Seven, they replied, and a few small fish. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Miracles were an important element in the ministry of Jesus Christ. 32. The journal of Levi Savage (Jason Wade) provides great insights into the trials and miracles of the handcart pioneers. This movie was very well put together. The point is that there are miracles throughout based on faith in God and His mercy. I wish I could say that I am as strong and faithful as these people were. . ( Exodus 7:3, emphasis added) This same word is translated as miracles in a number of places in some English versions. Unfortunately, he too fades in the narrative when significant tribulations begin, and therefore his character arc is not explored. Then they turned again to the blind man, What have you to say about him? The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. It was early morning and he was at the front of a long line of traffic. The pure and deep abiding love and sacrifice that one can feel for another is present here in this story. Bring the boy here to me. Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. "Brothers and sisters, wait until spring to make this journey. "It is my hope that this book will fill in a few of the gaps, answer some questions, raise a few more and invite greater admiration for the wonderful handcart pioneers I have come to know and love," Christensen wrote. Yes, it is easy for us to look back and think, why did they do this or that, when in fact, we really have no idea what they could have been experiencing at the time.I am grateful that I did not have to walk all the way to the West. Originally, he thought, "Oh, another pioneer story." The girl is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. Then Jesus said to Simon, Dont be afraid; from now on you will fish for people. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. For LDS audiences looking for a staunchly Mormon film, this is one of the best options for your viewing pleasure. All rights reserved. [1] The film was released in select theaters across the United States in the summer of 2011. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, Woman, you are set free from your infirmity. Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, Let us go back to Judea. But Rabbi, they said, a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If every one of them was written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.". He is currently a second-year PhD student at the University of Maryland in theatre and performance studies. You leave with a lasting impression of these amazing pioneers. Poor and slanted telling to support a fake conclusion. Night is coming, when no one can work. She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Jesus turned and saw her. I'm not criticizing the movie, just my ancestors for making such horrible mistakes which cost many of them their lives. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. 23. This handsome young actor could be the new Robert Redford. Film director T.C. "17 Miracles" is really a miracle. This illustrates that miracles were for a purposeto demonstrate God 's power. They hadn't taken the journey. I think the most distracting and hilarious bit to me was that the dwarf who travels with the group is shown in an angelic form later on, no longer a dwarf, but he continues to have vision problem since he still has his glasses. If you have the chance to see it in a theatre DO! So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath. The Lord answered him, You hypocrites! They are not only divine acts, but they are also a form of teaching. Jesus wept. Nearly 1,000 pioneers made up the Martin and Willie companies that crossed the plains late in the season of 1856 and encountered harsh winter weather in Wyoming, delaying their journey to the Salt Lake Valley. How did the fig tree wither so quickly? they asked. No, it is for Gods glory so that Gods Son may be glorified through it. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. Jesus cured Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:30-31). Here is a sample of some questions addressed in the book: Were two little girls truly spared from harm while running a gauntlet of agitated rattlesnakes? And the recorded stories of people pulling the handcarts up hill, when they look back to see who is helping them, see no one there. He was you and [me] but he was a man who stuck to his guns.". My favorite story was that of this couple who wanted to be sealed in the temple, it's a demonstration of pure, passionate and eternal love, which is an example for the youth of our generation. They were intended to be a proof to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Matt. These were mostly poor immigrants from the British Isles and Scandinavia who arrived late in the season and had no recourse but to continue on to Utah even though there was the potential for bad weather. At this, the mans ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. But not only are they rescued, these people keep a good attitude, believe it's for their own good and they find something positive about it. 7. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead? Which is easier: to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk? The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains. These were mostly poor immigrants from the British Isles and Scandinavia who arrived late in the season and had no recourse but to continue on to Utah even though there was the potential for bad weather. 28. 16. When it comes to the New Testament, it is gloriously true that Jesus did miracles perfectly and consistently, though even he raised only three people from the dead and didn't heal people in many places where he traveled or where he didn't travel. However, this tense forest looks like most other Christensen depictions of nature: bright and alive. He had been one of those who had rescued the survivors of the Donner Party from theSierraNevada. That is the plot. For what this movie tries to do, it is completely successful. