ANN072

The miracles performed by Jesus the Messiah

The article examines Jesus’ miracles in the Gospels, their meaning, their reception and the question of their authenticity. It considers the historical perspective of first-century medical practices in Israel and explores the theological meaning behind these extraordinary deeds attributed to Jesus, who is presented as the Son of God bringing a transcendent spiritual message.

372 min miracles Jesus Gospels Messiah divinity 576 verses 5 books

Further information

Introduction

Events in Jesus the Messiah’s life described in the Gospels challenge our rationalist understanding. Nevertheless, testimonies abound, and the authors’ martyrdom often reinforces their credibility.

The success of the Gospels, circulated while eyewitnesses could still confirm these writings, is clear. These confirmations also contributed to that success.

Is it possible to provide a human explanation for the mighty deeds described?

The answer appears to be no.

We thus face a historical reality that forces us to acknowledge the existence of the impossible, made possible through divine power.

Our aim is to list and analyse all the miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah and reported in the Gospels.

We will also extend our research to apocryphal literature, the Quran and secular literature.

I. Medicine in first-century Israel

At that time, physicians mainly treated the wealthy, who could afford expensive fees. The rest of the population had to turn to healers or exorcists, who often proved to be charlatans.

Some of these physicians were more like healers, and their methods were far removed from those we know in the twenty-first century. There was no regulatory oversight of this profession, so anyone with a particular talent for helping others could naturally claim the title.

People with varying intentions travelled around the country, practising all kinds of exorcisms or manipulations in the hope of improving their fellow citizens’ lives. They were paid in various ways according to their patients’ means.

We are therefore dealing with practices diametrically opposed to modern therapies.

II. Jesus the Messiah as miracle worker

It can be difficult to understand why Jesus the Messiah asked those he healed not to spread the news. Intuitively, one might think the opposite would have been more effective in attracting crowds.

There is also the well-known verse saying: ‘ and we will believe in you!’ (Matthew 12.38). Humanly speaking, it seems logical that these miracles would convey a powerful and attractive message.

However, Jesus the Messiah knew that these signs were insufficient for a true conversion of hearts. He sought deep and sincere commitment, independent of outward circumstances. The people needed to recognise the reality of Jesus the Messiah’s divinity, rather than pursue personal advantage.

The crowd was actually in the presence of the Son of God, who had come to offer them true life, rather than merely a miracle worker.

III. Miracles: myth or reality?

Many historians and Gospel commentators question the historicity of these accounts, regarding them instead as religious language common in antiquity.

However, the size of the crowds following Jesus the Messiah could provide evidence for these events’ historical authenticity. These people primarily sought deliverance or healing, either for themselves or for someone close to them.

Jesus the Messiah’s condemnation by the religious authorities of the time is also revealing. These authorities knew that such signs could be performed only through divine power. This raises a question: why did they not accept Jesus the Messiah? This dilemma illustrates the complexity of the situation at the time.

If the miracles were merely a religious construction intended to create a myth, it seems improbable that so many people would have followed Jesus the Messiah, some even to martyrdom.

The success of the Gospels and the extraordinary expansion of the Church after the resurrection are historical testimonies that seem to confirm the reality of these events, however astonishing they may be.

IV. A survey of the miracles performed by Jesus the Messiah

The Gospels record about forty different miracles or signs performed by Jesus the Messiah. This number may vary according to the interpretation of ‘miracle’, which can also be understood as a ‘sign’. For example, events such as the shepherds’ visit or Jesus’ birth are not considered miracles performed by Jesus the Messiah himself. We have included two additional events in our list, the transfiguration and resurrection, although they are not directly Jesus the Messiah’s work.

The reality exceeds what we can imagine, since the events related in our Gospels are only the tip of the iceberg.

We note that the apostle John uses the term ‘sign’, whereas the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke—use the word ‘miracle’.

This difference in terminology does not alter the nature of the events described: we face deeds beyond our understanding.

Should this verse be considered an exaggeration of reality? Here John alludes to everything happening in the minds and therefore in the lives of those listening to Jesus the Messiah.

In these circumstances, it becomes impossible to quantify and list the entirety of the Master’s work. It is also important to place this text in its historical context, when writing was still uncommon.

V. List of the forty signs, miracles or wonders performed by Jesus the Messiah

Here is the list of forty signs or miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah. We have included two additional events, the transfiguration and resurrection, although they are not directly Jesus the Messiah’s work.

_1 MIR001-0001-Water turned into wine at Cana: John 2.1-11. (PER036 – The wedding at Cana)


_2 MIR002-0001-Healing of a royal official’s son: John 4.46-54. (PER053 – The royal officer at Cana in Galilee)

_3 MIR003-0010-First miraculous catch of fish: Luke 5.1-11. (PER055 – The first miraculous catch of fish)


The

_4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The

_5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See INF109-The Pool of Siloam)

_7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_8 MIR009-0001-Healing of the paralytic at Bethesda: John 5.1-15. (PER070 – The healing of the disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda)


The

_9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_11 MIR012-1010-Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_12 MIR013-0010-Raising of the widow’s son at Nain: Luke 7.11-17. (PER111 – The raising of the widow’s son at Nain)


_13 MIR014-1000-Healing of the blind and mute demoniac: Matthew 12.22-23. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac)

_14 MIR015-0010-Healing of the possessed and mute man: Luke 11.14-15. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac See MIR014)

_15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_16 MIR017-1110-Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The

_18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_19 MIR020-1000-Healing of two blind men: Matthew 9.27-31. (PER156- The healing of two blind men)

_20 MIR021-1000-Healing of a mute man possessed by a demon: Matthew 9.32-33. (PER157- The healing of a demoniac)

_21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_23 MIR025-1100-Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter: Matthew 15.21-28, Mark 7.24-30. (PER180- Healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter)


