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What is a miracle? Have you ever seen or experience a miracle? The Bible Dictionary describes a miracle as follows: An extraordinary event caused by divine or spiritual power (Bible Dictionary, “Miracles,” 732–33.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie teaches of miracles as: "In the broadest sense, miracles embrace all those events which are beyond the power of any presently known physical power to produce. They are occurrences which deviate from the known laws of nature and which transcend our knowledge of those laws....
"But in the gospel sense, miracles are those occurrences wrought by the power of God which are wholly beyond the power of man to perform. Produced by a supernatural power, they are marvels, wonders, and signs, which cannot be duplicated by man's present powers or by any powers which he can obtain by scientific advancements. Miracles in the gospel sense are gifts of the Spirit; they take place when the Lord on his own motion manifests his powers or when man by faith prevails upon Deity to perform supernatural events." (Mormon Doctrine, p506)
Elder James E. Talmage states that: "Miracles cannot be in contravention of natural law, but are wrought through the operation of laws not universally or commonly recognized....
"In the contemplation of the miracles wrought by Christ, we must of necessity recognize the operation of a power transcending our present human understanding. In this field, science has not yet advanced far enough to analyze and explain. To deny the actuality of miracles on the ground that, because we cannot comprehend the means, the reported results are fictitious, is to arrogate to the human mind the attribute of omniscience, by implying that what man cannot comprehend cannot be, and that therefore he is able to comprehend all that is." (Jesus the Christ, p148)
We know from reading the New Testament that the Savior performed many miracles so what is one of the Savior’s miracles that you would like to have witnessed? Why?
For me I have a great love for the miracle of the woman with the issue of blood that just wanted to touch the hem of his garment for if she did she believed she would be healed. I love this account because it reminds me of me. Her story is almost like mine, with years, time and money exhausted and no answers to really help. Then comes the Savior, and she can feel him, she knows, and she believes, even enough to just reach out to him and feel his garment for even just the notion of his garment is enough to her to gain comfort. How oft have I wished, and prayed, even to touch the hem of His garment, and then one day, it was if I had. The study of this story had a profound effect upon my life, an effect large enough to cause me to believe, and reach out to touch Him. In return I was healed.
As the miracles of Jesus Christ continue to unfold through his ministry in Matthew 8–9; Mark 2; 5. its no doubt that many have found profound and powerful insights through personal study of these events. It’s hard to read the New Testament without being impressed by the many accounts of the Savior healing the sick and afflicted; but what messages might there be for us today in these miracles of physical healing?
This week in our New Testament study our goal is to increase our insights and find out how these miracles carry us through in everyday life, how they help us to heal, how they help us to endure, how they help us to seek forgiveness, to help us understand why the scriptures are important today, and how they help us travel the road to perfection; indeed how they give us hope.
1. Miracles occur according to God’s will and our faith in Jesus Christ Matthew 8–9; Mark 2; 5
These chapters present a continuation of the Savior’s Galilean ministry overviewed in Matthew 4:23: “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching … and preaching … and healing all manner of sickness” Having recorded an important part of the Savior’s teaching and preaching in chapters 5–7, Matthew next documented in chapters 8–9 numerous miracles that Jesus Christ performed. These miracles illustrate the Savior’s power and authority over all things. As well Mark 2; 5 shows the astonishment and amazement the people had for the teachings and miracles as they gathered around the Savior to witness. Others, however, failed to understand who He was and increasingly opposed Him Mark 2:1–3:7. Even the Savior’s disciples had to grow in their faith and understanding of who He was Mark 4:40–41.
The Purpose of the Miracles
As Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching the gospel, he performed many miracles, including healing the sick and casting out devils. Why did Jesus perform these and other miracles during his ministry?
To show love and compassion Mark 5:19; see also 3 Nephi 17:6–7.
19 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.
To build and confirm faith Matthew 9:27–30.
27 ¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
To prove his divinity and power Mark 1:27; 2:10–11.
