Jesus’ Miracles in Luke
An Expandable List of Jesus’ Miracles in the Gospel of Luke
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In Luke 4:31-37, Jesus demonstrates his authority in Capernaum by healing a man possessed by an unclean demon during a synagogue teaching. The demon, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God, cries out in fear. With a firm command, Jesus tells the demon to be silent and come out, and it obeys immediately. The crowd is left in awe of his power, highlighting Jesus’ mission to liberate those burdened by evil spirits and signaling the arrival of God’s kingdom.
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In Luke 4:38-39, Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, who is afflicted with a high fever. Upon entering Simon’s home, Jesus finds her bedridden and in distress. With a simple command, he rebukes the fever, and immediately, she is restored to health. The impact of this healing is pronounced. It restores her physically and enables her to rise and serve. This act illustrates how Jesus’ healing touch goes beyond mere recovery, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and service in her life.
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In Luke 4:40-41, we see Jesus’ compassion on full display as he responds to the needs of many who are suffering. As the sun sets, people bring to him all who are sick and possessed by demons. With authority, Jesus lays his hands on each person, healing them of their ailments and casting out unclean spirits. The demons recognize him, proclaiming, “You are the Son of God!” Yet, he silences them, not wanting their testimony. This moment reveals the sheer scope of Jesus’ power and compassion, as he meets the physical and spiritual needs of those in distress, demonstrating that he is both a healer and the one who brings freedom.
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In Luke 5:12-16, we encounter a man afflicted with leprosy, who approaches Jesus in desperation. The leper begs for healing, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretches out his hand and touches the man, saying, “I am willing; be clean.” Instantly, the leprosy leaves him, showing Jesus’ willingness to heal and break social barriers by touching the untouchable. After healing him, Jesus instructs the man to tell no one, but to go and show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices commanded by Moses. Despite this command, the man’s testimony spreads widely, and news of Jesus’ miraculous works continues to draw great crowds, illustrating how his ministry touches not only the physical realm but also the hearts of those who encounter him.
Luke’s Gospel has Jesus speaking and interacting with all kinds of people from all walks of life.
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In Luke 5:17-26, a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by his friends, who, unable to reach him through the crowd, lower him through the roof. Seeing their faith, Jesus first says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” which prompts criticism from the Pharisees questioning his authority. To prove his divine power, Jesus tells the man to rise, take up his mat, and walk. The man instantly obeys, standing before everyone and glorifying God. This story illustrates Jesus’ ability to heal both physically and spiritually, emphasizing the power of faith in the process.
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In Luke 6:6-11, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The religious leaders watch closely, hoping to find a reason to accuse him. Jesus asks them whether it is lawful to do good or harm on the Sabbath, challenging their rigid interpretation of the law. He then tells the man to stretch out his hand, and when he does, it is miraculously restored. This act of healing infuriates the Pharisees, who begin plotting against Jesus. The event underscores the tension between Jesus’ compassionate ministry and the rigid legalism of the religious leaders.
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In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus approaches the town of Nain, where a funeral procession is underway for a widow’s only son. Moved with compassion for the grieving mother, he tells her not to weep. Jesus then steps forward and touches the bier, commanding the young man to arise. Miraculously, the dead son sits up and begins to speak, bringing joy and astonishment to the crowd. This act demonstrates Jesus’ authority over death and his deep empathy for human suffering, highlighting his role as the source of life and hope. The people praise God, acknowledging a great prophet among them.
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In Luke 8:22-25, Jesus and his disciples set out on a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. As they sail, a fierce storm arises, threatening to capsize the vessel. While the disciples panic, fearing for their lives, Jesus sleeps peacefully in the stern. In desperation, they wake him, crying out for help. Jesus then stands, rebukes the wind, and calms the raging waters, restoring peace to the sea. This miraculous event astonishes the disciples, prompting them to question who he is, as even the winds and waves obey him. Through this encounter, Jesus reveals his divine authority over nature, instilling both fear and reverence.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39
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In Luke 8:26-39, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of Gerasenes. This tormented man, who lives among the tombs, is beyond human help. He is isolated in his suffering and torment. When he sees Jesus, he cries out, recognizing Jesus’ authority, and the demons beg not to be cast into the abyss. Instead, Jesus permits them to enter a nearby herd of pigs, which then rush down a hillside and drown in the lake. The healed man, now clothed and in his right mind, wants to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to return home and tell others about the mercy he received. Once tormented he becomes a vessel of goodnews.
