When is the stated story, not the whole story? An assignment to complete.

Mark Virkler's picture

When I read in the Gospels that Jesus healed, I assume that is the entire story because that is what is stated. I suppose that Jesus spoke or laid on hands or whatever, and the person was immediately healed. Well, that is not necessarily the case. The Gospel writers were cramming a 33-year life into a few short chapters, so chances are good that details have been left out.

Let’s explore the story of the crucifixion, for example. To answer the questions below you may want to chart all details mentioned in each of the four Gospels and then note what each Gospel writer added or skipped as they tell the story.

  • Matthew’s version of what happened at the crucifixion is recorded in Matthew 27:32-52. Please read it and list each main detail. So, you would think this is the whole story, right?
  • Mark’s version of what happened at the crucifixion is recorded in Mark 15:21-41. What new details do we discover?
  • Luke’s version of what happened at the crucifixion is recorded in Luke 23:32-49. What new details do we discover?
  • John’s version of what happened at the crucifixion is recorded in John 19:16-37. What new details do we discover?

Now that you see the fuller story, does it help you see that these abbreviated accounts in the Gospels are only a portion of all that happened? Each author is only putting in the details they sense are important for their readers to read, and each Gospel is written to a different audience. When you put them all together, do you get a fuller picture of the crucifixion event? Do you think that there may still be details beyond what the four Gospel writers describe?

Should I assume this same principle is true when it says, “Jesus healed everyone”? Would it be wise to understand that statement as a summary of what happened and that there is a lot of detail being left out? Does that statement tell how long it took for each person to be healed? Does it detail if part of the healing was instantaneous, and part appeared the next day or the next week? Does it explain the exact approach Jesus took in healing them? Does it describe if Jesus used different methods with different people? Should I be making assumptions when there are no details to back them up?

Journaling question

Lord, what do You want to speak to me concerning the stories I read in the Bible? How am I to look at them? How am I to understand them? Can I understand them through my reasoning alone, or do I need Your revelation? Do I need You to "open Scriptures to me" just as You did the disciples on the Emmaus Road?

Part 2 of this topic is here: https://www.cwgministries.org/blogs/when-stated-story-not-whole-story-al...

Related Resources: 

How to Hear God's Voice!   How to Master Your Bible!   
Add new comment

Add new comment

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Results

Results 341 - 350 of 488

Pages

EFT for Christians PDF eBook

Emotional Freedom Techniques - EFT for Christians: Tapping Into God's Peace and Joy ebook

by Charity Virkler Kayembe and Sherrie Rice Smith | 208 Pages | Published 2016

Scripture tells us that we comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). To the degree that we are healed and comforted, we can offer those same gifts much more freely to others.

Price: $15.99
Experiencing God Together eBook

Experiencing God Together eBook

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 105 Pages

This book teaches how to turn small group meetings into times of dynamic sharing of revelation concerning the real life issues we face daily. It addresses how to get everyone involved, how to limit the naturally talkative, and how to keep things on track.

Price: $12.95
Fulfill Your Financial Destiny PDF ebook

Fulfill Your Financial Destiny eBook

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 66 Pages

Though the economic system (mammon) of this world is under a curse, we have received instructions for how to move out from that dominion and into the blessing of the Kingdom of God. God’s promises to His children have not changed with the whims of government or Wall Street, nor have His directions for how to walk in those promises. We can “choose not to participate” in the economic recession that is around us if we instead choose to obey the logos and rhema of the Lord and enjoy the blessings that result.

Price: $9.95
Gifted to Succeed eBook

Gifted to Succeed eBook

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 189 Pages

There is no joy so complete as knowing who you are -- who God has made you to be and what your basic giftings and drives are. The goal of this book is to get you effectively functioning in roles which allow you to adequately express your heart motivations and gifts. The fulfillment you experience when you function in your gifts and calling is a joy almost beyond belief.

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men." (Prov. 22:29)

Price: $17.95

God Speaks to Me eBook

by MaryAnn Diorio | 45 pages

Many years ago, I read a book similar to this one by MaryAnn Diorio. In it, God was speaking for page after page. I so hungered to be able to hear God’s voice as the authors of that book did, and as MaryAnn does on the pages of this book.

Now God has allowed me the privilege of raising up an army of writers who are sharing what God has spoken to them. This devotional by MaryAnn contains 100 amazing journal entries of God speaking. Below is one sample:

Price: $4.95
God's Heart for You eBook Cover

God's Heart for You eBook

a devotional by Uta Milewski | 100 pages

Do you sometimes struggle with thoughts and feelings that you don't measure up? I do and I sometimes need a second opinion and a different perspective. In 2006, during an intense season of first doubt and then searching, God gave me His opinion, His heart for me. It set in motion the victories and freedom I now experience in life. I pray you'll be encouraged by the Scriptures and thoughts God gave me during that time.

Price: $4.76
The Great Mystery eBook

Great Mystery eBook

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 54 Pages

This is a workbook which guides you in meditating on hundreds of New Testament verses which speak of Who Christ is within us and how to touch and release Him and His wisdom, power and might continuously and effortlessly out through our lives. You will look up every New Testament verse on being "in Christ," "in Him" and "in Whom." In addition, you will meditate on the various names given to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and realize that all that He is is available within you and even joined to you (1 Cor. 6:17)! Absolutely amazing!

Price: $9.95
Health Mastery Through MRT eBook

Health Mastery Through MRT eBook

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 82 Pages

Wouldn't it be great if there were a way for my body to tell me exactly what it needs and desires, without having to take expensive or invasive tests? Wouldn't it be amazing if I could perform these tests as often as I wanted, right in my own home (or anywhere I wanted), with no costly instruments necessary? 

Price: $19.95
Healthier Today than Yesterday - Book Cover

Healthier Today Than Yesterday eBook

Mark and Patti Virkler | 103 Pages

I am healthier at age 60 than I was at age 40! That excites me. I want to share with you what I have learned in the last 18 years since I wrote the book Go Natural. I researched and wrote that first book on health when I was 40 years old because my body was beginning to break down. The truths I learned then improved my health and many others have written to tell me that it improved the quality of their health, as well.

Price: $9.95

Hearing God Through Biblical Meditation ebook

Unlocking fresh revelation daily - by Mark and Patti Virkler | 179 Pages

For many years I studied the Bible incorrectly, and it produced death rather than life. Even though I had a knowledge of the Scriptures, I did not personally experience the life and the realities they revealed. The Bible calls this the ministry of death, rather than the ministry of righteousness (2 Cor. 3:6–9). Upon coming out of Bible college, I found myself just like the apostle Paul, attacking those who disagreed with my theology. 

Price: $15.95

Pages