Miracles by Religious Leaders and Their Documentation
Note the names of Buddha, Dali Lama, Mohammed, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, and Jesus' disciples are listed in the table below, along with eye-witnessed miracles, and an approximate number of eyewitnesses indicated. Prophecies will be considered separately from miracles.
Note that there are stories of Indian healers, but their stories are limited to healing, with unclear documentation. Jewish Prophets Elijah and Elisha and New Testament disciples of Jesus (Peter, Paul, Philip and others) performed miracles as well, but not with the broad range of Jesus or with documented eyewitnesses from multiple independent accounts (gospels), with reliable preservation of text. Prophetic ability is considered separately. Controlling elements included calling down fire as judgment (Elijah), controlling rain/draught, or immediately calming a storm. Here is the key to the above table:
1 Eyewitnesses were estimated from eye-witness descriptions from the text description of miracle performance with the closest disciples (4), the larger group of disciples and followers (25 [ more than the 12 disciples]), followers + skeptical observers (100), numbers described as a great multitude (200). documented eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus in 1 Corinthians 15 (500), a conservative estimate of followers who saw Jesus' ascension from the Mount of Olives (50), a conservative estimate of those fed by Jesus (10,000), and the Israelites as they left Egypt in the Passover (2,000,000)
2 The event was documented during witnesses' lifetimes. All 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) covering the ministry of Jesus were written on the basis of living eyewitnesses to the events. The events were preserved in the same meticulous manner as described previously on the page "Integrity of Preservation". It is important to be aware that the 4 gospels were much alike but not identical, which is exactly what one would expect from eyewitness testimony from different individuals.
3 Most if not all of the witnesses involved were willing to be tortured and killed for their testimony without any apparent recanting of their testimony. Historical accounts suggest that 11 of the 12 disciples were killed for their testimony, typically by beheading or crucifixion, and only John lived to an old age, after suffering torture and banishment. It is notable that the disciples hid after Jesus was crucified, and the turnaround in their approach from timid to bold in the face of threats was an indication of their confidence after seeing the risen Jesus.
4 These miracles were reported repetitively. (And there is indication that the recorded miracles were a very small portion of the actual number.) Importantly, it is clearly stated that Jesus was able to heal all diseases among the people, not just those specifically listed, and Jesus sent his disciples out and gave them the power to all heal a great variety of diseases. For example, in Matthew 4:23-25 the text states "Jesus went throughout Galilee, . . . healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all those who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. And, in Luke 4:40, speaking of Jesus ministering in Capernaum, the text states " At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
5 Resuscitation from death also included Lazarus who had been dead 4 days, with typical wrapping and entombment, with family concerned that his body would be smelling by then.
6 Jesus conquered death after severe scourging which was often fatal by itself, full crucifixion with no known reported survivors, spearing in the chest to confirm death, and full burial wrap constricting any possible breathing.
7 Elijah was brought to heaven by way of chariot as observed by at least 1 person (Elisha). Jesus ascended into clouds with many witnesses, potentially the 120 who gathered in Jerusalem at the time of pentecost. (only 50 were listed here to be conservative)
8 Elijah and Elisha multiplied food for a widow and her son. (Flour and oil for one and oil for another) Elisha also multiplied bread for 100 men. Jesus fed to their fill 5,000 famished men ("not including women and children") in one instance and 4,000 men ("not including women and children" in another, and both were confirmed as separate events by Jesus in Matthew 16:9-10 "Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?" Given women and children, this is estimated conservatively at 10,000. Everyone sat in groups of 50, so a reasonable estimation would be expected.
Other comments: Certainly the most witnessed miracles were by Moses, primarily at the direct command of God, rather than his own initiative, with 2,000,000 present, although all but the children at the time died before entering the promised land, and the timing and preservation of writing and text preservation are not clear. Two million also witnessed the parting of Jordan by Joshua.