A

_24 MIR026-0100-Healing of the deaf and mute man: Mark 7.31-37. (PER181- Many healings in the evening)

Healing of the deaf and mute man
Saliva

_25 MIR027-1100-Feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15.32-39, Mark 8.1-10. (PER182- Second multiplication of loaves for four thousand people)


The

_26 MIR028-0100-Healing of the blind man of Bethsaida: Mark 8.22-26. (PER187- The blind man of Bethsaida)



Saliva

_27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

_29 MIR031-1000-Coin in a fish’s mouth: Matthew 17.24-27. (PER199 – The Temple tax in the fish’s mouth)


The

_30 MIR032-0010-Healing of a woman on the Sabbath: Luke 13.10-21. (PER231 – Healing of a woman on the Sabbath)


_31 MIR033-0010-Healing of a man with dropsy: Luke 14.2-6. (PER236 – Healing of a man with dropsy)

_32 MIR034-0010-Healing of the ten lepers: Luke 17.11-19. (PER250 – The healing of the ten lepers)



The

_33 MIR035-0001-Healing of the man born blind: John 9.1-12. (PER255 – Healing of a man born blind)



The

_34 MIR036-0001-Raising of Lazarus: John 11.1-44. (PER273 – The raising of Lazarus)


_35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_36 MIR038-1100-Withering of the : [b]Matthew 21:18–22, Mark 11.12-25. (PER282 – The cursing of the barren fig tree)


The and Israel

_37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

_38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347)

_39 MIR040-0001-Second miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection: John 21.1-14. (PER362 and PER363)

_40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 : The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah )

Post-resurrection appearances

Only miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah have been included in this list. His birth and ascension, the angels’ visit to the shepherds and the angel who moved the tomb’s stone are therefore excluded. Nor are the many mentions of miracles without further details counted. These are listed in the miracle lists specific to each author.

Our list presents forty rigorously documented miracles. These events were carefully checked by the disciples, who contacted those concerned to obtain further information. Given the extent of the deeds performed, the disciples could not record all Jesus the Messiah’s activities, as the apostle John mentions in John 20.30.

Our research, as detailed in the chapter devoted to the Gospels, concluded that the twelve apostles compiled a list of miracles. This initiative aimed to show that, whatever the problem, disability or illness, nothing could resist the power exercised by Jesus the Messiah.

VI. The Gospel writers’ choices

As we have already discussed in the chapter ‘The Gospels’, we proposed the hypothesis of a collective choice, which seems the most plausible to us. According to this hypothesis, when the apostles decided to write down their testimonies, they would have drawn up a representative list of Jesus the Messiah’s deeds.

Their aim was to prove to their readers that no illness, disability or demonic possession could resist the healing power exercised by Jesus the Messiah. They therefore documented a variety of cases of deliverance to demonstrate this ability.

This source would then have become the basis of Matthew’s Gospel account, before being taken up by Mark and probably, later, Luke.

Thus they would have selected certain events rather than others, their only constraints being the variety of events and, above all, the account’s length. This implies that the forty recorded signs reflect only part of the Master’s total activity.

VII. Miracles in Matthew’s Gospel

Here is a list of the miracles attributed to Jesus Christ according to Matthew’s Gospel. It is detailed and mentions the specific people involved; it contains twenty-four miracles, representing 60% of the complete list of forty miracles presented in the four Gospels.

_1/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_2/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_3/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_4/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_5/11 MIR012-1010Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_6/13 MIR014-1000-Healing of the blind and mute demoniac: Matthew 12.22-23. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac)

_7/15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_8/16 MIR017-1110- Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_9/17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The

_10/18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_11/19 MIR020-1000-Healing of two blind men: Matthew 9.27-31. (PER156- The healing of two blind men)

_12/20 MIR021-1000-Healing of a mute man possessed by a demon: [PER156]Matthew 9:32–33[/PER156]. (PER157- The healing of a demoniac)

_13/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_14/22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_15/23 MIR025-1100-Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter: Matthew 15.21-28, Mark 7.24-30. (PER180- Healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter)


A

_16/25 MIR027-1100-Feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15.32-39, Mark 8.1-10. (PER182- Second multiplication of loaves for four thousand people)


The

_17/27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_18/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

_19/29 MIR031-1000-Coin in a fish’s mouth: Matthew 17.24-27. (PER199 – The Temple tax in the fish’s mouth)


The

_20/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_21/36 MIR038-1100-Withering of the : Matthew 21.18-22, Mark 11.12-25. (PER288)


The and Israel

_22/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

_23/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347)

_24/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Post-resurrection appearances

Matthew mentions miracles nine times without providing specific details. These passages corroborate the statements in John 20.30.

1. Healings in Galilee (Matthew 4.23)
2. Exorcism in Capernaum (Matthew 8.16-17)
3. Healing in the towns and villages of Galilee (Matthew 9.35)
4. Many healings in Galilee (Matthew 12.15-21)
5. Healing just before the multiplication of loaves for five thousand men (Matthew 14.14)
6. Healings at Gennesaret (Matthew 14.34-36)
7. The healing of many sick people (Matthew 15.29-31)
8. Many healings, probably near Bethany beyond the Jordan (Matthew 19.2)
9. Healings of blind and lame people in Jerusalem (Matthew 21.14-16)

Clearly, Jesus the Messiah’s disciples remembered the Master’s notable acts of deliverance without drawing up an exhaustive list.

The Gospels record a total of forty individually described miracles. Matthew’s Gospel reports twenty-four, representing 60% of all documented miracles. Furthermore, following publication of the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John, Matthew remains the only evangelist to record four unique miracles, corresponding to 10% of the overall material.

In addition to the twenty-four detailed miracles, Matthew mentions nine distinct occasions when many healings occurred, without providing further specific details.

VIII. Classification by category of the miracles recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.

Healings

According to Matthew’s Gospel, nine healings are documented, representing 23% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 38% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Matthew’s Gospel.