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 34. Directed by T. C. Christensen. He has done everything well, they said. The protagonist, Levi Savage (Jasen Wade), is compelling: a frontiersman and widower who leaves his infant son to serve a three-year mission in England. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Harrowing Watch with a free Prime trial Watch with Prime Start your 30-day free trial Rent HD $3.99 Buy HD $9.99 More purchase options I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. There is also a popular folklore that the survivors of the Martin and Willie handcart companies never complained about the cost of reaching Zion being too high. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. i rest my case. It does not seem a very sensible thing to do, dragging handcarts across vast distances so close to winter, and not being better equipped for it in terms of food and clothing. (Please Our dear son got married! Christensen frames the story by suggesting that while pioneers faced natural vicissitudes like diminished food supplies, freezing weather, and dangerous wildlife, the greatest danger was internal. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, What is this? This is an outstanding and true story of the famous Willie and Martin Mormon handcart pioneers. Lord, they answered, we want our sight. Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered his words. T.C. It is not wholesome for there are thematic suffering and hardships that might offend children so parental guidance is recommended. Is this your son? they asked. When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. A miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event that reveals or confirms a specific message through a mighty work. Miracles occur in response to faith. These were mostly poor immigrants from the British Isles and Scandinavia who arrived late in the season and had no recourse but to continue on to Utah even though there was the potential for bad weather. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. Then Jesus said to her, Woman, you have great faith! 17 Miracles is a 2011 historical adventure film directed by T. C. Christensen. I'm not a great fan of coincidents, although somebody like Philip Yancy would argue those are the best pieces of evidence that you have for a miracle. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus altered the chemical composition from water to wine. We believe that under the direction of His Father, Jehovah created this world and in the meridian of time left His position as God to come to this world to offer Himself as a sacrifice and that through faith, repentance and baptism we can be forgiven of our sins and be allowed to return to His and His Fathers presence. Here you find a complete list of the miracles of Jesus. The Miracles in the Life of Elijah The Lord did mighty miracles in the life of His prophet: 1) The prophet caused the rain to cease for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1). Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she replied, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. There is not really a point to watch this film if you aren't LDS. Jesus healed an invalid man at the pool called Bethesda (John 5:1-9). If you have faith, you will love this movie. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. By the end, 17Miracles repeats these narratives; however, the first two-thirds of the film indicates a more complicated relationship among company members than is generally conveyed in a traditional pioneer story. '", "Whenever a sceenplay is based on historical events, viewers of the film frequently want to know if the events being depicted are factual or merely the screen writer's imaginary version of what might have been," Christensen wrote. The miracle takes the role of the protagonist. I remember a story about a group of Saints in Salt Lake talking about the handcart company a few years after that trek. 1: The Journey, but still haven't achieved Hollywood levels. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is said to have performed seven miraculous signs that characterize his ministry, from changing water into wine at the start of his ministry to raising Lazarus from the dead at the end. This schedule was repeated for almost 20 years. Jesus cured a woman of an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). The story of the Mormons' journey to their Zion is played out through the eyes of Brother Levi Savage. Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. Though this is an incomplete list according to John 21:25:"Jesus did many other things as well. Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, If you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus was indignant. The clothing and set pieces were distractingly nice for clothes and handcarts that should've been far more tattered and beaten up. You would find this film interesting, I am sure. 10. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Originally published on October 9, 2018 These seven miracles performed by Jesus demonstrate who our Savior is. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Although Brother Moyle never saw the temple completed, his work "Holiness to the Lord" can be seen on the walls of the Salt Lake Temple today. "They were able to pass that on to their children and their descendants. Sign (smeion), which refers to a miracle that figuratively represents something else, such as the kingdom of God.The miracles of Jesus were signs, authenticating his ministry and revealing him to be the Messiah and Son of God. It was a reassurance not only in the christian faith but in faith of our fellowman. 3. Leaves paint forests with sumptuous greens, and blue skies are matched only by the crystalline rivers. And a man with a shriveled hand was there. Christensen spoke Thursday, Aug. 18, and Friday, Aug. 19, to a full house about his experiences of bringing our pioneer ancestors to life, particularly in the short film "Only a Stonecutter" and his new movie "17 Miracles.".