After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the mans ears. While members of the LDS faith will mostly be familiar with the Martin and Willie handcart trek, most will be overwhelmed at the number of challenges and miracles that are depicted in this film. Photo Credit: GettyImages/LindaJohnsonbaugh. Produced for less than $1 million dollars it achieves what no amount of budget can necessarily buy: a spiritual honesty that pays tribute to the people who followed their faith using wooden handcarts to carry their meager supplies as they attempted to journey to the Salt Lake City valley. Here you find a complete list of the miracles of Jesus. Originally published on October 9, 2018 These seven miracles performed by Jesus demonstrate who our Savior is. Their trek left too late in the fall and they ended up struggling to survive the harsh winter, starvation and more as they continued on. If you have faith, you will love this movie. Then he touched their eyes and said, According to your faith let it be done to you; and their sight was restored. 17 Miracles - Wikipedia He was from Bethany, the village of Mary, and her sister Martha. . The journal of Levi Savage (Jason Wade) provides great insights into the trials and miracles of the handcart pioneers. I'm not criticizing the movie, just my ancestors for making such horrible mistakes which cost many of them their lives. "There was something that happened within those people that drove testimony into their hearts," he said. For them, the age of miracles belongs to the early church, when awe-inspiring eventslike Moses parting the red sea, the virgin birth, and Jesus rising from the deadconfirmed the authenticity . I love it more each time I see it. Acts 5:12 - The Apostles Heal Many - Bible Hub But here, it undermines the competing narrative other elements attempted to effect: life-threatening danger. I was blind but now I see! Then they asked him, What did he do to you? One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 11. Evidence of God Is God real or is God an illusion? Jesus fed at least five thousand people (Matthew 14:15-21). 17. 17 Miracles Official Movie Trailer (2011) - A T.C - YouTube I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. There is one final struggle between narrative styles I would like to consider: the struggle between faith and disagreement. Savage disappears into the role of a narrator for forty minutes. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. The narrative is purposefully disorienting. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. We believe that Jehovah is God and that He is the Son of God which is to say that he has a Father; the same Father who said, when Christ was baptized, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Louisa said a prayer and asked God to help them. Mrs. Mellor had given up and would not go on. You might be able to see this film. The acting is amazing. Brother Moyle made a peg leg and started to walk around the house and eventually the farm. He is a very sensitive actor who has great range and power. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. "This is not a big, western spectacle with lots of landscapes," the director said. Then the Jews said, See how he loved him! But some of them said, Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Miracles were an important element in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Highly recommended. 26. PDF 37 Miracles of Jesus in Chronological Order - Community in Mission Brother Moyle became part of the Ellsworth Handcart Company and traveled across the plains to arrive in Utah in September 1856. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 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. Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. "Hopefully they will learn things that will touch them even more deeply and affect their lives," Christensen said. 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). A few days before leaving for Utah I heard about this movie. I could not stop the tears when I watched this movie for the first time, or any time, really. 17 Miracles is a partially historical account of the Willie Handcart Companys torturous journey, pulling handcarts through treacherous territory on their trek to Great Salt Lake City in 1857. Through his research for the film, Christensen met several descendants of the handcart pioneers and invited them to be in the movie. [2], Reviews of the film have been mixed. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. The courage and well being of the dwarf and the fact that he made it as far as he did. Though the film evidences superb storytelling and adept skill in the narrative language of film, it sometimes meanders away from its own strengths in order to fulfill other cultural or traditional expectations associated with recounting pioneer stories. On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Leaves paint forests with sumptuous greens, and blue skies are matched only by the crystalline rivers. Jesus opened the eyes of a blind man (Mark 8:22-26). The 7 Miracles of Jesus In The Bible. Then he said to it, May you never bear fruit again! Immediately the tree withered. This is an outstanding movie that shows the courage and faith of a people who were ridiculed and ostracized for their beliefs. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. However, when the telling of the pioneer miracle stories begins, the film fairly abruptly switches to vignettes. 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. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This movie was very well put together. He would arise at 2 a.m. on Monday in order to arrive by walking at the temple by 8 a.m. The movie in my opinion tries not to be over-dramatic and in some ways under-plays the suffering of the pioneers when you consider the temperature, with wind-chill factor would have approached minus 50 degrees. 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. About one fourth of the class stood up. Jesus cured a woman who had been afflicted for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17). These subtle changes do not detract from the story's compelling elements. The story of the Mormons' journey to their Zion is played out through the eyes of Brother Levi Savage. I was bored with the dialog and predictability, but there are a few positive moments in the film that help to buoy it up. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, Do you want to get well? Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. 19. 17 Miracles - amazon.com I really, really enjoyed this movie. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher. If you believe Jesus was a nice bloke that could not then stay clear of this film because it is very fanciful. It was early morning and he was at the front of a long line of traffic. To answer those questions, Christensen and Jolene S. Allphin, his historical adviser for the film, have written a small book titled "More Than Miracles: Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles. Life is always more complex than can be depicted in two hours. Angel Hitchhiker. Mormon cultures hallowed treatment of the trek has appeared in oral histories, pageant depictions, and trek reenactments, and writer and director T.C. Christensens treatment of the subject material is an excellent addition to a robust tradition that remembers a significant moment in our cultural past. