Skeptics will often dismiss the life of Jesus not simply because they dislike him as a person, but because they believe the New Testament accounts of his life are little more than myths. Some will say that we know these biblical accounts are mythical because of the inclusion of the miraculous (Jesus multiplying fish and bread, walking on water, healing the sick, etc.). Isn’t it more likely that these accounts are merely imaginary stories made up by well-intended followers who came on the scene much later–the development of “larger-than-life” tales? Well, Jesus’ enemies would disagree.
In his book, Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament, H. Wayne House offers examples of ancient Jewish and pagan sources which discuss Jesus or his early followers.  One fascinating reference from the Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli), whose source is somewhere between A.D. 70-200, reads, “Jesus was hanged on Passover Eve. Forty days previously the herald had cried, ‘He is being led out for stoning, because he practiced sorcery and led Israel astray and enticed them into apostasy.'”Â
What is so significant about this document (from an anti-Christian group remember) is what it recognizes. Even in the writings of Jesus’ sharpest critics there is the concession to the reality of his miraculous ministry. So, while his detractors accounted for his healing powers by demonic forces, they never debated that he actually had such healing powers (for those of you familiar with the “Lord, Liar, Lunatic” argument, you’ll see how this presses the point further).Â
And of course, this is precisely what the New Testament affirms. In Matthew 9:34 we read the accusation made toward Jesus’ healing ministry by the Pharisees, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” Â
So, it simply won’t do to dismiss the miraculous accounts of Jesus ministry by labeling them “myth.” Just like Jesus’ hearers, we have only three options for who this man is; he is either (1) a deceitful, wicked, devil of hell; (2) a lunatic, on the level with someone who thinks himself a poached egg (as Lewis would say); or (3) who he claimed to be–the one who spoke and our worlds leapt into existence, the one who knit you together in your mothers womb, and the one who will be your judge in eternity.Â
Liar, Lunatic, or Lord. You and I only have these three options. How will we respond?
READING NOTE: For those of you interested in seeing an honest exploration of ancient literary/historical evidence for the life of Jesus, I’d encourage you to pick up Gary Habermas’ The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. This is the best book I know of on this particular topic.
2 Comments on “Was Jesus a miracle worker? Ask his enemies!”
Thank you I am sharing info of your site with my father who shares with his church. They have adopted many of the things we have done at our church. I enjoy the further reading you give for me to explore further. thanks
Lord of course. Because of my upbringing I’ve had more issues w/ God then w/ Jesus (i know they’re the same person but during recovery from a tumultuous childhood, it was necessary for me to separate them to begin to heal from the word “father” being evil and scary)…..I’ve always known, somewhere inside, that Jesus was who He claimed to be and who was written about in the Word. My issue was with God, the father, for a very long time. The one issue I still deal with is why was evil allowed to exist after being banned from HEaven….I dont’ think we’re supposed to fully understand this but through prayer and counsel, the answer I received was, Love is a choice. Without a choice, there is no love. Thus, the reason Satan was allowed to continue to be “in the beginning” and still today. Off subject, sorry, but this is something I’d like your feedback on as well Pastor Brent. Thanks!