500 surprising facts from Scripture — hidden details, numbers and little-known stories, one at a time.
Jesus restored the ear of a servant that had been cut off during his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
This healing, recorded specifically in Luke 22:50-51, occurred after one of Jesus' disciples, identified elsewhere as Peter (John 18:10), struck the servant with a sword. This miracle is notable as occurring during the very moment of Jesus' arrest and impending suffering.
Jesus healed a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda.
This healing is recorded in John 5:1-9, occurring on the Sabbath and subsequently leading to significant conflict with Jewish authorities regarding Sabbath observance (John 5:16-18). This account highlights recurring tension throughout Jesus' ministry regarding interpretations of Sabbath law.
Jesus cursed a fig tree that failed to produce fruit, causing it to wither.
This event, recorded in Mark 11:12-14, 20-21, is often interpreted symbolically as a warning regarding spiritual fruitlessness and hypocrisy. This is notably one of the few miracles of Jesus that involves destructive rather than restorative power.
After his resurrection, Jesus miraculously provided a large catch of fish for his disciples after a night of unsuccessful fishing.
This event, recorded in John 21:4-11, resulted in a net containing exactly 153 large fish without the net breaking. This miracle led to Peter's recognition of the risen Jesus and a subsequent significant conversation between them (John 21:15-19).
Jesus healed a boy suffering from severe seizures after his disciples were unable to help him.
This healing, recorded in Mark 9:17-27, involved Jesus rebuking an unclean spirit causing the affliction. Jesus subsequently taught his disciples about the necessity of prayer regarding certain difficult spiritual challenges (Mark 9:28-29).
The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates loving one's neighbor through the actions of an unexpected outsider.
This parable, recorded in Luke 10:30-37, describes a Samaritan helping an injured man after religious figures passed him by. It was told in response to the question, 'And who is my neighbour?' (Luke 10:29).
The Parable of the Prodigal Son describes a wayward son who is welcomed back joyfully by his forgiving father.
This well-known parable, recorded in Luke 15:11-32, illustrates themes of repentance, grace, and reconciliation. The father's declaration that his son 'was dead, and is alive again' (Luke 15:24) is central to the parable's meaning.
The Parable of the Sower describes seeds falling on different types of soil, representing varied responses to spiritual teaching.
This parable, recorded in Matthew 13:3-9, is followed by Jesus' own detailed explanation in Matthew 13:18-23. The different soils represent varying receptiveness to spiritual truth, ranging from complete rejection to fruitful acceptance.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed illustrates how something small can grow into something remarkably large.
This brief parable, recorded in Matthew 13:31-32, compares the kingdom of heaven to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree. This imagery emphasizes themes of gradual yet significant spiritual growth and influence.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep describes a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for a single lost one.
This parable, recorded in Luke 15:3-7, emphasizes the value of even a single individual and the joy associated with their return. It is presented alongside the related parables of the lost coin and the prodigal son in the same chapter.
Page 31 of 50
