“Q”—Early Claims of Jesus Performing Miracles

Posted: September 28, 2006

Last Updated: March 5, 2007

Introduction:

“Q” (from the German word Quelle/Source) refers to the material that Luke and Matthew share that is absent in Mark. This material mostly consists of teachings or saying of Jesus, which leads many critical scholars to conclude that Luke and Matthew were following a written source. This source may have been the earliest collection of the Teachings of Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus), put together in Palestine before 50 C.E. (not even 20 years after Jesus’ death).

However, some portions of “Q” also include references to Jesus performing miracles, such as curing many people who suffered from diseases, plagues, and evil spirits. Jesus also reportedly restored sight to people who were blind, and gave mutes the ability to speak. Further, Jesus was credited with healing someone from a distance (i.e. a centurion’s slave).

“Q” Miracle Material Examples:

1. Q 7:2-3, 6-10:

"A centurion had a slave who was dear to him who was sick and at the point of death. When he heard of Jesus he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave. Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, Lord do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'come,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it," when Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, 'I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well."

2. Q 7:18-23:

" The disciples of John told him all these things. John calling to him two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord, saying, 'Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" When the men had come to him, they said, John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, Are you he who is to come or shall we look for another?' In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many that were blind he bestowed sight. He answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard; the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them, and blessed is he who takes no offense at me."

3. Q 11:14-21:

"Now he was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons"; while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace;"