10 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,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
The miracles Jesus performed during his earthly ministry were intended, among other things, to be proof to the Jews and to all people that he was the Messiah, the Son of God, and to reveal his character and power.
One writer has stated that "the miracles were Jesus' credentials, presented to the people in general and the leaders in particular as signs of his divinity. . . . In this context some miracles were directed specifically to the people, some to the leaders of the Jews, some to the Law, and some to the Apostles. All this that they might prove, attest, and verify that Jesus was the Christ, the expected Messiah."
Bruce R McConkie explained how the miracles establish Christ's divinity. He declared: "Jesus performed miracles by the power of God, which he could not have done unless God was with him and approved of his ministry (John 9:30-33). His crowning teaching was: 'I am the Son of God' (John 10:36). Therefore, his miracles proved his divine Sonship, for God would not have endowed him with healing power if he were a false teacher." (Studies in Scripture Vol 5 Kent P Jackson)
These chapters record many instances of miraculous healings performed by the Savior. As you read the events listed from the chapters; think about the following questions: What does each account teach about faith? What does each account teach about the Savior? What does God want me to learn from this miracle?
1. A leper (Matthew 8:1–4)
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
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.
In the Bible “leprosy” refers to a variety of skin ailments, including Hansen’s disease, which is the illness often called leprosy in our day. Leprosy is a chronic disease that attacks skin, nerves, eyes, bones, and limbs. Left untreated, it progressively disables its victims before subjecting them to a painful death. Lepers in ancient Israel were quarantined, were commanded to call out “Unclean!” to warn anyone approaching them, and were considered to spread their uncleanness to anyone who came in contact with them Leviticus 13:45–46. It is therefore remarkable that Jesus touched this leper while healing him. That act may refer to the laying on of hands, but it also reflects the Savior’s compassion. After healing the man, the Savior commanded him to obey the Mosaic commandment that healed lepers present themselves to a priest, offer sacrifice, and undergo a purification ritual.
Leprosy was considered a living death because it destroyed the physical body as well as the person’s social standing, leaving the victim isolated and alone. By healing this leper, the Savior not only healed his physical body but also restored him to society.
President Boyd K. Packer wrote a poem likening the Savior’s healing of lepers to the forgiveness that is available through repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ:
In ancient times the cry “Unclean!”
Would warn of lepers near.
“Unclean! Unclean!” the words rang out;
Then all drew back in fear,
Lest by the touch of lepers’ hands
They, too, would lepers be.
There was no cure in ancient times,
Just hopeless agony.
But there was One, the record shows,
Whose touch could make them pure;
Could ease their awful suffering,
Their rotting flesh restore.
The day He made ten lepers whole,
The day He made them clean,
Well symbolized His ministry
And what His life would mean.
However great that miracle,
This was not why He came.
He came to rescue every soul
From death, from sin, from shame.
What must be done to make us clean
We cannot do alone.
The law, to be a law, requires
A pure one must atone.
He taught that justice will be stayed
Till mercy’s claim be heard
If we repent and are baptized
And live by every word.
If we could only understand
All we have heard and seen,
We’d know there is no greater gift
Than those two words—“Washed clean!”
(“Washed Clean,” Ensign, May 1997, 10–11.)
According to Mark 1:41, what was one reason Jesus healed the leper? Jesus performed many miracles that directly blessed just one person.
What do these incidents demonstrate about how Jesus feels about us individually? How has he shown love and compassion for you?
2. A centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13)
5 ¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
A centurion was an officer in the Roman army in command of a company of 50 to 100 men. The Jews generally viewed centurions with contempt, for they symbolized the Roman political and military authority. However, in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, we find highlighted several admirable qualities of this particular centurion. He was altruistic, centering his request on the needs of his servant, “who was dear unto him” The centurion’s goodness was affirmed by elders of the Jews. He demonstrated genuine humility, deeming himself unworthy to visit Jesus in person or to have Jesus enter his house. Another reason the centurion may not have sought a personal visit with Jesus is that observant Jews were forbidden to have close contact with Gentiles, such as eating with them or entering their homes.
