CRS 307

TERM PAPER

COURSE TITLE: MIRACLES AND PARABLES OF

JESUS

QUESTIONS:
1.WHAT ARE MIRACLES,
2. IDENTIFY TWO TYPES OF MIRACLES WITH
EXAMPLES,
3. WHAT ARE PARABLES

LECTURER-IN-CHARGE: DR GABRIEL SALIFU

BY
OLUFOWOTO OREOLUWA ADEDEJI
RUN/HIS/22/12373
 (1)
The concept of a miracle has been a source of fascination, debate, and faith
throughout human history. Whether regarded as divine intervention, a natural
occurrence, or a psychological phenomenon, miracles captivate the human
imagination and raise profound questions about the nature of reality. To fully
understand what constitutes a miracle, it is essential to examine its definition, cultural
and religious significance, criteria, philosophical and scientific debates, and examples
that illustrate its diverse interpretations.

A miracle is traditionally understood as an extraordinary event that defies natural laws

or expectations, often attributed to supernatural causes. In religious contexts, miracles
are seen as acts of divine intervention that reveal the power and will of a deity. For
instance, the Catholic Church defines a miracle as an event that cannot be explained
by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to God’s action. In everyday
usage, the term “miracle” might describe any highly improbable or fortunate
occurrence, such as surviving a life-threatening accident or recovering from a terminal
illness against all odds.

Philosophically, David Hume, an 18th-century skeptic, defined a miracle as "a

violation of the laws of nature" and questioned the reliability of testimony as proof for
miraculous claims. By contrast, philosopher C.S. Lewis argued that miracles do not
violate natural laws but rather introduce new actions by a supernatural agent within
the framework of those laws.

Miracles are central to many religious traditions, where they serve as signs of divine
power, compassion, or authority. In Christianity, the New Testament describes
numerous miracles performed by Jesus, such as turning water into wine at the
wedding in Cana, walking on water, and healing the sick. These acts are viewed as
evidence of Jesus’ divinity and his mission to bring salvation to humanity. Similarly,
in Islam, miracles (or mu‘jizat) are associated with prophets, such as the splitting of
the moon by Prophet Muhammad.

indigenous religions, miracles often manifest as phenomena that reflect the

interconnectedness of the spiritual and natural worlds. For example, among the
Yoruba of West Africa, certain natural occurrences, like the sudden appearance of
rain during a drought, may be interpreted as a sign of favor from a deity such as
Shango, the god of thunder and rain.

Not every extraordinary event qualifies as a miracle. A key criterion is that a miracle
often implies the involvement of a higher power or supernatural force. For religious
believers, miracles serve a purpose, such as demonstrating divine love, inspiring faith,
or conveying a message. They must also evoke a sense of awe or wonder and be
perceived as defying conventional explanations. Events that align with natural laws,
no matter how improbable, are typically not classified as miracles unless they are
accompanied by a spiritual or divine element.

Philosophers and theologians have long debated the nature and plausibility of
miracles. David Hume argued that belief in miracles is often based on unreliable
testimony and that the natural order of the world is more probable than the suspension
of its laws. In his An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Hume posited that
reports of miracles are more likely the result of human error, exaggeration, or deceit
than actual supernatural occurrences.

In contrast, theologians like Thomas Aquinas viewed miracles as expressions of

God’s will that occur not by breaking natural laws but by suspending them for a
higher purpose. Aquinas categorized miracles into three types: those that surpass the
natural power of created beings (e.g., the resurrection of the dead), those that align
with natural laws but occur in an extraordinary way (e.g., instantaneous healing), and
those that natural forces could achieve but not without divine timing or intervention
(e.g., an untimely rainstorm).

From a scientific standpoint, miracles are often interpreted as events that science
cannot yet explain. For example, some medical recoveries deemed miraculous might
one day be understood through advancements in biology or medicine. Skeptics argue
that labeling an event as a miracle reflects a gap in current knowledge rather than
evidence of supernatural intervention. Carl Sagan famously remarked, “Extraordinary
claims require extraordinary evidence,” emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny of
miracle reports.
History is replete with accounts of miracles, both ancient and modern. In Christianity,
the resurrection of Jesus is perhaps the most significant miracle, symbolizing victory
over death and sin. In Hinduism, miraculous events are attributed to saints and sages,
such as Sai Baba, who is said to have performed acts like materializing objects or
healing the sick. In contemporary times, stories of miraculous survival, such as the
“Miracle on the Hudson” plane crash in 2009, are celebrated as examples of
extraordinary fortune and human resilience.

