Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus

Explore the miracles of Jesus in Signs and Wonders with Amy-Jill Levine Professor of New Testament studies and Bible study author.In Signs and Wonders: A Beginners Guide to the Miracles of Jesus Amy-Jill Levine explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context. For each miracle she discusses not only how past witnesses would have understood the events but also how todays readers can draw meaning from Jesuss words and actions. Chapter topics include:Giving sight to the blind: Metaphors of understanding (Mark 8 John 9) Take up your pallet and walk (the paralyzed man): On the role of caregivers A bleeding woman and a dead girl: The importance of womens bodies Walking on water and stilling the storm: Ecological readings of the GospelsThe feeding of the 5000 (or more): The centrality of bread The raising of Lazarus: Taking death seriouslyComponents for the six-week study include a book comprehensive Leader Guide and DVD/Video sessions featuring Amy-Jill Levine.Praise for Signs and WondersAmy-Jill Levine has the rare and wonderful gift of being able to offer solid exegetical work to readers with or without formal theological training as if she is sitting in your living room sharing a cup of tea. Throughout this book she calls us to the interpretive work reminding us that the big question is not did this happen?" but "what does it mean?" and ultimately "so what?" How can these old miracle stories speak good news to our lives in this time and place and invite our own healing and transformation along the way? Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop) Episcopal Diocese of Western MassachusettsAmy-Jill Levine is herself a sign and wonder a sign that reading the New Testament through Jewish eyes is not just essential but revelatory and a wonder as she always writes with verve wisdom humor and rich insight. Her latest is hardly an exception an accessible fascinating book we welcome eagerly. James Howell Senior Pastor Myers Park United Methodist Church Charlotte North CarolinaWith brilliant insight and trademark wit Dr. Amy-Jill Levine reveals wondrous details of the most prominent miracles in the gospels. We become more than readers of these stories; we discover how to be recipients and participants in the ongoing miraculous work of God. Magrey R. deVega Senior Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa Florida and author of The Bible Year: A Journey through Scripture in 365 DaysWhat a rich and accessible resource for anyone who wants to grow their understanding of the Gospels and the claims they make about Jesus! AJ Levine teaches us how to learn from the miracle stories marvel at them worry about them and respond to them in our own lives. Matthew L. Skinner Professor of New Testament Luther SeminaryMaking space for the believer and skeptic alike Levine masterfully connects the miracles of the God of Israel with the miracles of Jesus. From friends who clear the way to a father who pleads for his daughter to sisters who stand resolute Levine invites the reader to cherish the helpers and the healed as much as we cherish the healer. Levine's willingness to authentically share portions of her own story reminds the reader of the ways the miraculous breaks into our own lives.Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm Director of Connectional Ministry Eastern Pennsylvania Conference The United Methodist ChurchAmy-Jill Levine engages the miracles of Jesus with scholarly acumen and signature wit. Christians who have been confused by these stories will find new clarity in her comprehensive context including corrective understandings of Judaism. Those who have been intimidated by these texts will be encouraged by her candor.