_1/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_2/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_3/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_4/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_5/11 MIR012-1010-Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_6/18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_7/19 MIR020-1000-Healing of two blind men: Matthew 9.27-31. (PER156- The healing of two blind men)

_8/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_9/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER331)

Exorcisms

According to Matthew’s Gospel, five exorcisms are documented, representing 13% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 21% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Matthew’s Gospel.

_1/13 MIR014-1000-Healing of the blind and mute demoniac: Matthew 12.22-23. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac)

_2/16 MIR017-1110-Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_3/20 MIR021-1000-Healing of a mute man possessed by a demon: Matthew 9.32-33. (PER157- The healing of a demoniac)

_4/23 MIR025-1100-Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter: Matthew 15.21-28, Mark 7.24-30. (PER180- Healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter)


A

_5/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

Miracles involving nature

According to Matthew’s Gospel, eight miracles involving nature are documented, representing 20% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus Christ in the four Gospels and 33% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Matthew’s Gospel.

_1/15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_2/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_3/22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_4/25 MIR027-1100-Feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15.32-39, Mark 8.1-10. (PER182- Second multiplication of loaves for four thousand people)


The

_5/27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_6/29 MIR031-1000-Coin in a fish’s mouth: Matthew 17.24-27. (PER199 – The Temple tax in the fish’s mouth)


The

_7/36 MIR038-1100-Withering of the : Matthew 21.18-22, Mark 11.12-25. (PER282 – The cursing of the barren fig tree)


The and Israel

_8/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090 and ANN073)

Resurrections

Post-resurrection appearances

According to Matthew’s Gospel, two resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s, are documented, representing 5% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 8% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Matthew’s Gospel.

_1/17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The

_2/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347)

Unspecified miracles

Matthew mentions nine collective miracles without precise details, affirming that extraordinary events occurred. John 20.30 confirms this directly.
1. Healings in Galilee (Matthew 4.23)
2. Exorcism in Capernaum (Matthew 8.16-17)
3. Healing in the towns and villages of Galilee (Matthew 9.35)
4. Many healings in Galilee (Matthew 12.15-21)
5. Healing just before the multiplication of loaves for five thousand men (Matthew 14.14)
6. Healings at Gennesaret (Matthew 14.34-36)
7. The healing of many sick people (Matthew 15.29-31)
8. Many healings, probably near Bethany beyond the Jordan (Matthew 19.2)
9. Healings of blind and lame people in Jerusalem (Matthew 21.14-16)

Clearly, Jesus the Messiah’s disciples remembered the Master’s significant interventions without compiling an exhaustive list. By repeating nine times that Jesus the Messiah performed many miracles in various places and on various occasions, Matthew clearly wishes to show that his work far exceeds the twenty-four miracles related in his Gospel.

Miracles reported only by Matthew

Matthew described twenty-four new miracles in his account, assuming that he was the first to write a history of Jesus the Messiah’s life. A few months later, Mark would take up eighteen of them, leaving Matthew with only six previously unreported miracles. Four miracles would be unique to Mark

After publication of Luke’s and John’s accounts, only four miracles would be reported exclusively by Matthew. This corresponds to 10% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus Christ and related in the four Gospels, and also represents 19% of the total information on the twenty-four miracles Matthew records.

_1/13 MIR014-1000-Healing of the blind and mute demoniac: Matthew 12.22-23. (PER120)

_2/19 MIR020-1000-Healing of two blind men: Matthew 9.27-31. (PER156)

_3/20 MIR021-1000-Healing of a mute man possessed by a demon: Matthew 9.32-33. (PER157)

_4/29 MIR031-1000-Coin in a fish’s mouth: Matthew 17.24-27. (PER198)


The

Conclusion

This list presents the twenty-four miracles described in Matthew’s Gospel, organised by category to facilitate analysis and understanding. Matthew mentioned 60% of the miracles recorded in the four Gospels, four of which would remain exclusive to his account, thus representing 10% of all forty miracles listed.

The nine occasions on which Matthew reports that Jesus the Messiah performed many miracles in various places and at various times highlight the scale of his work. Matthew wished to prevent his readers from imagining that the Master’s work was limited to the twenty-four miracles mentioned.

Of the twenty-four miracles Matthew cites, 38% concern healings, 21% exorcisms, 33% phenomena involving nature and 8% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

We will compare these figures with Mark’s and Luke’s.

IX. Miracles in Mark’s Gospel

Here is a list of the miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah according to Mark’s Gospel. It is detailed and mentions the specific people involved:

_1/4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The

_2/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_3/6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)

_4/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_5/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_6/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_7/15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_8/16 MIR017-1110- Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_9/17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The

_10/18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_11/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_12/22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_13/23 MIR025-1100-Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter: Matthew 15.21-28, Mark 7.24-30. (PER180- Healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter)


A

_14/24 MIR026-0100-Healing of the deaf and mute man: Mark 7.31-37. (PER181- Many healings in the evening)

Healing of the deaf and mute man
Saliva

_15/25 MIR027-1100-Feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15.32-39, Mark 8.1-10. (PER182- Second multiplication of loaves for four thousand people)


The

_16/26 MIR028-0100-Healing of the blind man of Bethsaida: Mark 8.22-26. (PER187- The blind man of Bethsaida)



Saliva

_17/27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_18/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

_19/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_20/36 MIR038-1100-Withering of the : Matthew 21.18-22, Mark 11.12-25. (PER282 – The cursing of the barren fig tree)


The and Israel

_21/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347)

_22/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

X. Classification by category of the miracles recorded in Mark’s Gospel

Healings

Post-resurrection appearances

According to Mark’s Gospel, ten healings are documented, representing 25% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 45% of the twenty-two miracles recorded specifically in Mark’s Gospel.

