The Object Lesson – A Magical Card Trick
The item used in this trick is a svengali deck, and it allows you to perform seemingly impossible tricks with a small amount of practice. This routine involves repeatedly making the same card appear at the top of the deck (the nine of hearts) before eventually transforming the entire deck into the nine of hearts and back again. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of learning a magic trick, the cards do most of the work, in fact that’s part of the point.
The Bible Connection – The Impossible Power of Jesus
When you perform a magic trick, it is simply a trick. Even though we know it’s nothing more than a gimmick or sleight of hand, it still creates a sense of awe and wonder. If you’ve never performed magic before, watching a master use a svengali deck is astounding, and the tricks seem impossible. The idea that a person could transform a deck of cards in front of our eyes is astounding.
Jesus repeatedly performed miracles that created the same sense of awe and wonder in the people around him. He healed sick people, walked on water, and multiplied food to feed thousands of people. The difference, of course, is that Jesus didn’t perform an illusion. He didn’t have hundreds of pounds of food secretly hidden away when he fed 5,000. Jesus actually had the power to change the world around him. He could transform things for real.
When we read the stories about Jesus, we should have the same response the original audience did. Luke 5:26 says the crowd, “was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’”
Scriptures to Study and Use
The attached video was originally used to teach about the feeding of the 5,000, but Jesus’ power is written all over the gospels. Here are a few stories you could use to highlight his power.
Mark 4:25-41
Jesus is in the boat with his disciples when a storm frightens them. Eventually, Jesus calms the storm by rebuking the wind and waves. This display of power not only amazes the disciples, it terrifies them.
Mark 8:1-21
Jesus feeds the 5,000 and then on the way across the Sea of Galilee he has a conversation with the disciples. Despite the incredible miracle, they still don’t fully understand who Jesus is and how much power he possesses.
Luke 5:12-26
Jesus heals a leper and a paralyzed man in back to back stories. The end result is everyone in the crowd is amazed and worships God.
