The angel Gabriel was a messenger that often delivered information to those in need. The angel Gabriel would provide assurance to those he approached with a word of peace and safety.
Luke 1:19 reads, And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.
The angel Gabriel delivered a message to Zechariah that his prayers were heard and that his wife Elisabeth would bear a son.
Luke 1:26-38 reads, And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto the city of Galilee, named Nazareth. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she was him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever: and his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angle departed from her.
The angel Gabriel delivered a message to Mary and remained with her for a period of time to explain what was about to transpire. She was chosen by God to deliver to this earth the Son of God for the salvation of all mankind.
1 Corinthians 4:9 reads, For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Our lives are a spectacle to all the angels and the principalities.
Satan attacks again and again regardless of the outcome. Satan is an extremely powerful supernatural fallen angel capable of transporting Jesus from the wilderness to the Temple in Jerusalem to the highest mountains in Israel. In another supernatural act Satan was able to show Jesus the kingdoms of the world and without consideration for the truth offers these kingdoms to Jesus for his rule. Satan is extremely cunning and knows our weaknesses and will attack us with his demons when we are the most vulnerable. These attacks can come in many different forms and from many different sources.
We see these acts of pure evil each day as man drifts deeper into social decay and people are no longer able discern good from evil. What was considered illegal and not appropriate for public discussion fifty years ago is now on display for a child’s viewing. The basic social values have been eroded to the point where even the definition of a family is no longer understood.
The First Recorded Miracles by Jesus Were in Galilee
Changing water into wine
John 2: 11 reads, The beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory: and his disciples believed on him.
The purpose of this first recorded miracle was to reveal the glory of Jesus the Savior and that a spiritual transformation had taken place. This miracle occurred before Jesus began his ministry and occurred at a wedding with his mother Mary and his disciples. The miracle involved changing water into wine due to the fact they ran out of wine during the wedding celebration.
John 2: 3-8 reads, And when they wanted wine the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” His mother said unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, “Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, “Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.” And they did so.
The relationship between Mary and Jesus is changing as Jesus begins his ministry. Obviously, Mary knew who Jesus was and that He could easily transform the water into wine. However, at this time Jesus begins to instruct Mary his mother that his ministry will determine when miracles will be accomplished. After the wedding, Jesus travels to Capernaum (located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee) with his mother, brothers and disciples.
Jesus then travels to Jerusalem for the Passover and drives out the money changers from the temple. After which, He along with His disciples travel to the Judea country side and the disciples begin to baptize new believers. They continue their travels northward through the territory of Samaria where he asks a Samaritan woman for drink from a well. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews due to their mixed society and rejection of the Old Testament. Consequently, Jesus speaking to this woman would be met with great distain by most Jews. Jesus early in his ministry is saying He does not recognize Jewish opinions or their attitudes towards people. He did not judge the Samaritan woman, but guided and instructed her how she could follow a path to righteousness. He is willing and open to share the gospel with all men regardless of their status in life and their past history. This introduces Jesus’ ministry to Samaria where many people becomes believers. They eventually return to Cana of Galilee where He heals an officer’s son that was located in Capernaum.
Healing of the Nobleman’s son
A nobleman came to Cana to beg Jesus to save his son because he was gravely ill.
John 4: 46-50 reads, So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, “Go thy way: thy son liveth.” And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
The nobleman took Jesus at his word and believed his son would be healed from the illness. This belief without question by the nobleman was directly responsible for the son being healed. The lesson to be learned is that we need to develop a belief that is without doubt, without hesitation, and is able to withstand the severest of tests. Developing that type of faith requires us to receive Christ and to follow God and the Holy Spirits direction. Growth requires work and time on the part of believers through study of the Bible, prayer, confession, profession, and persistence.
Galatians 3:22 reads, But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under the schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Jesus returns to his home town Nazareth and then moves back to Capernaum where he presses his disciples into full time service. While in Capernaum and teaching in a synagogue He heals a man possessed by demons.
The Approximate Beginning of Jesus’ Second Year of Ministry
The second year of Jesus’ ministry is generally spent around the northern part of the Sea of Galilee. He moves to Capernaum and travels throughout the local area except for a trip to Jerusalem. He also continues to select disciples during this time period.