_1/4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The

_2/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_3/6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109)

_4/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_5/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_6/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_7/18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_8/24 MIR026-0100-Healing of the deaf and mute man: Mark 7.31-37. (PER181- Many healings in the evening)

Healing of the deaf and mute man
Saliva

_9/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

_10/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

Exorcisms

According to Mark’s Gospel, three exorcisms are documented, representing 8% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 14% of the miracles recorded specifically in Mark’s Gospel.

_1/4-MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)

_2/16-MIR017-1110- Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_3/23-MIR025-1100-Healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter: Matthew 15.21-28, Mark 7.24-30. (PER180- Healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter)


A

Mark mentions exorcisms in Capernaum without further details.

_4-MIR006-1110-Exorcism in Capernaum: Matthew 8.16-17, Mark 1.32-34, Luke 4.40-41. (PER059 – Many healings in the evening)

Miracles involving nature

According to Mark’s Gospel, seven miracles involving nature are documented. They constitute 18% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus in the four Gospels and represent 31% of the twenty-two miracles specifically recorded in Mark’s Gospel.

_1/15-MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_2/21-MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_3/22- MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_4/25-MIR027-1100-Feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15.32-39, Mark 8.1-10. (PER182- Second multiplication of loaves for four thousand people)


The

_5/27-MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_6/36-MIR038-1100-Withering of the : Matthew 21.18-22, Mark 11.12-25. (PER282 – The cursing of the barren fig tree)


The and Israel

_7/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Resurrection

According to Mark’s Gospel, two resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s, are documented, representing 5% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 10% of the miracles recorded specifically in Mark’s Gospel.

_1/17-MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The

_2/38-MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347 and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Event mentioned only by Mark

Mark reports four unique miracles of Jesus, or 10% of the forty Gospel miracles and 18% of those Mark records. A few years later, Luke will mention two of these miracles (MIR004 and MIR007).

_1/24-MIR026-0100-Healing of the deaf and mute man: Mark 7.31-37. (PER181- Many healings in the evening)

Healing of the deaf and mute man
Saliva

_2/26-MIR028-0100-Healing of the blind man of Bethsaida: Mark 8.22-26. (PER187- The blind man of Bethsaida)



Saliva

We must add two other miracles that are new at this point and will be taken up by Luke.

_3/3-MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the synagogue of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37 (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)

_4/6-MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)

Unspecified miracles

Mark also mentions other miracles nine times without providing specific details, illustrating the scale of the phenomenon. The disciples could not remember all these extraordinary events, especially since those healed did not remain there, making any precise estimate of the number of miracles difficult.
1) Healings in Capernaum Mark 1.32-34
2) Healings in Galilee Mark 1.39
3) Healings in Capernaum Mark 2.1-12
4) Further healings in Capernaum Mark 3.10
5) Further healings at Peter’s house in Capernaum Mark 3.22-30
6) Some healings in Nazareth Mark 6.5-6
7) Miracles in Galilee Mark 6.13
8) Healings at Gennesaret Mark 6.53-56
9) Healing in the Decapolis Mark 7.31-37

According to Mark, Jesus the Messiah performed twenty-two documented miracles, whereas Matthew mentions twenty-four. This number may seem modest compared with the length of Jesus the Messiah’s ministry. This is probably why Mark indicates nine times that Jesus the Messiah performed many miracles at various times and places, emphasising their frequency and importance.

The Gospels report a total of forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah. Mark’s Gospel documents twenty-two, representing 55% of the total. Mark is also the only evangelist to relate two unique miracles, or 5% of the total. The accounts are very similar to those in Matthew’s Gospel.

Of Mark’s twenty-two recorded miracles, eighteen come from Matthew’s Gospel, representing 82% of his sources. It is suggested that Mark and the apostle Peter reworked Matthew’s Gospel to make it more accessible to non-Jews. At that time, four miracles were added. Luke would include two of them, ultimately leaving only two miracles specific to Mark.

The six miracles Mark did not take from Matthew

_1/11 MIR012-1010Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_2/13 MIR014-1000-Healing of the blind and mute demoniac: Matthew 12.22-23. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac)

_3/19 MIR020-1000-Healing of two blind men: Matthew 9.27-31. (PER156- The healing of two blind men)

_4/20 MIR021-1000-Healing of a mute man possessed by a demon: Matthew 9.32-33. (PER157- The healing of a demoniac)

_5/29 MIR031-1000-Coin in a fish’s mouth: Matthew 17.24-27. (PER199 – The Temple tax in the fish’s mouth)


The

_6/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

During the period when only Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels had been published, Matthew mentions six miracles not taken up by Mark. However, Mark introduces four new miracles.

_1/4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the synagogue of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The synagogue

_2/6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)

_3/24 MIR026-0100-Healing of the deaf and mute man: Mark 7.31-37. (PER181- Many healings in the evening)

Healing of the deaf and mute man
Saliva

_4/26 MIR028-0100-Healing of the blind man of Bethsaida: Mark 8.22-26. (PER187- The blind man of Bethsaida)



Saliva

Luke will take up two of these four new miracles (MIR004 and MIR007), leaving Mark’s final contribution at two signs, representing 5% of the total list.

Of the twenty-four miracles Matthew cites, 38% concern healings, 21% exorcisms, 33% phenomena involving nature and 8% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

Of the twenty-two miracles Mark cites, 45% concern healings, 14% exorcisms, 31% phenomena involving nature and 10% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

It should be noted that several of these miracles also appear in the other Gospels, but this list is specific to Mark’s Gospel.

XI. Miracles in Luke’s Gospel

Here is a list of the miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah according to Luke’s Gospel. It is detailed and mentions the specific people involved; it contains twenty-four miracles, representing 60% of the complete list presented in the four Gospels.

