The Final part in this series of 3 is in regard to how Jesus responded to both the crowds and to the disciples. He displayed 5 characteristics which are also fully credible regarding Jesus life.

They are 1/ His knowledge for the people. 2/ His concern for the people. 3/ His authority over the people. 4/ His generosity towards the people. 5/ His freedom from the people.

I then look at these miraculous events and the effect it has on our lives and our response to Jesus. May God bless you as you as you listen to this message. Pastor John

Today we look at the credibility of the stories by looking at the reported responses of the disciples and crowds, that is the people that witnessed these miracles. I wanted to do this as people find it incredibly difficult to wrap their heads around these miracles and just dismiss them as fables. However In every way they responded is the way that we would have responded. It makes them valid events. It clearly shows that the reports given were done so by eye witnesses. God bless you as you listen to this today.

Before we get to these 2 specific miracles I look at miracles in general and particularly healing miracles even though they aren't part of these 2 miracles. I want to start here as an introduction to these 21 verses. I trust you will be challenged and inspired. God Bless. Pastor John

The last part of chapter 5 gives us 3 reasons why people dont want to follow Jesus. It is clearly a decision of the will but the choice is made because:

1/ People not no love for God. (Vs 41-43)

2/ More concerned about their reputation. (vs 44)

3/ Intellectual Pride (Vs45-47)

I then give a summary of the chapter where at the start of the chapter Jesus is being accused but by the end of it the table has turn and the religious leaders are told that they will be accused by Moses as He prophecied about Jesus coming and they refuse to believe Moses words. (Vs 45-47)

Trust this message will deepen your faith in Jesus. God bless. Pastor John

Back in Bible times as is the case now, at times, people need to vouch for your Character and the need prove that you are and have done as you say you have. For Jesus that was a little bit harder as He came from Heaven and took on flesh. As John writes in Chapter 1 that God became flesh and dwelt amongst us. How do you prove that credential.

Well in this passage He was able to give 3.

1/ John the Baptist testified about Him. 2/ The miracles that He did 3/ The scriptures clearly testify about His coming. In which i finish with 44 prophecies that came true in Jesus first coming.... There are more.

Trust this will strengthen your faith in Jesus as you listen to this message.

3 Times Jesus says Most assuredly in Verses 19,24 and 25. It means Amen. It means its true. Its a reality. The disciples are going to be amazed at what they see. Not only healings but people raised from the dead. Including Himself. In John 14:12 Jesus makes the statement to His followers that they too will do miraculous things.

Ultimately, in Jesus there is life and as He came to this earth went through all the challenges of this life and did not sin he has the right to judge all people.

Trust you will take to heart these challenging words of Jesus and follow Him. He gives life!

This is the aftermath of the healing of this Paralysed man. Since Jesus healed on the Sabbath the religious leaders who were already being threatened by the miracles and the growing popularity of Jesus decided that it was time to go on the attack against Jesus. 3 things i point out regarding religion vs true faith in Jesus... 1/ Law vs Spirit 2/ Regulations vs Life 3/ Form vs true power to live this life. We can strive to do good, to live right but i look at what it means to have rest internally in Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

Just one more thing i will add to my notes here. Jesus healed this man without identifying Himself but later when there was no crowd around He did. Jesus cares not only about the crowds but He cares about every individual. That includes you. Why don't you reach out to Him today? I trust you enjoyed this series and made personal application to yourself. God bless

The paralysed man had to make a choice whether he was going to accept what he always had. That he would be paralysed for life. Or was he going to accept the life changing words that Jesus was offering him to 1/Rise 2/Take up his bed 3/Walk. Jesus never helped him up. This man had to, by faith, take these 3 commands for himself and do it. HE DID! I want to finish this note by quoting Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."