The perception of a miracle is often deeply personal and influenced by one’s cultural,
religious, or philosophical worldview. For a devout believer, witnessing an
unexplained healing or natural phenomenon might reinforce faith in the divine. For a
skeptic, the same event might be seen as a coincidence or an anomaly awaiting
scientific explanation. This subjective nature makes defining miracles universally
challenging yet highlights their profound impact on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, a miracle is a multifaceted concept that defies a single, universal

definition. It exists at the intersection of faith, reason, and wonder, challenging
humanity’s understanding of the natural and supernatural. Whether seen as divine
interventions, rare coincidences, or unexplained phenomena, miracles continue to
inspire awe and provoke thoughtful inquiry into the mysteries of existence. By
exploring the diverse perspectives and examples of miracles, we gain deeper insight
into humanity’s quest to understand the extraordinary within the ordinary.

(2)
In the Bible, miracles are divided into various categories, with nature miracles and
healing miracles being two of the most prominent types. These miracles not only
demonstrate God's authority over creation and life but also affirm faith, inspire awe,
and provide hope.

Nature Miracles

Nature miracles involve the divine alteration or control of natural elements,

showcasing God's supremacy over the physical world. These miracles often evoke a
sense of wonder and establish the deity’s authority over creation, highlighting the
interconnectedness of spiritual power and the natural order.
1. Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)

In this account, Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce
storm arose, threatening their lives. The disciples, terrified, woke Jesus, who was
asleep in the boat. Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!”
Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. This miracle demonstrates
Jesus’ power over nature and reassures believers that God can bring peace even in
life’s most chaotic moments.

2. The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21)

This miracle occurred when a large crowd followed Jesus into a remote area to hear
him teach. When evening came, the disciples urged Jesus to send the crowd away to
find food. Instead, Jesus took five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and distributed
them to the crowd. Miraculously, the food multiplied, feeding over 5,000 people with
twelve baskets of leftovers. This event illustrates God’s provision and abundance,
emphasizing that divine resources are limitless.

3. The Turning of Water into Wine (John 2:1-11)

During a wedding in Cana, the host ran out of wine, a situation that could have
brought great embarrassment. At his mother Mary’s request, Jesus instructed the
servants to fill six stone jars with water. When the water was drawn out, it had turned
into high-quality wine. This miracle, the first of Jesus’ public signs, revealed his glory
and affirmed his divine authority, marking the beginning of his ministry.

Nature miracles underscore God's mastery over creation and often serve as signs of
divine care, authority, and the promise of provision. They reassure believers that God
is sovereign over both the seen and unseen forces of the universe.

Healing Miracles

Healing miracles involve the restoration of physical, mental, or spiritual health, often
reversing conditions that are deemed incurable by human standards. These miracles
highlight God’s compassion and power to bring wholeness to those in need, often
reinforcing faith in His ability to save and restore.
1. The Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)

In this account, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus by his friends, who lowered
him through the roof of a crowded house. Jesus first forgave the man’s sins,
provoking outrage from religious leaders who accused him of blasphemy. To
demonstrate his authority to forgive sins, Jesus commanded the man to rise, take up
his mat, and walk. The man was instantly healed, glorifying God. This miracle
illustrates Jesus’ power over both physical and spiritual ailments, emphasizing the
holistic nature of divine healing.

2. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)

This woman had suffered from a chronic bleeding disorder for twelve years, spending
all her money on ineffective treatments. Desperate, she touched the hem of Jesus’
garment, believing she would be healed. Immediately, her bleeding stopped, and she
was restored. Jesus acknowledged her faith, saying, “Daughter, your faith has made
you well.” This miracle highlights the importance of faith in receiving divine healing
and God’s willingness to restore those marginalized by society.

3. The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)

Jesus encountered a man blind from birth and declared that his condition existed so
that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus mixed his saliva with mud,
applied it to the man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man
obeyed and was miraculously healed. This event demonstrates God’s power to
overcome lifelong afflictions and reveals Jesus as the light of the world, bringing both
physical and spiritual sight to those in darkness.