_1/3 MIR003-0010-First miraculous catch of fish: Luke 5.1-11. (PER055 – The first miraculous catch of fish)


The

_2/4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the synagogue of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The synagogue

_3/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39. (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_4/6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)

_5/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_6/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_7/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_8/11 MIR012-1010-Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_9/12 MIR013-0010-Raising of the widow’s son at Nain: Luke 7.11-17. (PER111 – The raising of the widow’s son at Nain)


_10/14 MIR015-0010-Healing of the possessed and mute man: Luke 11.14-15. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac See MIR014)

_11/15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_12/16 MIR017-1110- Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_13/17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)


The synagogue

_14/18 MIR019-1110-Healing of the woman with a haemorrhage: Matthew 9.20-22, Mark 5.25-34, Luke 8.43-48. (PER154- The healing of the woman with bleeding)

_15/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_16/27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_17/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

_18/30 MIR032-0010-Healing of a woman on the Sabbath: Luke 13.10-21. (PER231 – Healing of a woman on the Sabbath)


_19/31 MIR033-0010-Healing of a man with dropsy: Luke 14.2-6. (PER236 – Healing of a man with dropsy)

_20/32 MIR034-0010-Healing of the ten lepers: Luke 17.11-19. (PER250 – The healing of the ten lepers)



The

_21/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_22/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

_23/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347 and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

_24/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Post-resurrection appearances

Luke also mentions other miracles eight times without providing specific details, illustrating the scale of the phenomenon. The disciples could not remember all these extraordinary events, especially since those healed did not remain there, making any precise estimate of the number of miracles difficult.

_1

Luke 4.23 (King James Version) :
And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

_2

Luke 4.40 (King James Version) :
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.

_3

Luke 5.15 (King James Version) :
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.

_4

Luke 6.17-19 (King James Version) :
And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

_5

Luke 7.21 (King James Version) :
And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

_6

Luke 9.11 (King James Version) :
And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

_7

Luke 9.42-43 (King James Version) :
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

_8

Luke 13.10-17 (King James Version) :
And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Although this passage details a particular miracle, the healing of a bent-over woman, it alludes to the many healings Jesus the Messiah regularly performed, as mentioned in Luke 13.14-17, where the synagogue leaders complain that he heals even on the Sabbath.

These passages show that Luke’s Gospel makes many references to Jesus the Messiah’s miracles, often in general terms, suggesting that there were far more healings and miracles than those specifically documented.

XII. Classification by category of the miracles recorded in Luke’s Gospel

Healings

According to Luke’s Gospel, twelve healings are documented, representing 30% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 50% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Luke’s Gospel.

_1/5 MIR005-1110-Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: Matthew 8.14-15, Mark 1.29-31, Luke 4.38-39, (PER058 – Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law)

The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law

_2/6 MIR007-0110-The healing of a leper: Mark 1.40-44, Luke 5.12-14. (PER063 – The healing of a leper. See PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)

_3/7 MIR008-1110-The healing of the paralytic: Matthew 9.1-8, Mark 2.1-12, Luke 5.17-26. (PER065 – Healing of a paralytic)

_4/9 MIR010-1110-Healing of a man with a withered hand: Matthew 12.9-13, Mark 3.1-6, Luke 6.6-11. (PER077 – The healing of the man with a paralysed hand)



The link between the Sabbath and deliverance from Egypt

_5/10 MIR011-1110-Healing of the leper: Matthew 8.1-4, Mark 1.40-45, Luke 5.12-16. (PER109 – The healing of a leper after the Sermon on the Mount)


The

_6/11 MIR012-1010-Healing of the centurion’s servant: Matthew 8.5-13, Luke 7.1-10. (PER110 – The healing of the Roman officer’s servant)


A

_8/30 MIR032-0010-Healing of a woman on the Sabbath: Luke 13.10-21. (PER231 – Healing of a woman on the Sabbath)


_9/31 MIR033-0010-Healing of a man with dropsy: Luke 14.2-6. (PER236 – Healing of a man with dropsy)

_10/32 MIR034-0010-Healing of the ten lepers: Luke 17.11-19. (PER250 – The healing of the ten lepers)



The

_11/35 MIR037-1110-Healing of blind Bartimaeus: Matthew 20.29-34, Mark 10.46-52, Luke 18.35-43. (PER270 – Healings of the blind near Jericho)




The ?

_12/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

Exorcisms

According to Luke’s Gospel, four exorcisms are documented, representing 10% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 17% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Luke’s Gospel.

_1/4 MIR004-0110-Healing of the possessed man in the synagogue of Capernaum: Mark 1.23-28, Luke 4.33-37. (PER057 – The man with an unclean spirit)



The synagogue

_2/14 MIR015-0010-Healing of the possessed and mute man: Luke 11.14-15. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac See MIR014)

_3/16 MIR017-1110- Exorcism of the demoniac of Gadara: Matthew 8.28-34, Mark 5.1-20, Luke 8.26-39. (PER152- The healing of the demoniac of Gadara)



_4/28 MIR030-1110-Exorcism of the epileptic boy: Matthew 17.14-18, Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-43. (PER196- A demon difficult to drive out)

He mentions exorcisms in Capernaum without further details.

_4-MIR006-1110-Exorcism in Capernaum: Matthew 8.16-17, Mark 1.32-34, Luke 4.40-41. (PER059 – Many healings in the evening)

Miracles involving nature

According to Luke’s Gospel, five miracles involving nature are documented. They constitute 13% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus in the four Gospels and represent 21% of the twenty-four miracles specifically recorded in Luke’s Gospel.

_1/3 MIR003-0010-First miraculous catch of fish: Luke 5.1-11. (PER055 – The first miraculous catch of fish)


The

_2/15 MIR016-1110-Jesus the Messiah calms the storm: Matthew 8.23-27, Mark 4.35-41, Luke 8.22-25. (PER151- Jesus the Messiah calms the storm)


_3/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_4/27 MIR029-1110-The transfiguration: Matthew 17.1-13, Mark 9.2-13, Luke 9.28-36. (PER193- The transfiguration)



_5/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Resurrections

Post-resurrection appearances

According to Luke’s Gospel, three resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s, are documented, representing 8% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 12% of the twenty-four miracles recorded specifically in Luke’s Gospel.

