need of deliverance that can only come from Jesus. We are told in the Holy script that Jesus cast out the evil spirits with His word. He didn't have to beg them to go, or ask them to leave. Jesus Christ had all power given to Him by His Father and He had authority over unclean spirits and they had to obey Him. Why did Jesus heal the sick and afflicted? We are told it was to fulfill the prophecy Isaiah gave.

Isaiah 53:3-5 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our face from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.

Jesus was most certainly despised and rejected of men. We see how he sorrowfully opened His arms wide to Jerusalem and with a heavy heart said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37) Yet He still healed the sick and tormented. He still carried our sins and our penalty and paid the price to redeem us all, including those who to this day will reject Him.

Mark gives an account of these miracles as well in chapter one, in verses 32 through 34.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto Him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.

Mark gives a little more information on what is happening this particular evening. An onslaught of people have come to be healed and delivered by Jesus. They are gathered at the door. The Bible tells us Jesus is the door that we must go through to get to God. "Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, He shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:7-9

Jesus healed many that came and delivered those possessed with devils. Mark goes on to say that Jesus did not permit the demons to speak because they knew Him. These evil spirits knew Jesus is the Christ and they would have said so if they were allowed to speak. Jesus was very sensitive to the timing in which His Heavenly Father did all things and this was not the time, so they were not allowed to speak.

Luke's Gospel gives account of this story in chapter 4 verses 40 and 41.

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ.

I like reading Luke's account because of the details he included. He said there were divers diseases, like we read in Mark's Gospel. Luke says Jesus laid His hand on every single one of them and healed them. There was no blanket prayer or a group session. Jesus went to each individual and healed them all.

The devils also came out proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ. Jesus had to rebuke them and not allow them to speak because He knew it was not time for that. Jesus knew His life was on a timeline designed by His Father and we see over and over again how Jesus continues to lay down His own will and yields to His Father.

Jesus was familiar with suffering and sorrow. We know this if we study His life. He felt pain and grief. He knew what it felt like to be with someone day and night for three and half years and they still would betray Him with a kiss in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knows what we are going through and Peter reminds us that Jesus set the tone for how we should respond when we are hurt, strongly criticized, and wounded. Let's read that final passage in closing of today's study.

1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not: but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own Self bare our sins in His body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye are healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Friends, Jesus still heals, delivers, and saves. Call upon Him now and He will meet your needs. Just ask Him to do it and He will. He has given us proof today in His Word that it is His desire for us to be whole. Let's keep our confidence in the One who can do what no one can: Jesus our miracle working Savior!

I hope something shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way.

God bless you,
Bridgett Owens

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law | Miracle of Jesus Christ

Most of the people Jesus healed were not mentioned by name. I think it could be in part so that we can relate to these miraculous stories. Much like when one goes to purchase a home, the house will be staged and most of the homeowner's personality is missing so others can easily see themselves living there. Today we are talking about a miracle of Jesus Christ as He heals a woman He is very familiar with. We do not know her name but we do know that she is the mother of Peter's wife. We pick up the story in Matthew, Mark and Luke's gospels.

Matthew's Account:

Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Mark's Account:

Mark 1:29-31 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her. And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Luke's Account:

Luke 4:38-39 And He arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

Jesus was God in the flesh. Matthew shows us the power of God in this exchange. Jesus had authority over the fever and with one touch of the Master's hand she received healing. She was able to get up and serve others. This shows us there was no weakness or lingering sickness. She was not only afebrile but she was healed! In Mark's account we see the fever immediately left her. There was no waiting on the fever to break or a medication to work. The dominion Jesus has over all sickness and disease is demonstrated in this miraculous healing. And finally Luke tells us the fever was very great. This was no low-grade fever and as a doctor it was important for Luke to detail this. Luke says Jesus stood over her. Again this shows the position of authority over the illness. Jesus rebuked the fever and it left her. Again we see the immediate effect that this woman was then able to minister to her guests in her home.

We are not given details about how long she had been sick, what caused the fever, or anything further. What we know is that this woman was a server. She desired to minister to those in her home. The mother has a pivotal role in the Jewish family. She attends to needs and makes sure everyone is taken care of. She was no longer able to do any of that when she was laying sick with a high fever. Jesus shows us that He cares about everyone, including women, including mothers, and including families.

