Zone1 Do you believe the Gospels make a concerted effort to portray Jesus as supernatural?

[ding]

Portraying Jesus as supernatural isn't just an element in the Gospels; it's fundamental to what the Gospels aim to convey about his identity and purpose.

The Gospels make a deliberate and central effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural being, highlighting his divine nature through miraculous deeds (healings, nature control, resurrection), his unique divine conception, and his identity as the Son of God, with John's Gospel emphasizing his pre-existence and deity most strongly. While different Gospels emphasize different aspects (Matthew as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as perfect Man), all present a figure whose life, actions, and claims transcend the ordinary human experience to reveal God.

Evidence for the Supernatural in the Gospels:

• Miraculous Conception: Jesus's birth is attributed to the Holy Spirit, making him divinely conceived.
• Miraculous Deeds (Signs):The Gospels are filled with miracles, such as:
  • Changing water into wine (John).
  • Feeding multitudes with minimal food.
  • Walking on water and calming storms.
  • Healing the sick, blind, and lame.
  • Casting out demons.
  • Raising the dead (Lazarus).
• Divine Identity: The Gospel of John, in particular, presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, co-equal with God, emphasizing his divine origin and nature from the start.
• Resurrection: The ultimate supernatural event, the resurrection, serves as proof of his divine power and identity, placing the other miracles in a credible light for believers, notes this Project Gutenberg text.

Concerted Effort:

• The authors structured their narratives to build this image, from Jesus's divine birth stories in Matthew and Luke to the "signs" in John designed to show his glory.
• Even the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), which focus on Jesus's humanity and role as servant/king, frame his actions within a supernatural context, contrasting him with ordinary men.

 

[ding]

The majority of mainstream biblical scholars agree that the authors of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) made a concerted, intentional effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural figure.

While mainstream, historical-critical scholarship typically does not approach these accounts with a faith-based assumption that the miracles are historically accurate, there is a strong consensus that the literary intention of the Gospel writers was to present Jesus as having a divine nature, acting with divine authority, and performing acts that defied natural laws.

Here is a breakdown of the consensus on this topic:

• Intentionality of Portrayal: Scholars generally agree that all four Gospels—even Mark, which is often considered to have the "lowest" (least explicitly divine) Christology—depict Jesus as doing things that only God can do, such as calming the sea, walking on water, and forgiving sins.
• The Miracles as Narrative Feature: Mainstream scholars recognize that the miracles are not mere add-ons, but central, "designed" elements of the story that highlight Jesus's supernatural authority.
• Jesus as Miracle Worker: There is almost universal agreement among scholars—including skeptics and non-Christian academics—that the historical Jesus was, at the very least, viewed by his contemporaries as a miracle worker, specifically a healer and exorcist.
• Differentiation in Portrayal: While they all portray a supernatural Jesus, the Gospels do so in different ways. The Synoptics (Mark, Matthew, Luke) often show Jesus's divinity emerging or being revealed, while the Gospel of John presents a explicitly pre-existent, divine Logos (Word) from the beginning.
• Departure from "History" to "Theology": While mainstream scholars affirm the intention to show a supernatural Jesus, they also largely agree that these stories reflect the theological beliefs of the early Christian communities rather than objective, journalistic recordings.

In summary, mainstream scholarship distinguishes between the intended portrayal by the authors (supernatural) and the historical assessment of those events (which varies from skeptical to agnostic), but there is a clear consensus that the writers intended to show Jesus as supernatural.

 

[Mikeoxenormous]

Portraying Jesus as supernatural isn't just an element in the Gospels; it's fundamental to what the Gospels aim to convey about his identity and purpose.

The Gospels make a deliberate and central effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural being, highlighting his divine nature through miraculous deeds (healings, nature control, resurrection), his unique divine conception, and his identity as the Son of God, with John's Gospel emphasizing his pre-existence and deity most strongly. While different Gospels emphasize different aspects (Matthew as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as perfect Man), all present a figure whose life, actions, and claims transcend the ordinary human experience to reveal God.

Evidence for the Supernatural in the Gospels:

• Miraculous Conception: Jesus's birth is attributed to the Holy Spirit, making him divinely conceived.
• Miraculous Deeds (Signs):The Gospels are filled with miracles, such as:
  • Changing water into wine (John).
  • Feeding multitudes with minimal food.
  • Walking on water and calming storms.
  • Healing the sick, blind, and lame.
  • Casting out demons.
  • Raising the dead (Lazarus).
• Divine Identity: The Gospel of John, in particular, presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, co-equal with God, emphasizing his divine origin and nature from the start.
• Resurrection: The ultimate supernatural event, the resurrection, serves as proof of his divine power and identity, placing the other miracles in a credible light for believers, notes this Project Gutenberg text.