_1/12 MIR013-0010-Raising of the widow’s son at Nain: Luke 7.11-17. (PER111 – The raising of the widow’s son at Nain)


_2/17 MIR018-1110-Raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9.18-26, Mark 5.21-43, Luke 8.40-56. (PER153- The healing of Jairus’ daughter interrupted and PER155- The healing of Jairus’ daughter)

Event mentioned only by Luke


The synagogue

Luke reports six miracles unique to Jesus the Messiah, or 15% of the forty Gospel miracles and 25% of the twenty-four miracles Luke records.

_1/3 MIR003-0010-First miraculous catch of fish: Luke 5.1-11. (PER055 – The first miraculous catch of fish)


The

_2/12 MIR013-0010-Raising of the widow’s son at Nain: Luke 7.11-17. (PER111 – The raising of the widow’s son at Nain)


_3/14 MIR015-0010-Healing of the possessed and mute man: Luke 11.14-15. (PER119 – The healing of the demoniac See MIR014)

_4/30 MIR032-0010-Healing of a woman on the Sabbath: Luke 13.10-21. (PER231 – Healing of a woman on the Sabbath)


_5/31 MIR033-0010-Healing of a man with dropsy: Luke 14.2-6. (PER236 – Healing of a man with dropsy)

_6/32 MIR034-0010-Healing of the ten lepers: Luke 17.11-19. (PER250 – The healing of the ten lepers)



The

Of the twenty-four miracles Matthew cites, 38% concern healings, 21% exorcisms, 33% phenomena involving nature and 8% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Of the twenty-two miracles Mark cites, 45% concern healings, 14% exorcisms, 32% phenomena involving nature and 9% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Of the twenty-four miracles Luke cites, 50% concern healings, 17% exorcisms, 21% phenomena involving nature and 12% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Luke’s Gospel offers a unique perspective on Jesus the Messiah’s miracles, reflecting the interest of Luke, a physician by training, in healings and acts of compassion.

XIII. Miracles in John’s Gospel

Here is a list of the miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah according to John’s Gospel. It is detailed and mentions the specific people involved; it contains eleven miracles, representing 28% of the complete list presented in the four Gospels.

_1/1 MIR001-0001-Water turned into wine at Cana: John 2.1-11. (PER036 – The wedding at Cana)


_2/2 MIR002-0001-Healing of a royal official’s son: John 4.46-54. (PER053 – The royal officer at Cana in Galilee)

_3/8 MIR009-0001-Healing of the paralytic at Bethesda: John 5.1-15. (PER070 – The healing of the disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda)


The

_4/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_5/22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_6/33 MIR035-0001-Healing of the man born blind: John 9.1-12. (PER255 – Healing of a man born blind)



The

_7/34 MIR036-0001-Raising of Lazarus: John 11.1-44. (PER273 – The raising of Lazarus)


_8/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

_9/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347 and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

_10/39 MIR040-0001-Second miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection: John 21.1-14. (PER362 and PER363)

_11/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Post-resurrection appearances

John also mentions other miracles six times without providing specific details, illustrating the scale of the phenomenon. The disciples could not remember all these extraordinary events, especially since those healed did not remain there, making any precise estimate of the number of miracles difficult.

John’s Gospel does indeed mention several of Jesus the Messiah’s miracles in general terms without detailing them all. Here is the complete list of references:

_1

John 2.23 (King James Version) :
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

_2- Nicodemus says to Jesus the Messiah:

John 3.2 (King James Version) :
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

_3

John 4.45 (King James Version) :
Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilæans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

_4

John 6.2 (King James Version) :
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

_5

John 7.31 (King James Version) :
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

_6

John 12.37 (King James Version) :
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

These verses clearly indicate that Jesus the Messiah performed many miracles throughout his ministry, although John does not describe them all in detail. Rechecking these passages suggests that this list is exhaustive for allusions not specifically documented in John’s Gospel.

XIV. Classification by category of the miracles recorded in John’s Gospel

Healings

According to John’s Gospel, four healings are documented, representing 10% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 36% of the eleven miracles recorded specifically in John’s Gospel.

_1/2 MIR002-0001-Healing of a royal official’s son: John 4.46-54. (PER053 – The royal officer at Cana in Galilee)

_2/8 MIR009-0001-Healing of the paralytic at Bethesda: John 5.1-15. (PER070 – The healing of the disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda)


The

_3/33 MIR035-0001-Healing of the man born blind: John 9.1-12. (PER255 – Healing of a man born blind)



The

_4/37 MIR039-1011-Healing of Malchus: Matthew 26.51-54, Luke 22.50-51, John 18.10. (PER313)

Exorcisms

According to John’s Gospel, no exorcisms are documented, representing 0% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 0% of the eleven miracles recorded specifically in John’s Gospel.

Miracles involving nature

According to John’s Gospel, five miracles involving nature are documented. They constitute 13% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and represent 46% of the eleven miracles specifically recorded in John’s Gospel.

_1/1 MIR001-0001-Water turned into wine at Cana: John 2.1-11. (PER036 – The wedding at Cana)


_2/21 MIR022-1111-Multiplication of the loaves and fish: Matthew 14.13-21, Mark 6.30-44, Luke 9.10-17, John 6.1-15. (PER169- The multiplication of loaves for five thousand people)

_3/22 MIR023-1101-Walking on water: Matthew 14.22-33, Mark 6.45-52, John 6.16-21. (PER171- Jesus the Messiah and Peter walk on the water)


_4/39 MIR040-0001-Second miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection: John 21.1-14. (PER362 and PER363)090

_5/40 MIR042-1111-Post-resurrection appearances: Matthew 28.9-10, Mark 16.12-13, Luke 24.13-32, John 20.1-18. (ANN090- The appearances of the risen Jesus the Messiah and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Resurrection

Post-resurrection appearances

According to John’s Gospel, two resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s, are documented, representing 5% of the forty miracles attributed to Jesus the Messiah in the four Gospels and 18% of the eleven miracles recorded specifically in John’s Gospel.