The centurion, however, did not allow his feelings of unworthiness to prevent him from seeking the Savior’s help. He exercised tremendous faith in Jesus Christ, believing His word alone was sufficient to heal the servant. The centurion acknowledged Jesus’s divine authority and by using the word also likened it unto the military authority with which he was familiar. The Savior’s response that He had “not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” corresponds with His messianic declaration that He was anointed to bless all who would accept Him.
What do we you learn from the centurion about seeking the help of the Savior? The centurion's trust and confidence, his belief and faith, were genuine, if ours is also genuine we too will have the miracle.
3. Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–15)
14 ¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
What does this account teach about the Savior and his teachings? One of the things we learn from this account is that Peter was married. Elder Bruce R. McConkie used the account of Peter’s mother-in-law being healed by the Savior to teach that “Jesus’ specially selected disciples were married men with wives and children and families of their own” (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary [1980], 2:37).
Elder McConkie further explained that “some persons in some of the churches in the world are bound by vows of celibacy whereunder they agree to remain unmarried. Celibacy is not of God, whose law is that ‘Marriage is honourable in all’ (Heb. 13:4), and that men should ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.’ (Gen. 1:28.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 119).
4. A man who was paralyzed (Mark 2:1–12)
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 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.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 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.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 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?
9 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?
10 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,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
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.
Whose faith contributed to the healing of the man who was sick with palsy? Mark 2:3, 5.
2 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.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
How did these people demonstrate their faith? Mark 2:1–4.
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 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.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was:
Regarding the power that comes when individuals combine their faith, President Henry B. Eyring taught: “Adding together the prayers and faith of many draws down the influence of the Spirit” (“To Know and to Love God” [evening with President Henry B. Eyring, Feb. 26, 2010], 4).
How can we exercise faith in behalf of others? We gain a greater appreciation of the faith and determination of the man who was “sick of the palsy” and his friends when we consider what would have been involved in their gaining access to the Savior. (The word palsy in this context means “paralysis,” so the man could not walk to the Savior but had to be carried.)
First-century houses in Capernaum were constructed of stone walls that were topped by a flat roof made from wooden beams, thatch, and packed earth. The four persons carrying the paralytic on a stretcher found that the house where Jesus was teaching was too crowded to enter by the door. They gained access for their friend by climbing up to the roof, tearing a large opening through the mud-and-thatch construction (or perhaps through a palm-leaf-covered awning), and lowering the stretcher down to where the Savior was. The statement that “Jesus saw their faith” refers to the combined faith of all five, as demonstrated by their unusual persistence and united effort in striving to reach the Savior.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared the following experience to teach the importance of combining our righteous efforts with others: Some years ago in our meetinghouse in Darmstadt, Germany, a group of brethren was asked to move a grand piano from the chapel to the adjoining cultural hall, where it was needed for a musical event. None were professional movers, and the task of getting that gravity-friendly instrument through the chapel and into the cultural hall seemed nearly impossible. Everybody knew that this task required not only physical strength but also careful coordination. There were plenty of ideas, but not one could keep the piano balanced correctly. They repositioned the brethren by strength, height, and age over and over again—nothing worked.
“As they stood around the piano, uncertain of what to do next, a good friend of mine, Brother Hanno Luschin, spoke up. He said, ‘Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.’
“It seemed too simple. Nevertheless, each lifted where he stood, and the piano rose from the ground and moved into the cultural hall as if on its own power. That was the answer to the challenge. They merely needed to stand close together and lift where they stood.
“I have often thought of Brother Luschin’s simple idea and have been impressed by its profound truth. …
“Although it may seem simple, lifting where we stand is a principle of power” (“Lift Where You Stand,” Ensign Nov. 2008)
How has the faith of others helped you or someone you know?
What did some of the scribes think when Jesus told the man with palsy that his sins were forgiven? Mark 2:5–7.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee
6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Jesus has forgiven a man's sins. Luke's account puts the blessed words in the present tense: 'Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.' Immediately rebellion wells up in the hearts of the ever-present rebels. 'Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies?' they think. 'Who can forgive sins but God only?'