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In Luke 8:43-48, a woman suffering from twelve years of unstoppable bleeding approaches Jesus in a crowd, desperate and out of options. She believes that if she just touches the fringe of his robe, she will be healed. Her faith is met with immediate power; she’s healed instantly! Jesus stops, asking who touched him, and the woman, trembling, comes forward, explaining her action. Rather than rebuking her, Jesus affirms her faith, saying, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” In the gospel of Mark, this is sandwiched between the healing of Jairus’ daughter, with the themes of “daughter” and beloved.
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In Luke 8:40-42 and 49-56, Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleads with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Jesus sets off with Jairus, but news arrives that she has passed. Despite the sorrow, Jesus urges Jairus to keep his faith. At the house, he tells the mourners that the girl is only sleeping, but they scoff. Jesus takes her hand and commands her to rise. Instantly, she stands up, alive and well. Jesus instructs her parents to give her something to eat and to keep this miracle private. Jesus has authority over death and provides tender care.
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In Luke 9:10-17, after withdrawing with his disciples, Jesus is met by a large crowd eager to hear his teaching and receive healing. As evening falls, the disciples urge him to send the people away to find food, but Jesus instructs them to feed the crowd. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus blesses the meal, breaks it, and has the disciples distribute it among the five thousand men, not including women and children. Miraculously, everyone eats their fill, and twelve baskets of leftovers are gathered. This miracle points to Jesus as the true provider, showing his compassion and his power to meet every need. Do I trust that God will provide for me - whether I’m the one charged with serving others or whether I’m the one following him in the wastelands?
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In Luke 9:37-43, a desperate father brings his son, tormented by an unclean spirit, to Jesus. The spirit seizes the boy, throwing him into convulsions and leaving him bruised and broken. The disciples have tried and failed to cast it out. Jesus, grieved by the lack of faith, commands the spirit to leave, and with authority, he heals the boy. The boy is restored to his father’s arms. Deep and dark spiritual forces are at work, but Jesus is much stronger.
Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 also challenged the disciples to trust God’s provision as they were called to minister in a daunting scenario!
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In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus encounters a woman in the synagogue who has been crippled by a disabling spirit for eighteen long years. Bent over and unable to straighten herself, she has lived in pain and isolation. Moved with compassion, Jesus calls her over, lays his hands on her, and declares her free from her ailment. Instantly, she stands upright, praising God. Though the synagogue ruler protests—criticizing Jesus for healing on the Sabbath—Jesus rebukes him, arguing that if animals can be untied and led to water on the Sabbath, shouldn’t this “daughter of Abraham” be set free from her suffering? The crowd rejoices. Once again, Jesus places people over legalism.
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In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus attends a meal at the home of a Pharisee on the Sabbath, where a man with dropsy—a condition causing painful swelling—is present. Observing him, Jesus anticipates the tension in the room, as healing on the Sabbath is often met with criticism. He asks the Pharisees and experts of the law if it’s lawful to heal on the Sabbath, but they remain silent. Jesus, filled with principle and compassion, heals the man and sends him on his way, then turns to his critics, asking if they wouldn’t rescue their own child or ox on the Sabbath if it fell into a pit. His question leaves them speechless, exposing their double standards.
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In Luke 17:11-19, as Jesus travels along the border between Samaria and Galilee, he encounters ten men suffering from leprosy, a disease that isolates them from society. Standing at a distance, they call out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests, the act required for their reintegration into the community. As they go, they’re miraculously healed. But only one, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus, praising God and falling at his feet in gratitude. Jesus points out that only this foreigner came back to give thanks and tells him, “Your faith has made you well.” Faith and gratitude abound in this story.
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In Luke 18:35-43, as Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus sits by the roadside, begging. Hearing the crowd, he asks what’s happening and learns that Jesus is passing by. Without hesitation, he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though others try to silence him, he calls out even louder. Jesus stops, commands Bartimaeus to be brought to him, and asks what he wants. Bartimaeus replies, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Jesus responds, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Instantly, Bartimaeus sees and follows Jesus, glorifying God.
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In Luke 22:47-51, as Jesus faces arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas approaches to betray him with a kiss. One of the disciples, reacting impulsively, strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus intervenes, putting an end to the violence with a firm rebuke, saying, “No more of this!” He then reaches out and heals the servant’s ear—a stunning act of mercy in the midst of betrayal. This final miracle before the cross underscores Jesus’ commitment to peace and compassion, even for those coming to seize him. Why didn’t this miracle convince any of his arresters of his power?