 

_1/34 MIR036-0001-Raising of Lazarus: John 11.1-44. (PER273 – The raising of Lazarus)


_2/38 MIR041-1111-Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah: Matthew 28.1-10, Mark 16.1-8, Luke 24.1-12, John 20.1-18. (PER347 and ANN073 – The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah)

Event mentioned only by John

John reports six miracles unique to Jesus the Messiah, or 15% of the forty Gospel miracles and 55% of the eleven miracles John records.

_1/1 MIR001-0001-Water turned into wine at Cana: John 2.1-11. (PER036 – The wedding at Cana)


_2/2 MIR002-0001-Healing of a royal official’s son: John 4.46-54. (PER053 – The royal officer at Cana in Galilee)

_3/8 MIR009-0001-Healing of the paralytic at Bethesda: John 5.1-15. (PER070 – The healing of the disabled man at the Pool of Bethesda)


The

_4/33 MIR035-0001-Healing of the man born blind: John 9.1-12. (PER255 – Healing of a man born blind)



The

_5/34 MIR036-0001-Raising of Lazarus: John 11.1-44. (PER273 – The raising of Lazarus)


_6/39 MIR040-0001-Second miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection: John 21.1-14. (PER362 and PER363)

John’s Gospel focuses less on the number of miracles, eleven, and more on their profound theological meaning, presenting them as ‘signs’ revealing Jesus the Messiah’s divine nature. Each miracle is recounted in detail, emphasising its impact and importance within the Gospel’s overall message. Six of these miracles, or 55%, are new.

Of the twenty-four miracles Matthew cites, 38% concern healings, 21% exorcisms, 33% phenomena involving nature and 8% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

XV. A comparative assessment of the authors’ choices

Of the twenty-two miracles Mark cites, 45% concern healings, 14% exorcisms, 32% phenomena involving nature and 9% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Of the twenty-four miracles Luke cites, 50% concern healings, 17% exorcisms, 21% phenomena involving nature and 12% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Of the eleven miracles Luke cites, 36% concern healings, 0% exorcisms, 45% phenomena involving nature and 18% resurrections, including Jesus the Messiah’s own.

Of the twenty-four miracles Matthew cites, 38% concern healings, 21% exorcisms, 33% phenomena involving nature and 8% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

Of the twenty-two miracles Mark cites, 45% concern healings, 14% exorcisms, 32% phenomena involving nature and 9% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

Of the twenty-four miracles Luke cites, 50% concern healings, 17% exorcisms, 21% phenomena involving nature and 12% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

Of the eleven miracles John cites, 36% concern healings, 0% exorcisms, 45% phenomena involving nature and 18% resurrections, including Jesus’ own.

Here is an analysis of these figures.

  • We observe similarities in the construction of Matthew’s, Mark’s and Luke’s accounts. John’s account, however, differs markedly. The resemblance between Matthew, Mark and Luke appears both in the number of miracles reported and in their distribution among different categories.
  • Most of the reported miracles concern healings, followed by miracles involving nature and exorcisms. A limited number of resurrections are also mentioned.
  • Examining the structure of the Synoptics—Matthew, Mark and Luke—reveals similarities suggesting a shared list for Matthew and Mark. Luke may have drawn on this list or directly on Matthew’s and Mark’s texts.
  • According to our analysis, no direct link can be established between these categories and the illnesses of the time. Our interpretation is that the authors chose to highlight the extent of Jesus the Messiah’s power. Each author’s additional information indicates that healings were very numerous.
  • John’s Gospel is distinguished by its lack of exorcisms and greater focus on miracles involving nature. The number of signs is halved, suggesting that these extraordinary events were sufficiently established in collective memory to no longer require exhaustive repetition. John emphasises that the essential point lies in proclaiming God’s kingdom rather than in these spectacular manifestations.

XVI. Jesus the Messiah’s miracles in the Quran

Interestingly, the Quran, Islam’s sacred text, mentions miracles performed by Jesus, also known as Isa in Arabic. These miracles attributed to Jesus in the Quran differ from those related in the Christian Gospels. Here is a list of the miracles attributed to Jesus (Isa) in the Quran, with the corresponding references:

_1-Miraculous birth: Jesus was born of a virgin mother, Mary, through the angel Gabriel.

Surah 19:16–22 (Maryam)

Surah 3:47 (Al Imran)

_2-Speaking from the cradle: Jesus spoke to defend his mother Mary against accusations of illicit relations.

Surah 19:29–30 (Maryam)

_3-Healing the sick: Jesus healed sick and disabled people.

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran)

Surah 5:110 (Al Ma’idah)

_4-Raising the dead: Jesus brought dead people back to life.

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran)

Surah 5:110 (Al Ma’idah)

_5-Giving sight to the blind: Jesus restored blind people’s sight.

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran)

Surah 5:110 (Al Ma’idah)

_6-Creating a bird from clay: Jesus fashioned a bird from clay, then breathed on it, and the bird came to life.

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran)

Surah 5:110 (Al Ma’idah)

_7-The table spread: Jesus brought down a table laden with food from heaven for his disciples.

Surah 5:112–115 (Al Ma’idah)

_8-Revealing hidden things: Jesus could tell what people were hiding in their homes.

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran)

Surah 3:49 (Al Imran) in fact recurs regularly

In this surah, Jesus (Isa) performs several miracles by Allah’s permission: he fashioned a clay bird and gave it life, healed those blind from birth and lepers, raised the dead, and told people what they ate and what they hid in their homes.