"In part, their thinking is correct. None but God can forgive sins, and if this man is not God, then the words he has spoken are blasphemy, and according to divine law, the penalty for such is death. If, however, this man is the Messiah, then the prerogative he has assumed is proper, and it is within his province to loose on earth and have it loosed eternally in the heavens. Messiah can forgive sins because Messiah is God." (Mortal Messiah )
He further explained that the healing of the paralytic was an important statement about who the Savior was: “This event in the life of our Lord was visible and irrefutable proof that he was the Messiah; and it was so recognized by those among whom he ministered. He had borne frequent verbal testimony that God was his Father and had supported that personal witness with an unparalleled ministry of preaching and healing. Now it was his purpose to announce that he had done what no one but God could do and to prove that he had done it by a further manifestation of his Father’s power.
“Both Jesus and the ‘doctors of the law’ who were then present knew that none but God can forgive sins. Accordingly, as a pointed and dramatic witness that the power of God was resident in him, Jesus took (perhaps sought) this appropriate occasion to forgive sins. Being then called in question by the scripturalists who knew (and that rightly) that the false assumption of the power to forgive sins was blasphemy, Jesus did what no imposter could have done—he proved his divine power by healing the forgiven man. To his query, ‘Does it require more power to forgive sins than to make the sick rise up and walk?’ there could be only one answer! They are as one; he that can do the one, can do the other” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols.).
How did Jesus respond to these scribes? Mark 2:8–11
8 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?
9 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?
10 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,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Just as it was a miracle for the man to be healed of palsy, it was also a miracle for him to be forgiven of his sins This miracle is available to each of us as we repent.
Elder James E. Talmage: "According to one of the accounts, the Lord's first words to the afflicted one were: 'Son, be of good cheer'; followed directly by the comforting and authoritative assurance: 'Thy sins be forgiven thee.' The man was probably in a state of fear; he may have known that his ailment was the result of wicked indulgences; nevertheless, though he may have considered the possibility of hearing only condemnation for his transgression, he had faith to be brought. In this man's condition there was plainly a close connection between his past sins and his present affliction; and in this particular his case is not unique, for we read that Christ admonished another, whom He healed, to sin no more lest a worse thing befall him." (Jesus the Christ)
How has Jesus’ healing power blessed you spiritually? How can we seek spiritual healing?
5. A man possessed by evil spirits (Mark 5:1–20)
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 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.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 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.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 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.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
What spiritual truths can we learn from this miracle?
1. Christ can cast Satan and his influence out of our lives.
2. Though Mark and Luke identified the location of this miracle as Gadara and Matthew identified it as Gergesa, it is clear that the miracle took place on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which was inhabited by Gentiles. This explains the presence of swine herding in the area—Gentiles could eat pork, but Jews could not, for eating pork was forbidden by the law of Moses (see Leviticus 11:1–8). The possessed man called himself “Legion,” a word that in New Testament times referred to a division of the Roman army usually composed of 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers. Mark and Luke clarified that the name “Legion” meant that the man was possessed by “many” evil spirits (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30).
3.After Jesus cast out the devils, they asked Him to be allowed to enter a herd of swine. Elder Bruce R. McConkie identified several truths that we learn from this miracle:
“This particular instance of ejecting spirit beings from a stolen tenement is set forth in detail by the gospel writers to show:
“(1) That evil spirits, actual beings from Lucifer’s realm, gain literal entrance into mortal bodies;
“(2) That they then have such power over those bodies as to control the physical acts performed … ;
“(3) That persons possessed by evil spirits are subjected to the severest mental and physical sufferings and to the basest sort of degradation—all symbolical of the eternal torment to be imposed upon those who fall under Satan’s control in the world to come;
“(4) That devils remember Jesus from pre-existence … ;
“(5) That the desire to gain bodies is so great among Lucifer’s minions as to cause them, not only to steal the mortal tabernacles of men, but to enter the bodies of animals;
“(6) That the devils know their eventual destiny is to be cast out into an eternal hell from whence there is no return;
“(7) That rebellious and worldly people are not converted to the truth by observing miracles; and
“(8) That those cleansed from evil spirits can then be used on the Lord’s errand to testify of his grace and goodness so that receptive persons may be led to believe in him” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols).
