LDS NONFICTION: The Miracles of Jesus by Eric D. Huntsman

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

by Eric D. Huntsman

Deseret Book, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-60907-916-1

LDS Nonfiction

Source: publisher for review (Thanks!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Foreseen by prophets before Jesus' birth, witnesses by many during his life, and read about by millions since, the miracles of Jesus are a distinguishing aspect of his mortal ministry.

Both then and now, these miracles are powerful witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, God's anointed servant and the Savior of mankind. He performed many miracles ranging from feeding multitudes to giving sight to the blind and restoring life and health to the infirm.

But these miracles were more than just blessings to the individuals involved. Each one contains symbols that teach us about Jesus, his atonement, and the greater miracles that he can work in the lives of all of us.

In The Miracles of Jesus, author Eric D. Huntsman blends perceptive doctrinal insights with historical context, literary analysis, and specific personal application. His exploration of the meaning and symbolism of each of the Savior's miracles shows us how they can bless us in the challenges we ourselves face today. Here, for example, he draws connections between the devils the Savior cast out and the demons we or loved ones may face in overcoming addiction or recovering from abuse. And we see in a new way how the promise inherent in Christ's raising of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus can comfort us at the death of someone we love.

Fine-art paintings and musical meditations enhance our experience by illustrating Jesus' miracles and their power. Photographs of sites in the Holy Land where many of the miracles were performed give us a sense of place, reinforcing the fact that they really happened.

Through these inspirational means, we find that the miracles Jesus performed in New Testament times can become a springboard to the miracles that continue to occur in our own lives—transformations made possible through the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Huntsman knows his way around the library when it comes to the New Testament. He speaks authoritatively about Greek and Latin roots, he has a clear grasp of both textual and historical criticism. The result is a compelling book that is equal parts devotional and scholarly. There is much that will challenge us intellectually and invite us to read deeply. All of the miracles point directly to the greatest miracle of all: Christ’s Atonement, with its victory over both spiritual and physical decay.” - Michael Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ERIC D. HUNTSMAN is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, where he serves as the coordinator of the Ancient Near Eastern Studies program in the Kennedy Center for International Studies and is affiliated with the Classics program. After graduating from BYU in classical Greek and Latin, he earned a Ph.D. in ancient history from the University of Pennsylvania. He joined the BYU faculty in 1994.

The author of the acclaimed God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior’s Life and Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior’s Birth, both from Deseret Book, Dr. Huntsman has also published numerous articles on the New Testament and the writings of John.

He served as a full-time missionary in the Thailand Bangkok Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a bishop in Provo, Utah. Brother Huntsman is an ordinance worker in the Provo Utah Temple and sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He and his wife, Elaine Scott Huntsman, are the parents of two children.

REVIEW

Some of the most powerful accounts in all scripture revolve around the miracles Jesus performed during his mortal life.  Huntsman looks at these accounts not only as the incredible moments that they were but also the power symbolism that they involve.  Using explanations of ancient language, gorgeous artwork, interesting sidebars, as well as musical references, the reader is taken on a journey through Christ's life and what it can all mean in our own lives today.

One of the things that Huntsman mentions that I found very interesting is how many people see what Christ did in terms of healing the sick or commanding the elements as 'unnatural' or 'supernatural'. He points out that since Christ is the Creator, nothing he did was unnatural.  He also suggests that there are many laws that we simply may not be aware of yet.  And I strongly believe he is correct.

The overall impression I got of this book was that the miracles that Jesus performed all come together to do one thing and that is identify Christ as the divine being that he was and is still.  His miracles were not intended to be signs but witnesses to those already willing to believe.  Such miracles are not limited to Christ's mortal life, He is still more than willing to offer miracles to us, but we have to exercise the faith necessary to accept what he offers, even when it isn't what we originally wanted.