You may be sick and have suffered for a long time. Maybe you do not know what is causing your illness and maybe you do, but today we have assurance that Jesus cares about us. He does not want us to remain sick. He does not want our energy drained and unable to minister to those around us. Will you ask Jesus to heal you? He will do it! Ask a friend or family member to anoint your head with oil and lay their hands on you and pray in faith and God will raise you up. James 5:14-16 says, Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

If you need healing, please leave a comment below or feel free to email me at bridgettowens78@gmail.com and I will pray for you. I know that Jesus will heal you. He is a wonderful Savior and He cares for you.

I hope today's blog post has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

Bridgett Owens

Healing Paralysis | Miracle of Jesus Christ

I have had the privilege to work for many different organizations through the years. It has been my experience that not every employer is kind and caring toward their employees. While some were fair, not every boss had compassion for the welfare of their workers. When we think of military leaders, compassionate and generous may not be the top two adjectives that come to mind. Yet, in today's reading we will see how Jesus was impressed with a Gentile Roman Centurion's faith, more than anyone else in Israel.

Matthew and Luke are the two disciples who chose to record this miracle. You can read along in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. The miracle Jesus performs is for the servant of a Roman soldier. We do not ever know the servant's name, if he was a Jew or Gentile, or if he even knew Jesus at all. We learn a great deal about the unnamed Centurion, though, and it is his great faith that moves Jesus to grant this man's request.

Centurions were not just soldiers. These were leaders over 100 or some accounts say several hundred. This man of war knew how to submit to authority and how to exercise his authority over others. He understood the power of a command. Beyond his military experience, we read in Luke that this man was also generous. He loved his country and funded the building of a synagogue for the Jews to worship. 

MATTHEW 8:5-6 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

LUKE 7:1-5 Now when He had ended all His sayings in the audience of the people, He entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought Him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

The centurion sent for Jesus but he did not tell the men to say nice things about him. They spoke of this man's character and integrity because of who this man was publicly and privately. He was deeply concerned about his servant and the Bible tells us that the servant was dear to him. He is not worried about losing a good worker or how this will impact his bottom dollar. He genuinely wants his cherished servant to be well.

Jesus must have been asked to a lot of people's homes to perform miracles and to heal diseases. Yet, Jesus did not hesitate to go this man's home. Just like Jesus told the leper who asked to be healed, Jesus is saying to this centurion, "I want to. I will."

MATTHEW 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

LUKE 7:6a Then Jesus went with them.

What would you do if you found out Jesus was coming to your house? Would you be glad? Would you panic? The Roman soldier humbled himself to request this healing but he did not want to trouble Jesus. He had deep respect for Jesus. But he did not want Jesus to come to his home. He wants Jesus to heal the servant but his faith is so strong that he tells Jesus to just command the miracle to be and he believed that it would be just as Jesus said. He knew the power of Jesus' words could bridge the distance and his servant would be healed. 

MATTHEW 8:8-9 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

LUKE 7:6b-8 And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto Him, Lord, trouble not Thyself: for I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto Thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Remember the centurion did not speak to Jesus face to face. He did not feel worthy to even be in His presence. He just wanted the Lord to command the illness to leave his servant and he had no doubt that it would be done. Scripture tells us what Jesus thought about that. A Gentile career military officer had so much faith in Jesus to heal his servant that Jesus said this man had more faith than anyone else in all of Israel!

How is our faith? What are we asking God for? Do we believe in the authority Jesus has over cancer, chronic pain, financial distress, chaos with our children, anxiety and depression? Can Jesus do what we are asking of Him? The centurion did not doubt for one moment what Jesus could do. He was bold enough to ask and courageous enough to believe. We must ask ourselves if we are that bold and courageous.

MATTHEW 8:10-13 When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of heaven. But the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so shall it be done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

LUKE 7:9-10 When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned Him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Why did Jesus say all that about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? What could that have to do with healing the centurion's servant? The point Jesus is making is that not all the Israelites would be in heaven. This man was not a Jew and yet he would be sitting at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven. The children of the Kingdom who are cast into outer darkness refer to the lost sheep who refuse to listen to the Good Shepherd. The Gentile has a place in God's Kingdom because he had great faith in Jesus. We all have the opportunity to make heaven our Home. Have you believed on Jesus? Do you recognize that He is the Son of God, the Holy One? If you do, then you are saved. If you do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world, then you need to put your trust in Him today. Let today be your day of salvation.