1 Eyewitnesses were estimated from eye-witness descriptions from the text description of miracle performance with the closest disciples (4), the larger group of disciples and followers (25 [ more than the 12 disciples]), followers + skeptical observers (100), numbers described as a great multitude (200). documented eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus in 1 Corinthians 15 (500), a conservative estimate of followers who saw Jesus' ascension from the Mount of Olives (50), a conservative estimate of those fed by Jesus (10,000), and the Israelites as they left Egypt in the Passover (2,000,000)
2 The event was documented during witnesses' lifetimes. All 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) covering the ministry of Jesus were written on the basis of living eyewitnesses to the events. The events were preserved in the same meticulous manner as described previously on the page "Integrity of Preservation". It is important to be aware that the 4 gospels were much alike but not identical, which is exactly what one would expect from eyewitness testimony from different individuals.
3 Most if not all of the witnesses involved were willing to be tortured and killed for their testimony without any apparent recanting of their testimony. Historical accounts suggest that 11 of the 12 disciples were killed for their testimony, typically by beheading or crucifixion, and only John lived to an old age, after suffering torture and banishment. It is notable that the disciples hid after Jesus was crucified, and the turnaround in their approach from timid to bold in the face of threats was an indication of their confidence after seeing the risen Jesus.
4 These miracles were reported repetitively. (And there is indication that the recorded miracles were a very small portion of the actual number.) Importantly, it is clearly stated that Jesus was able to heal all diseases among the people, not just those specifically listed, and Jesus sent his disciples out and gave them the power to all heal a great variety of diseases. For example, in Matthew 4:23-25 the text states "Jesus went throughout Galilee, . . . healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all those who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. And, in Luke 4:40, speaking of Jesus ministering in Capernaum, the text states " At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
5 Resuscitation from death also included Lazarus who had been dead 4 days, with typical wrapping and entombment, with family concerned that his body would be smelling by then.
6 Jesus conquered death after severe scourging which was often fatal by itself, full crucifixion with no known reported survivors, spearing in the chest to confirm death, and full burial wrap constricting any possible breathing.
7 Elijah was brought to heaven by way of chariot as observed by at least 1 person (Elisha). Jesus ascended into clouds with many witnesses, potentially the 120 who gathered in Jerusalem at the time of pentecost. (only 50 were listed here to be conservative)
8 Elijah and Elisha multiplied food for a widow and her son. (Flour and oil for one and oil for another) Elisha also multiplied bread for 100 men. Jesus fed to their fill 5,000 famished men ("not including women and children") in one instance and 4,000 men ("not including women and children" in another, and both were confirmed as separate events by Jesus in Matthew 16:9-10 "Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?" Given women and children, this is estimated conservatively at 10,000. Everyone sat in groups of 50, so a reasonable estimation would be expected.
Other comments: Certainly the most witnessed miracles were by Moses, primarily at the direct command of God, rather than his own initiative, with 2,000,000 present, although all but the children at the time died before entering the promised land, and the timing and preservation of writing and text preservation are not clear. Two million also witnessed the parting of Jordan by Joshua.
References to documented miracles of Jesus
• Stopped storms immediately
This occurred several times with at least the basic initial disciples present. Storms that were threatening to swam the boat were calmed so quickly by the word of Jesus that the disciples clearly recognized that the weather change was unnatural.
Example one: Jesus was asleep in a boat with his disciples.
Matthew 8:23-27 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"
Example two: Jesus calmed a storm immediately as he got into a boat, after walking to the boat on the water during a storm. Note, Jesus had grabbed Peter who had attempted to walk to him before he reached the boat. Matthew 14:32-33 "And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying "Truly you are the Son of God"
This occurred several times with at least the basic initial disciples present. Storms that were threatening to swam the boat were calmed so quickly by the word of Jesus that the disciples clearly recognized that the weather change was unnatural.
Example one: Jesus was asleep in a boat with his disciples.