Here is the text of this surah:

‘And “make him” a messenger to the children of Israel “to proclaim”: “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will make you a bird from clay, breathe into it, and it will become a ‘real’ bird—by Allah’s will. I will heal the blind and lepers and raise the dead by Allah’s will. And I will foretell what you eat and what you store in your homes. This is surely a sign for you, if you truly believe.”’

It should be noted that, according to the Quran, these miracles are performed by Allah’s will, not independently by Jesus. The Quran describes Jesus as a highly important prophet but does not recognise his divinity, in accordance with Islamic theology. There is therefore a significant divergence between the Quran and the Gospel accounts concerning Jesus’ true nature as the Messiah, the Son of God.

We note similarities between the Quran’s accounts and those of the apocryphal writings.

XVII. Jesus the Messiah’s miracles in the apocryphal gospels

The apocryphal gospels, which are not part of the biblical canon, contain accounts of miracles attributed to Jesus that often differ from the four canonical Gospels.

These texts, written largely during the first centuries of the , offer a legendary perspective on Jesus the Messiah’s life. Here is a list of the principal miracles recorded in the apocryphal gospels, with their nature and the place where they are cited:

_1-Turning clay figurines into birds: Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

_2-Healing of the sick woman: Gospel of Philip.

_3-Resurrection of Jesus: Gospel of Nicodemus (or Acts of Pilate).

_4-Healing of the blind man: Gospel of Peter.

_5-Raising of Lazarus: Gospel of Bartholomew.

_6-Multiplication of loaves: Gospel of Thomas.

_7-Healing of the man with a paralysed hand: Gospel of Thomas.

_8-Healing of the blind man: Gospel of Thomas.

_9-Healing of Jairus’ daughter: Gospel of Thomas.

_10-Healing of the man possessed by a demon: Gospel of Thomas.

_11-Reviving a fatally injured child: Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

_12-Reviving a child who died of illness: Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

_13-Healing of the injured carpenter: Infancy Gospel of Thomas.

While some of these miracles seem copied from the Gospels, others belong to fantasy and do not reflect Jesus the Messiah’s character as we discover it in the Gospels. Here are a few notable examples:

_1-Turning clay birds into real birds: In the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, Jesus, still a child, turns clay figurines into living birds.

_2-Lengthening a piece of wood: In the same gospel, Jesus lengthens a piece of wood his father Joseph had accidentally cut too short.

_3-Drying up a pond: In the Arabic Infancy Gospel, Jesus dries up a pond that prevented his family from passing.

_4-Giving speech to animals: In the Arabic Infancy Gospel, Jesus grants animals speech so that they can tell their stories.

_5-Healing a carpenter’s hand: Again in the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, Jesus heals a carpenter whose hand was mutilated in a workplace accident.

It is important to note that most biblical scholars do not regard the apocryphal gospels as reliable historical sources.

Their accounts are often considered legendary developments or theological reflections formed after the writing of the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

XVIII. Jesus the Messiah’s miracles in secular writings

Jesus’ miracles are not typically the subject of ancient secular writings. References to Jesus in these texts generally focus on his existence, execution and sometimes the impact of his teaching, rather than on specific miracles.

Roman sources

_1-Tacitus - In his ‘Annals’, Tacitus mentions Jesus in connection with his crucifixion under Pontius Pilate but says nothing about miracles.

_2-Suetonius - In ‘The Twelve Caesars’, he briefly mentions ‘Chrestus’, often interpreted as a reference to Jesus, but without mentioning miracles.

_3-Pliny the Younger - In his letters to Emperor Trajan, he describes Christian practices but does not directly mention Jesus or his miracles.

Jewish sources

_1-The Talmud - Rabbinic texts sometimes mention a figure who could be Jesus, often under different names, sometimes alluding to extraordinary deeds; however, these texts are later and often polemical.

Other sources

We researched the writings of Flavius Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian frequently cited as a reference source for Jesus the Messiah’s time. His most famous work, ‘Jewish Antiquities’, includes a passage often called the ‘Testimonium Flavianum’, which briefly mentions Jesus. However, scholars debate this passage. Some maintain that later Christian scribes altered or added it.

Here is the passage’s general content:

  • Jesus is described as ‘a wise man, if one may call him a man’.
  • It is mentioned that he performed ‘wonderful deeds’.
  • Josephus also notes that Jesus taught those who receive the truth gladly.
  • He mentions Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and the fact that his disciples continued to follow him after his death.

It is important to stress that the ‘Testimonium Flavianum’ is the only passage in Josephus’ writings that mentions Jesus.
Jesus’ miracles are not typically the subject of ancient secular writings. References to Jesus in these texts generally focus on his existence, execution and sometimes the impact of his teaching, rather than on specific miracles.

Conclusion

Many people were drawn by the impressive miracles Jesus the Messiah performed. Their chief aim was to obtain healing, which concerned the Master, since his true intention was to offer them salvation.

Miracles remain inseparable from Jesus the Messiah’s figure. Spectacular examples appear in the . The Quran also mentions certain miracles attributed to Jesus.

Although these examples belong more to legend and clearly depart from the Gospel accounts, it is notable that Jesus the Messiah’s miracles are reported in various sources.

It seems difficult to classify these events as legends, since Jesus the Messiah’s reputation is largely attributed to his miraculous deeds. The Gospels’ success also rests on these events’ credibility. If Matthew, Mark, Luke and John had invented these wonders to attest Jesus’ divinity, such deception would probably have been exposed quickly. In this context, how can the massive adherence to this new teaching be explained?

The reality is that these signs are authentic and belong to history. Although we cannot explain them, the Church was founded on these facts.

The first Christians, who endured persecution for their faith, were neither naive nor gullible. They were ordinary witnesses of the reported events and therefore embraced Jesus the Messiah’s teachings. Their commitment provides an argument for the authenticity of the extraordinary events described in the canonical Gospels.