This is a wonderful miracle that impacted the centurion and his servant and countless others connected to these two men. We know that it is to increase our faith that Jesus can do anything we ask, think, or even imagine. There is more to this story, though. This is an invitation for whosoever will to receive the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Do you know Him as Lord and Savior? I pray that you do!

I hope that you are encouraged today as you read this miracle of Jesus Christ. Jesus healed the centurion's servant who was paralyzed and near death. What a Savior indeed! May today's blog post be strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Jesus wants to. Jesus will. | Cleansing A Leper Miracle

Matthew, Mark, and Luke each share a glimpse into what happened when Jesus changed one man's life forever. Mark gives the most details on the background story. Let's look at it together.

Mark 1:35-39 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him. And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for Thee. And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

    Matthew confirms Jesus comes down from the mountain where a huge following of people are gathered.

Matthew 8:1 When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.

    Before doing great miracles or ministering to the masses, Jesus got up early in the morning a long time before the sun was coming up. While others slept, Jesus rose early to be alone and pray.

    There are so many amazing things we can do for the Kingdom of God. It is important to share our testimony, offer words of encouragement, and do great things to honor Jesus, but we must first begin our day with Him. How often do we scramble to the kitchen for a quick breakfast as we rush kids off to school and run through the morning routines without first stopping to talk with the Master?

    The disciples went looking for Jesus and when they found Him, they let Him know everyone wants to see Him. They did not ask about His solitary prayer time. Jesus did not ask how many followers there were, sign autographs and take photos with "fans." He is clear on His mission to preach the Gospel. We cannot let followers sway us from keeping our shoulder to the plow. This is not the time to get caught up in the numbers. Instead, let's remember why we are here and allow God to work through us.

    Luke's account begins with one man's story. Let's read it.

Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when He was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.

    Mark shares how this man is so desperate for Jesus to heal him, he begs Him.

Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.

    It is repeated in Matthew's account:

Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.

     We do not know this man's name or how he knew Jesus and the power of His touch, but it is clear in all accounts this man has faith. He tells Jesus, "If You want to, You can heal me." Have there been times you have had such tremendous faith? Do you believe that if Jesus wants to, He can heal you, save you, forgive you, restore you, deliver you, or love you? If you ever wondered if Jesus wants to do those things, we will see what Jesus' response always is to those who have faith in Him.

Luke 5:13 And He put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Mark 1:41-42 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will: be thou clean. And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

  “I will.”

  “I will.”

  “I will.”

  Each account, Jesus tells the man, "I want to heal you," and immediately the leprosy is gone. Jesus is saying the same thing to each one of us today. If we have faith that Jesus has the power to heal, save, forgive, restore, deliver, and love, His response is, “I want to. I will.”

  Jesus gives the man specific instructions on what to do according to the Old Testament law, then He tells the healed man to tell no one else. That may seem strange to us. Wouldn’t Jesus want others to know what the power of God can do? Wouldn’t the man’s family and friends, coworkers, others in his life who knew he was once a leper, wouldn’t they all know something miraculous happened? How could he keep this to Himself?

 Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 1:43-45 And He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to Him from every quarter.

Luke 5:14-16 And He charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of Him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

  Jesus no longer had the freedom to walk into a city and preach the Gospel. Now people sought Him for miracles. Yes, it is wonderful when Jesus performed miracles and helped so many people, but salvation is not in physical healing alone. The most important thing Jesus wanted to share was the free gift of salvation for whosoever will.

Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to experience something supernatural and miraculous that we forget about the most miraculous thing…salvation. We can pray for others to be healed, delivered, set free from addictions or perhaps get a financial miracle. Those are great things to pray for. How often do we pray for their salvation? How often are we asking our friends and family about their walk with God? How concerned are we about where our loved ones will end up in eternity?

I have had a lot of prayer requests this year from others about specific needs being met and just like Jesus said to the leper, He is saying to us, “I want to. I will.” How about we pray just as much for our lost loved ones and acquaintances because His answer is the same. He wants to. He will.

I pray this blog post has been Strength for your journey & Light for your way. God bless you!

Bridgett Owens