Concerted Effort:

• The authors structured their narratives to build this image, from Jesus's divine birth stories in Matthew and Luke to the "signs" in John designed to show his glory.
• Even the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), which focus on Jesus's humanity and role as servant/king, frame his actions within a supernatural context, contrasting him with ordinary men.

Supernatural? No. Holy Spirit? Yes.

Bible Gateway passage: Luke 7:1-10 - Good News Translation

Jesus Heals a Roman Officer's Servant - When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum. A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die. When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him...

www.biblegateway.com

 

[Mikeoxenormous]

The majority of mainstream biblical scholars agree that the authors of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) made a concerted, intentional effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural figure.

While mainstream, historical-critical scholarship typically does not approach these accounts with a faith-based assumption that the miracles are historically accurate, there is a strong consensus that the literary intention of the Gospel writers was to present Jesus as having a divine nature, acting with divine authority, and performing acts that defied natural laws.

Here is a breakdown of the consensus on this topic:

• Intentionality of Portrayal: Scholars generally agree that all four Gospels—even Mark, which is often considered to have the "lowest" (least explicitly divine) Christology—depict Jesus as doing things that only God can do, such as calming the sea, walking on water, and forgiving sins.
• The Miracles as Narrative Feature: Mainstream scholars recognize that the miracles are not mere add-ons, but central, "designed" elements of the story that highlight Jesus's supernatural authority.
• Jesus as Miracle Worker: There is almost universal agreement among scholars—including skeptics and non-Christian academics—that the historical Jesus was, at the very least, viewed by his contemporaries as a miracle worker, specifically a healer and exorcist.
• Differentiation in Portrayal: While they all portray a supernatural Jesus, the Gospels do so in different ways. The Synoptics (Mark, Matthew, Luke) often show Jesus's divinity emerging or being revealed, while the Gospel of John presents a explicitly pre-existent, divine Logos (Word) from the beginning.
• Departure from "History" to "Theology": While mainstream scholars affirm the intention to show a supernatural Jesus, they also largely agree that these stories reflect the theological beliefs of the early Christian communities rather than objective, journalistic recordings.

In summary, mainstream scholarship distinguishes between the intended portrayal by the authors (supernatural) and the historical assessment of those events (which varies from skeptical to agnostic), but there is a clear consensus that the writers intended to show Jesus as supernatural.

Then there are useful idiots. The Democrats love them even to the point of having them stand in front of a car, to be shot. All about getting the power back at all means.

 

[Seymour Flops]

Portraying Jesus as supernatural isn't just an element in the Gospels; it's fundamental to what the Gospels aim to convey about his identity and purpose.

The Gospels make a deliberate and central effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural being, highlighting his divine nature through miraculous deeds (healings, nature control, resurrection), his unique divine conception, and his identity as the Son of God, with John's Gospel emphasizing his pre-existence and deity most strongly. While different Gospels emphasize different aspects (Matthew as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as perfect Man), all present a figure whose life, actions, and claims transcend the ordinary human experience to reveal God.

Evidence for the Supernatural in the Gospels:

• Miraculous Conception: Jesus's birth is attributed to the Holy Spirit, making him divinely conceived.
• Miraculous Deeds (Signs):The Gospels are filled with miracles, such as:
  • Changing water into wine (John).
  • Feeding multitudes with minimal food.
  • Walking on water and calming storms.
  • Healing the sick, blind, and lame.
  • Casting out demons.
  • Raising the dead (Lazarus).
• Divine Identity: The Gospel of John, in particular, presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, co-equal with God, emphasizing his divine origin and nature from the start.
• Resurrection: The ultimate supernatural event, the resurrection, serves as proof of his divine power and identity, placing the other miracles in a credible light for believers, notes this Project Gutenberg text.

Concerted Effort:

• The authors structured their narratives to build this image, from Jesus's divine birth stories in Matthew and Luke to the "signs" in John designed to show his glory.
• Even the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), which focus on Jesus's humanity and role as servant/king, frame his actions within a supernatural context, contrasting him with ordinary men.

Yes, there is some Socratic Irony in the reader knowing right away that this is a supernatural human being born (all man and all God). Jesus only hints at his divinity as predicted somewhere, I believe.

But clearly the story is that he is a devine being with some Godlike powers, and is a devine sacrifice.

 

[BreezeWood]

supernatural having undoubtedly accomplished the heavenly goal of antiquity ... nothing more as their morality proved.

 

[DennisPTate]

Portraying Jesus as supernatural isn't just an element in the Gospels; it's fundamental to what the Gospels aim to convey about his identity and purpose.