Healing miracles reveal God’s deep concern for human suffering and His power to
intervene where human efforts fail. They often serve as a testament to faith and a
reminder of the ultimate restoration promised in God’s kingdom.

Nature miracles and healing miracles are two significant types of divine interventions
recorded in the Bible. Nature miracles demonstrate God's authority over the physical
world, offering reassurance of His sovereignty and provision. Healing miracles, on the
other hand, emphasize God's compassion and power to restore health and wholeness.
Together, these miracles provide a glimpse into the divine character, inspire faith, and
affirm the hope of a world transformed by God’s love and power. Through these
extraordinary events, believers are reminded that with God, nothing is impossible.

(3)
A parable, in the biblical context, is a short and simple story that uses everyday
events, objects, or characters to convey moral, spiritual, or theological truths. Derived
from the Greek word parabolē, meaning "comparison" or "placing beside," parables
are designed to illustrate profound lessons through relatable narratives. In the Bible,
parables serve as a cornerstone of Jesus’ teaching, inviting listeners to engage in
reflection and apply the lessons to their lives.

Purpose of Parables in the Bible

The primary purpose of parables in the Bible is to communicate truths about the
Kingdom of God in a manner that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Jesus
frequently used parables to illustrate spiritual realities, addressing themes such as
forgiveness, faith, humility, judgment, and God’s love. Parables were also a way to
engage listeners at different levels of understanding. For those open to divine wisdom,
parables revealed profound insights; for those resistant or indifferent, they obscured
meaning, as explained in Matthew 13:10-17. In this passage, Jesus told His disciples
that He spoke in parables so that “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not
hear, nor do they understand,” fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.

Structure and Features of a Parable

Biblical parables share several distinctive features;

Imagery: They draw from everyday life, using familiar elements such as farming,
family relationships, or economic transactions. This makes the lessons relatable to the
audience.

Symbolism: The characters, actions, and events in parables often represent deeper
spiritual truths. For example, a sower may symbolize God, while seeds may represent
the Word of God.
Unexpected Twist: Many parables include an element of surprise or reversal of
expectations to challenge conventional thinking and provoke deeper reflection.

Moral or Spiritual Lesson: Parables usually conclude with a clear message, leaving
listeners with a practical or theological truth to apply to their lives.

Examples of Biblical Parables

One well-known parable is The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In
response to a question about who qualifies as a "neighbor," Jesus tells the story of a
man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. While a priest and a Levite passed by
without helping, a Samaritan—a member of a group despised by Jews—showed
compassion by tending to the injured man’s wounds and paying for his care. The
parable teaches that loving one’s neighbor transcends cultural and social boundaries,
calling for active compassion.

Another powerful example is The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This
story depicts a wayward son who squanders his inheritance on reckless living but is
welcomed back by his father with open arms and celebration. The elder brother, who
remains loyal but resentful, highlights the human tendency toward self-righteousness.
This parable underscores God’s boundless forgiveness and joy over a repentant
sinner.

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) explains how different people respond to
God’s Word. In the story, seeds fall on various types of soil: some on the path, where
birds eat them; some on rocky ground, where they sprout but wither; some among
thorns, where they are choked; and some on good soil, where they produce a bountiful
harvest. Jesus uses this imagery to describe how individuals’ hearts and circumstances
affect their receptiveness to spiritual truth.

Jesus’ Use of Parables

Jesus’ use of parables was central to His teaching style, enabling Him to connect with
a wide range of audiences. Through these stories, He revealed profound truths about
the Kingdom of God in ways that both challenged and comforted His listeners. By
presenting lessons through familiar scenarios, He made spiritual concepts accessible
while also encouraging deeper contemplation. Moreover, parables allowed Jesus to
address controversial issues indirectly, reducing the risk of immediate opposition
while still conveying critical truths.

Significance of Parables

Parables remain timeless in their relevance, offering insights that transcend historical
and cultural boundaries. They invite listeners to examine their values, attitudes, and
actions, urging them to align their lives with God’s principles. Understanding a
parable often requires reflection and spiritual discernment, highlighting the interactive
nature of divine teaching.

In conclusion, parables are more than just stories; they are profound vehicles of truth,
uniquely crafted to engage the heart and mind. Through His parables, Jesus not only
revealed the nature of God’s kingdom but also invited all who heard them to enter
into a deeper relationship with Him.