6. Jairus’s daughter/An Issue of Blood (Mark 5:22–23, 35–43) (Mark 5:24–34)
22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live
35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
The account of the raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead is interrupted by the account of the healing of the woman with an issue of blood. By relating events in this way, Mark may have encouraged his readers to consider the two miracles together. Jairus, “one of the rulers of the synagogue” (Mark 5:22), would have been socially respected; the unnamed woman would have been an outcast ( Mark 5:25–34). The two miracles together show that the Savior’s compassion and power to heal are extended to all, regardless of social standing.
How did Jairus show his faith in the Savior? Mark 5:22–23.
22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live
What did Jesus say to strengthen Jairus’s faith when Jairus heard that his daughter was dead? Mark 5:36.
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
How can you apply these words in your life? Be Not Afraid Only Believe
How did the woman with an issue of blood show her faith? Mark 5:25–29.
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
What was the cause of her healing? Mark 5:34.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
It was her faith in Jesus’ power, not the act of touching his garment, that caused her to be healed. The Gospel accounts do not define the exact nature of the woman’s “issue of blood” However, under the law of Moses, someone with an issue of blood was considered ritually unclean Leviticus 15:19–33, meaning that the woman would have been socially ostracized and excluded from the synagogue and the temple during the 12 long years of her ailment. The desperation she felt about her situation is suggested by the statement that she “had spent all that she had” seeking a cure from physicians
The Savior’s question, “Who touched me?” created the opportunity for the woman to acknowledge her act of faith and the miracle of her healing. The Savior’s response helped the woman and others present avoid the misconception that the miracle had resulted from any miraculous power in His garment itself. “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. It also declared to the woman’s neighbors and the townspeople that she was now healed and no longer subject to the social and religious exclusions that had been imposed upon her for so many years. God’s power can restore both purity and wholeness.
While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander spoke about how the woman in this account acted in faith to come to the Savior: “Among the crowd was a woman. … Outwardly, there was little to distinguish her from any other person in the crowd. No one tried to stop her from moving toward Jesus. Certainly, the Apostles neither noticed her nor made any attempt to stop her. But there was something that set her apart from all others in the crowd that day. Though buried among the thronging mass, she resolutely and quietly pressed forward with a single purpose in mind: to come to the Savior, having faith that He had the power to heal her, that He cared about her and would respond to her need. In this one thing she set herself apart from the crowd. The crowd came to see, but the woman came to be healed. …“ … All of us are among the crowds of this world. Almost all of us are like the woman who, despite the crowd, comes to the Savior. We all have faith that just a touch will bring healing to our aching souls and relief to our innermost needs. “ … In all of life’s circumstances let us quietly and resolutely press forward to the Savior, having faith that He cares about us and has the power to heal and save us” (“One among the Crowd,” Ensign May 2008)
What do the Savior’s healings teach about faith and miracles? Mormon 9:15–21; Ether 12:12–16
15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.
16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?
17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?
18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.
14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
15 Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.
16 Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.
Why do you think faith must precede miracles? Ether 12:12, 18; Moroni 7:37;
12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
Why don’t miracles alone provide a firm foundation for faith? Brigham Young said: “Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe)
Do you or someone you know have faith and are seeking a miracle, but the miracle has not happened in the way you desired? What do the scriptures and our Church leaders teach about this? In an article titled “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing,” Elder David A. Bednar told about how he counseled a couple in this situation: Strong faith in the Savior is submissively accepting of His will and timing in our lives—even if the outcome is not what we hoped for or wanted....Do you have the faith not to be healed? If it is the will of our Heavenly Father...do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?”
Have you seen blessings come into your life or the lives of others when desired miracles did not occur?