Matthew 8:23-27 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"
Example two: Jesus calmed a storm immediately as he got into a boat, after walking to the boat on the water during a storm. Note, Jesus had grabbed Peter who had attempted to walk to him before he reached the boat. Matthew 14:32-33 "And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying "Truly you are the Son of God"
• Walked on the water during a storm
Between 3 and 6 in the morning Jesus comes to his disciples in a boat. This was not during the period of time when James, John, Andrew, and Peter were fishing. This was when the boats were being use for transport, and they would have been expected to hold a dozen or more, and it is thought, given the number of disciples following Jesus at the time, that several boats may have been present.
Matthew 14:22-27 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
Between 3 and 6 in the morning Jesus comes to his disciples in a boat. This was not during the period of time when James, John, Andrew, and Peter were fishing. This was when the boats were being use for transport, and they would have been expected to hold a dozen or more, and it is thought, given the number of disciples following Jesus at the time, that several boats may have been present.
Matthew 14:22-27 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
• Healed lifetime paralysis with immediate strength restoration
As a rehabilitation physician, it is common knowledge in practice that the effects of disuse weakness on muscle atrophy are rapid and profound. Even if control of the brainor spinal cord over nerves is miraculously restored, restoration of strength takes months. In contrast, at the Pool of Bethesda a man who took up his bed and walked despite being unable to walk for thirty eight years with many witnesses.
John 5:5-9 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me."
Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
As a rehabilitation physician, it is common knowledge in practice that the effects of disuse weakness on muscle atrophy are rapid and profound. Even if control of the brainor spinal cord over nerves is miraculously restored, restoration of strength takes months. In contrast, at the Pool of Bethesda a man who took up his bed and walked despite being unable to walk for thirty eight years with many witnesses.
John 5:5-9 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me."
Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
• Immediately corrected existing deformities of bones and joints
Example one was done in a synagogue with his disciples and other Jews (Pharisees) present. This involved an immediate correction of a withered hand. (In the practive of rehabilitation it is critical to prevent deformities, as deformities where ligaments shorten and joint capsules tighten cannot be corrected without extensive and questionably helpful surgery. Yet here a deformed hand was immediately restored to normal function which would have mean reverssl of deformity
Matthew 12:9-14 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"--so that they might accuse him. He said to them, "Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
Example two was a woman who had been bent over for 18 years and was immediately straightened. This was also in the presence of his disciples and a number of others in a synagogue. Notable is that kyphosis (Bent over spine), even if it occurs because of muscle pull rather than injury, still leads to a bony deformity of bones in the spine, particularly over 18 years. Yet this woman was immediately made straight.
Luke 13:11-13 And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. that day was the Sabbath.
Example one was done in a synagogue with his disciples and other Jews (Pharisees) present. This involved an immediate correction of a withered hand. (In the practive of rehabilitation it is critical to prevent deformities, as deformities where ligaments shorten and joint capsules tighten cannot be corrected without extensive and questionably helpful surgery. Yet here a deformed hand was immediately restored to normal function which would have mean reverssl of deformity
Matthew 12:9-14 He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"--so that they might accuse him. He said to them, "Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
Example two was a woman who had been bent over for 18 years and was immediately straightened. This was also in the presence of his disciples and a number of others in a synagogue. Notable is that kyphosis (Bent over spine), even if it occurs because of muscle pull rather than injury, still leads to a bony deformity of bones in the spine, particularly over 18 years. Yet this woman was immediately made straight.
Luke 13:11-13 And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. that day was the Sabbath.
• Healed blindness, even from birth
Example One: Two Blind Men Healed leaving a house in Capernaum:
Matthew 9:27-31 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, "See that no one knows about it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
Example Two: Two Blind Men Healed on the way out of Jericho
Matthew 20:29 -34 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened."And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
Example Three: Blind man healed in Bethsaida. Immediately following this passage the presence of the disciples is confirmed.
Mark 8:22-27 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.
And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi:
Example Four: Bartimaeus the blind son of Timaeus healed outside of Jericho.
Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart. Get up; he is calling you." And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Example Five: Healed a man blind from birth in Jerusalem.
John 9:7-11 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Example One: Two Blind Men Healed leaving a house in Capernaum:
Matthew 9:27-31 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."
