Jesus Christ man of miracles

Objectives: To be able to describe the stories about how Jesus healed the sick. To understand how Jesus’ power overcome death and saved a young girl. To reflect upon why Jesus did not use his powers to help himself.

What did Jesus do? Jesus performed many miracles during his ministry (this is what we call the time when he was showing the world who he was, and telling them about God) in Galilee. His miracles often involved casting demons out of people, healing people and even raising the dead. As well as healing stories, Jesus is involved in some spectacular nature miracles, such as the calming of the storm.

At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the road. Jesus heals a blind man They came to Jericho, and as Jesus was leaving with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus! Son of David! Take pity on me! Many people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David take pity on me!”. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up!” they said. “Get up, he is calling you.” He threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. “Teacher,” the blind man answered, “I want to see again.” “Go”, Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you well.” At once he was able to see and followed Jesus on the road.

Task: answer these questions Why do you think the people told the blind beggar to be quiet? How could Jesus heal the man without even touching him? Why would Jesus heal a beggar? (Think about his teachings). Do you think Jesus was trying to prove something by healing people? Explain your answer.

Jairus’ daughter – the power of death challenged This story shows God’s rule overcomes the evil of death. Death is one of the greatest tragedies of our world. It is particularly tragic when it strikes a young person. Task: complete the storyboard based on Jairus’ daughter. Use thought bubbles to capture how different characters may have felt. In the role of Jairus’ daughter write a short letter to Jesus to say how grateful you are, remembering that he asked for the news not to be spread (so some kind of secret code might be useful!)

What do the miracles mean? Match up the mix up Feeding the five thousand Jesus healed people because he cared about their physical needs. One of the men thanked Jesus as he was healed not only in body but in spirit because he had come to worship God. Healing of blind Bartimaeus This is one of Jesus’ most unusual miracles. This one was used to teach his disciples that Jesus was the son of God as he could defy the rules of nature. Healing of 10 lepers (9 of which were ungrateful) This miracle reminds Christians that Jesus, the Son of God, is the creator and sustainer of all things. That Jesus cares for physical and spiritual needs. Jesus walks on water He asked Jesus for mercy before anything else. He knew that before God everyone was a spiritual beggar whether rich or poor.

Extension tasks Christians believe that Jesus used miracles not only to help people but also to show his disciples who he really was, the messiah and the son of God. What reasons can you think of for Jesus choosing not to work a miracle to save himself from dying on the cross? Explain your answer. If you could interview one of the people Jesus healed what 3 questions would you like to ask? List them. Now swap with the person next to who needs to imagine in role and respond to your questions.