Some people may wonder if such things are possible today. Moroni described our day as a time when “it shall be said that miracles are done away,” but he also promised that God is still a God of miracles, for God is “an unchangeable Being” Mormon 8:26; 9:18–21
I personally have been the recipient of true miracles on more than one occasion. But the one that always stands out the most is my middle son Bryan. He was born six weeks early, just after the death of my three year old daughter. He came early due to stress, and a wrong choice to induce labor which sometimes happens. When he was born, he was taken away immediately, as he had sever respiratory distress, collapsed under developed lungs, and jaundice along with many other complications. I was told he would not live through the night and I should begin to make arrangements with funeral details. My daughter had just died seven months previous, I was in no condition to loose another, so rather than call and make arrangements for impending death, I called my bishop. He came immediately with his two counselors that night and blessed my son. I was unable to be in the room with them due to blood loss but lay in my bed praying with all the faith and hope I could muster, with all my might even. After the blessing I was told by the nurses and doctors who were present that they had never witnessed such an event, for the spirit was felt even by them; and when he lived through they night they new for a surety that it was true. They felt they had witnessed a miracle and indeed they had for in three weeks time from the day of the blessing I took my healthy son home and it was as if he had never been sick. It was indeed a miracle and all present professed to it. How merciful and kind was this gift. 19 years later this same son lay in a coma after a brutal mugging attack, his face was unrecognizable and I thought surely he would die, but again I called upon the priesthood and four elders circled my son and lay there hands on him blessing him for half an hour. 24 hours later, he woke, it was a miracle for sure and he cried for he knew he had been saved. However, 20 years later he did die, and I was not present with him that time to call upon the Lord, but have always felt that if I had been and it was the Lords will he could have been raised from the dead, I believe it with all my heart. Yet I was and am always willing to accept His will.
How can we increase our faith in God’s power to bless our lives? An earnest study of church history gives numerous accounts of miracles for example:
The Prophet Joseph Smith healed the sick.
In July 1839, a large number of Saints who had been driven out of Missouri were living in wagons, in tents, and on the ground near Commerce, Illinois. Many were very sick, and Joseph and Emma Smith were exhausted from trying to help them. Wilford Woodruff described what happened on July 22: “It was a day of God’s power. There were many sick among the Saints on both sides of the [Mississippi] River, and Joseph went through the midst of them, taking them by the hand and in a loud voice commanding them in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from their beds and be made whole, and they leaped from their beds made whole by the power of God. … It was truly a time of rejoicing” (Wilford Woodruff, Journal, July 22, 1839, Church History Library).
Elder Franklin D. Richards calmed a storm.
Elder LeGrand Richards, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, told of an experience from the life of his grandfather, Elder Franklin D. Richards, who in 1848 was the leader of a group of British Saints who were crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the United States: “The boat upon which [Elder Richards] was sailing was in great jeopardy [from a severe storm], so much so that the captain of the boat came to him and pleaded with him to intercede with the Lord in behalf of the boat and her passengers; and Grandfather, remembering that he had been promised that he should have power over the elements, walked out on the deck of the boat and raised his hands to high heaven and rebuked the sea and the waves, and they were immediately calmed” (Conference Report, Apr. 1941).
Being taught the history of the Saints is what made me believe at even a young age that miracles can happen. I recommend a reading of Saints Vol 1. It is an amazing faith builder with its many recorded journals of early Saints and miracles in the church.
2. Jesus Christ has power to bring peace in the midst of life’s storms Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41
You may be aware of some of the challenges your or someone you know are facing. Because we all have trials at some time in our lives, reviewing the account in Mark 4:35–41 can build our faith that the Savior can bring them peace.