And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, "See that no one knows about it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
Example Two: Two Blind Men Healed on the way out of Jericho
Matthew 20:29 -34 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened."And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.
Example Three: Blind man healed in Bethsaida. Immediately following this passage the presence of the disciples is confirmed.
Mark 8:22-27 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.
And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi:
Example Four: Bartimaeus the blind son of Timaeus healed outside of Jericho.
Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart. Get up; he is calling you." And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Example Five: Healed a man blind from birth in Jerusalem.
John 9:7-11 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (Siloam means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
• Healed leprosy In multiple people at the same time. Leprosy is caused by in infection that kills nerves so that the damage that occurs is because patients can't feel and can't protect themselves from damage and resultant infections. Healing from leprosy means not only killing the infection but restored nerve sensation that has been lost and restoring areas of sking that were lost immediately, any of which is unfathomable.
Example one: Jesus healed Leprosy in 10 people at a time between Samaria and Galilee.
Luke 17:11-14 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance. and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."
When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.
Example two: Jesus healed a leper when coming down from a hill after a teaching session.
Matthew 8:1-4 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 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. Again this was immediate healing/restoraction such at the leper was asked to immediatelt show himself to the priest to be let back in to the community.
• Healed all types of diseases. Healers have been described in various literature sources, but importantly, in addition to healings of lifelong paralysis, deformities, blindness and years of leprosy, it is repetitively stated by eye-witnesses that Jesus healed all diseases of the people, e.g., in Matthew 4:23-24 Matthew documents that "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. In Luke 4:40, while at Capernaum, Luke records that At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
• Brought back to life those that who had died, even days later from the tomb. Three examples
Example one: A ruler’s daughter (Jairus’ daughter) restored to life: Jesus went to a ruler’s house after his child had died and mourner’s were present. At least 3 disciples and the ruler and his wife were in the room and many others who laughed at him when he said she was "merly sleeping" and then saw her after she was brought back to life.
Mark 5:35-43: While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Example Two: After mourning when being carried out to burial site, a widow’s son was raised to life in the town of Nain among a onsiderable crowd.
Luke 7:11-15: Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Example Three: Four days after death, Lazarus was raised to life, coming out of his tomb with grave wrappings on. This was in Bethany, only two miles from Jerusalem, with many Jewish mourners present.
John 11:17-18, 40-45 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
Example one: A ruler’s daughter (Jairus’ daughter) restored to life: Jesus went to a ruler’s house after his child had died and mourner’s were present. At least 3 disciples and the ruler and his wife were in the room and many others who laughed at him when he said she was "merly sleeping" and then saw her after she was brought back to life.
Mark 5:35-43: While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Example Two: After mourning when being carried out to burial site, a widow’s son was raised to life in the town of Nain among a onsiderable crowd.
Luke 7:11-15: Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Example Three: Four days after death, Lazarus was raised to life, coming out of his tomb with grave wrappings on. This was in Bethany, only two miles from Jerusalem, with many Jewish mourners present.
John 11:17-18, 40-45 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
• Personally conquered death
After severe scourging, full crucifixion, burial in a guarded tomb with full burial wrap and penalty of death from guards and from breaking a Roman seal, Jesus tomb was empty, neither Romans or Jewish authorities could produce a body, and then he was seen by more than 500 at once and over multiple locations during 40 days, eating and drinking and allowing nail and spear marks to be felt.
See the section titled "Resurrection Evidence."
• After 40 days he ascended into clouds under direct observation...
Luke 24:50-51 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
After severe scourging, full crucifixion, burial in a guarded tomb with full burial wrap and penalty of death from guards and from breaking a Roman seal, Jesus tomb was empty, neither Romans or Jewish authorities could produce a body, and then he was seen by more than 500 at once and over multiple locations during 40 days, eating and drinking and allowing nail and spear marks to be felt.
See the section titled "Resurrection Evidence."
• After 40 days he ascended into clouds under direct observation...
Luke 24:50-51 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.