The Greatness of Jesus Proven By His Enemies: Part One

The Reaction of Others

One can learn a lot about another individual based upon how people react to him or her. This is true of those who are friends of such a person and is also true of those who are enemies of such a person. Those who stand as enemies of a person will usually point out flaws – his or her weaknesses, his or her negative aspects, etc. The same is true concerning Jesus Christ and His enemies.

Reactions to Jesus

This is not to suggest that Jesus Christ had any weaknesses or negative aspects. His enemies did, however, attempt to tarnish His reputation with the people. But, when we look at some of those accusations, we can see certain admissions that even Jesus’ enemies had to make. It is the purpose of this article to examine the accusations made against Jesus’ power.

Shown Power

Jesus Christ demonstrated a great amount of power before numerous witnesses. In Matthew Chapter 8 alone we find five miracles, each serving to establish Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. (1) He demonstrates power over the external body by healing the leper (Mat. 8:1-4). (2) He demonstrates power over time and space by healing the centurion’s servant without being physically present (Mat. 8:5-13). (3) He demonstrates power over the internal body by healing Peter’s mother-in-law of her fever (Mat. 8:14, 15). (4) He demonstrates power over the natural world by calming the great storm (Mat. 8:23-27). (5) He demonstrates power over the spiritual world by driving out demons (Mat. 8:28-34).

Too Many Witnesses

It is highly doubtful that an entire group of people would be fooled by a false healing of a leper, let alone the literally dozens of other miracles which Jesus performed on a regular basis. This being true, is there a Biblical example of any one of Jesus’ enemies bringing an accusation of a “false” miracle? When Jesus employs His power, is it ever challenged as a mere show or “magic act”? It is not. How then is Jesus’ power challenged? By attributing the power to Satan (Mat. 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15).

A Weak Argument

Now, it is not the purpose of this article to explain this accusation in detail. However, it is important to note that Jesus’ enemies could not challenge His power! All they could do is attempt to challenge its source. This actually accomplishes the very thing which Jesus’ enemies sought to avoid – it proves, by their own words, that Jesus Christ’s miracles were very real. Not even Jesus’ enemies could challenge their validity. What great and awesome power indeed!