The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake in northeastern Israel. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley at nearly 700 feet below sea level and is surrounded by high mountains on the west, north, and east. Winds can whip down the western slopes and create sudden, intense storms with formidable waves on this relatively small body of water. Fishermen in the middle of the lake can be frightened for their lives. On the occasion Mark described, Jesus slept calmly while the tempest raged until His friends, who were full of fear, awakened Him. President Howard W. Hunter discussed some important truths in Mark’s account of the Savior calming a storm on the Sea of Galilee: “All of us have seen some sudden storms in our lives. A few of them, though temporary like these on the Sea of Galilee, can be violent and frightening and potentially destructive. As individuals, as families, as communities, as nations, even as a church, we have had sudden squalls arise which have made us ask one way or another, ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish?’ And one way or another we always hear in the stillness after the storm, ‘Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?’
“None of us would like to think we have no faith, but I suppose the Lord’s gentle rebuke here is largely deserved. This great Jehovah, in whom we say we trust and whose name we have taken upon us, is he who said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ (Gen. 1:6.) And he is also the one who said, ‘Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.’ (Gen. 1:9.) Furthermore, it was he who parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. (See Ex. 14:21–22.) Certainly it should be no surprise that he could command a few elements acting up on the Sea of Galilee. And our faith should remind us that he can calm the troubled waters of our lives. …“But Jesus was not spared grief and pain and anguish and buffeting. … His ship was tossed most of his life, and, at least to mortal eyes, it crashed fatally on the rocky coast of Calvary. We are asked not to look on life with mortal eyes; with spiritual vision we know something quite different was happening upon the cross.
“Peace was on the lips and in the heart of the Savior no matter how fiercely the tempest was raging. May it so be with us—in our own hearts, in our own homes, in our nations of the world, and even in the buffetings faced from time to time by the Church. We should not expect to get through life individually or collectively without some opposition” (“Master, the Tempest Is Raging,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 33, 35)
Have you ever felt the way Jesus’s disciples did in the storm at sea watching the waves of water fill the boat and questioning, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
Take a piece of paper, your journal or gospel doctrine notebook and write a trial you have experienced. Then write something from Mark 4:35–41 that inspires you to turn to the Savior during your trials.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: "Living the gospel does not mean the storms of life will pass us by, but we will be better prepared to face them with serenity and peace. 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing,' the Lord admonished, 'and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly.'
"Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Keep the faith. Doubt not. The storms will one day be stilled. ...
"In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our sanctuary. If we seek peace, we must come unto Him. He Himself spoke this eternal truth when He said, 'My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' When our souls are anchored in the safe harbor of the Savior, we can proclaim as did Paul: 'We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed'." (General Conference, April 2000)
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "It is not without a recognition of life's tempests but fully and directly because of them that I testify of God's love and the Savior's power to calm the storm. Always remember in that biblical story that He was out there on the water also, that He faced the worst of it right along with the newest and youngest and most fearful. Only one who has fought against those ominous waves is justified in telling us—as well as the sea—to 'be still.' Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could ever be justified in telling us in such times to 'be of good cheer.' Such counsel is not a jaunty pep talk about the power of positive thinking, though positive thinking is much needed in the world. No, Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them. But even as the Lord avoids sugary rhetoric, He rebukes faithlessness and He deplores pessimism. He expects us to believe!" (General Conference, October 1999)
After the Savior healed the man who had been possessed by devils, He told him, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). What “great things” has the Lord done for you that you could tell your friends about?
We have the great opportunity in the Church of Jesus Christ to learn correct history, principles, and doctrine. With that, as we put Him first in our life, we can ask for His help, we can be healed, even if we feel undeserving. We can have peace in the midst of life's storms, and we can be of good cheer because of repentance, while aiding in rescuing those who are lost through unified efforts. What great and wonderful blessings we gain in learning of the miracles of Jesus. Let us set our sites, our studies our lives upon Him, that we may all endure well to the end and live with Him again.
Resources:
New Testament Student Manual
Ensign
Conference Reports
Mortal Messiah Bruce R McConkie
Wildford Woodruff Journal Church History
Discourses of Brigham Youn
Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Bruce R McConkie
Jesus The Christ
The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary
Mormon Doctrine Bruce R McConkie
Studies in Scripture Vol 5 Kent P Jackson
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