The Gospels make a deliberate and central effort to portray Jesus as a supernatural being, highlighting his divine nature through miraculous deeds (healings, nature control, resurrection), his unique divine conception, and his identity as the Son of God, with John's Gospel emphasizing his pre-existence and deity most strongly. While different Gospels emphasize different aspects (Matthew as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as perfect Man), all present a figure whose life, actions, and claims transcend the ordinary human experience to reveal God.

Evidence for the Supernatural in the Gospels:

• Miraculous Conception: Jesus's birth is attributed to the Holy Spirit, making him divinely conceived.
• Miraculous Deeds (Signs):The Gospels are filled with miracles, such as:
  • Changing water into wine (John).
  • Feeding multitudes with minimal food.
  • Walking on water and calming storms.
  • Healing the sick, blind, and lame.
  • Casting out demons.
  • Raising the dead (Lazarus).
• Divine Identity: The Gospel of John, in particular, presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, co-equal with God, emphasizing his divine origin and nature from the start.
• Resurrection: The ultimate supernatural event, the resurrection, serves as proof of his divine power and identity, placing the other miracles in a credible light for believers, notes this Project Gutenberg text.

Concerted Effort:

• The authors structured their narratives to build this image, from Jesus's divine birth stories in Matthew and Luke to the "signs" in John designed to show his glory.
• Even the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), which focus on Jesus's humanity and role as servant/king, frame his actions within a supernatural context, contrasting him with ordinary men.

I just found this particular "sermon" a few moments ago and I am encouraged that at least one pastor went from Atheism - Agnosticism to becoming a pastor after beginning to study near death experience accounts.

Imagine Heaven | After Life | John Burke - Author​

242,662 views Apr 13, 2025 Sermon Only

What happens when we die? Is there real evidence for life after death? In this powerful message, bestselling author and pastor John Burke shares decades of research into near-death experiences (NDEs) and how they align with the truth of Scripture.Drawing from over 1,500 documented cases, Burke tells stories from doctors, professors, and everyday people who clinically died, experienced the presence of God, and returned transformed. He shows how these encounters give us a glimpse of the beauty, love, and relational reality of heaven. This message is part of our "After Life" series at Trace Church, where we’re exploring how to live with hope and purpose in a broken world. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or hopeful, this message will challenge what you think about life, death, and eternity.⸻ About John Burke:John Burke is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. Formerly an agnostic and engineer, Burke came to faith through his father’s cancer journey and a curiosity sparked by near-death experience research. He is the author of Imagine Heaven, Imagine the God of Heaven, and No Perfect People Allowed. His work bridges faith, science, and story to reveal the heart of God to people from all walks of life.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction and humor at a funeral
0:49 – Gallup poll: 1 in 25 Americans report a near-death experience
1:36 – Burke’s journey from skeptic to believer
2:54 – The book Imagine Heaven and 40 consistent NDE traits
3:43 – How NDEs align with Scripture
4:49 – Explaining extra-dimensional experiences
5:39 – Dr. Mary Neal’s kayaking accident and NDE story
7:55 – Mary’s description of feeling more alive after death
9:04 – Cardiologists and skeptics turned believers
11:05 – Dr. Pim van Lommel and the “dentures” story
12:21 – Verified observations during clinical death
13:03 – Possible NDEs in the Bible: Apostle Paul14:29 – The spiritual body described in 1 Corinthians 15
15:53 – The beauty of heaven: color, time, dimension
17:05 – Earth as a shadow of heaven (Hebrews 8)
18:08 – Creation groans for restoration (Romans 8)
19:02 – Captain Dale Black’s description of heaven’s colors
20:06 – Joy and beauty in nature, even from trees and water
21:02 – The “welcoming committee” of loved ones
22:03 – Personal stories of recognition and relationship in heaven
23:16 – NDEs show a small glimpse—not the whole picture
24:00 – Jesus references the welcoming committee (Luke 16)
25:08 – Reunion with family and even pets
26:58 – Identity, joy, and shared love in heaven
28:03 – The God of Light and the life review
30:04 – People born blind describe the same light and love
32:04 – Vicki’s detailed life review despite blindness
33:40 – Nothing is hidden; all is revealed with grace
35:02 – God’s heart: second chances and redemption
36:28 – Atheist Howard Storm’s terrifying NDE turned salvation
38:02 – Howard and Dr. Mary Neal describe their life reviews
40:49 – Even small acts of love matter eternally
42:01 – Ripple effects of pain, tragedy, and kindness
43:05 – Every act of love matters to God
44:12 – Captain Dale Black’s emotional encounter with Jesus
46:59 – The gift of salvation and why love is the goal
49:01 – A final call to receive Jesus and walk with him
50:30 – Prayer and invitation to salvation