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: See that you dont tell this to anyone. Jesus opened the eyes of a man born blind (John 9:1-38). This is not a bad philosophy to live by; it informs how Mormons tend to shape and share their stories. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? But they remained silent. I Highly recommend it. Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). How is it that now he can see? We know he is our son, the parents answered, and we know he was born blind. The survival of the love that Sarah exemplified. It also symbolized a key component of His ministry: The replacement of the old order, the water of . Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. "What I have said I know to be true; but seeing you are to go forward, I will go with you, will help you all I can, will work with you, will rest with you, will suffer with you, and, if necessary, I will die with you. He gains experience when he helps find the remains of the Donner Party. I am very well acquainted with the story of how my ancestors went through difficulties to arrive in Salt Lake City. Levi Savage tried to persuade the leaders to wait until spring to make the journey. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. Jesus cured the paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8). The demons begged Jesus, If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs. He said to them, Go! So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! Jesus stopped and called them. Jesus said to them, Take off the grave clothes and let him go.. He was in that handcart company and the times he felt he couldn't pull that cart any farther, he felt Angels pushing it for him. Neither technique is necessarily superior; they are simply different modes of writing history. "17 Miracles" tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who used handcarts to travel to Utah in 1856 and endured terrible hardships by traveling duringa brutal winter. 17 Miracles is a summary of 17 of the documented events (miracles) of the two "Belated" handcart companies who were traveling to Utah in 1856. Christensen Writers T.C. Jesus mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 2022 Giving Company Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy. So his disciples came to him and urged him, Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. The woman came and knelt before him. Director T.C. You would find it fascinating, I am sure of it. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.. Learn more here: http://www.17miracles.comAs part of the Willie Handcart Company, Levi Savage (Jasen Wade) feared that leaving late in the season would lead . Wasted a hour, glad I called a halt to this film YUK! Were they forced to leave at that time, or why did they not listen to the voice of reason in the shape of Levi Savage? The title attracted me but the movie plot kept me watching til the end. Unfortunately, he too fades in the narrative when significant tribulations begin, and therefore his character arc is not explored. Each story is touching, but the film gives no characterization to these pioneers. Lord, help me! she said. Jesus cured the nobleman's son (John 4:46-47). Were the majority of them so newly arrived to this country that they had no idea of the length of the journey or the severity of winters on the plains? He combined the two handcart companies into one, and some events are not told in chronological order. Good to read what happened afterwards in the credits. The Teacher is here, she said, and is asking for you. When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Why weren't they given manna? Source: "Top 17 miraculous Israeli . Christensen Gary Cook Pat D. Smart Stars Jasen Wade Emily Wadley Jason Celaya See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video included with Prime Wade has kept a daily journal for 20 years and felt a connection to Savage. Christensen and historical adviser Jolene S. Allphin wrote a small book to answer some of the questions viewers have asked about the historical accuracy in Christensens film, 17 Miracles., "MORE THAN MIRACLES: Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles'," by T. C. Christensen with Jolene S. Allphin, Deseret Book, $10.99, 128 pages (nf). The miracle takes the role of the protagonist. Jesus cured a demon-possessed man (Matthew 12:22). Jesus healed the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13). It is heartbreaking to watch this film and to see the children that die on the way, so sad. We know this man is a sinner. He replied, Whether he is a sinner or not, I dont know. 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. Why do people consistently underestimate the savagery of winter weather? She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Jesus turned and saw her. Men of the handcart companies carry other members across the Sweetwater River in director T.C. What were the Miracles in the life of Elijah? - BibleAsk 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. While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. ISSN 2167-8472 (print); ISSN 2167-8480 (online), Provo, UT 84602, USA | 2022 Brigham Young University, Probing the High Prevalence of Polygyny in St. George, 18611880: AnIntroduction, Demographic Limits of Nineteenth-Century Mormon Polygyny, Mapping the Extent of Plural Marriage in St. George, 18611880, Striving to Live the Principle in Utahs First Temple City: A Snapshot of Polygamy in St.George,Utah, inJune1880, Plural Marriage in St. George: A Summary and anInvitation, Some Textual Changes for a Scholarly Study of the Book of Mormon, When Pages Collide: Dissecting the WordsofMormon, Lehis Dream and Nephis Vision: Apocalyptic Revelations in NarrativeContext, Hell on the Range: A Story of Honor, Conscience, and the AmericanWest. Disappointed. For all that I liked the pseudo history of the movie. Even the miracle of Jesus' birth was a miracle. News of this spread through all that region. This is an outstanding and true story of the famous Willie and Martin Mormon handcart pioneers. He is of age; he will speak for himself. His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. One can not leave from viewing this film without having a greater respect for these faithful pioneers and a deeper reverence for our Father in Heaven. Christensen depicts rich characters seeking Zion. This is not just a story for Mormons but for all Americans. As the writer, producer and director of the popular film, Christensen offers a literary version of the director's commentary in 122-page book. It is as though Christensens cinematography gives vision to the paradisiacal glory of the Millennial Earth. I remember a story about a group of Saints in Salt Lake talking about the handcart company a few years after that trek. They all ate and were satisfied. Ironically, 17 Miracles was not quite as miraculous, as a Mormon film, once it dedicated itself to depicting the accounts of miracles. You feel like you are in the story. 5 Jesus Heals Many Sick and Oppressed at Evening 8:16-17 1:32-34 4:40-41 6 First Miraculous Catch of Fish on the Lake of Gennesaret 5:1-11 7 Jesus Cleanses a Man With Leprosy 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-14 8 Jesus Heals a Centurion's Paralyzed Servant in Capernaum 8:5-13 7:1-10 . There are many stories and events that happened in Mormon history that make me wonder if I would have made it through those trials. i rest my case. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. The production values for Mormon films have certainly improved since 2001's Book of Mormon Vol. Doesnt each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? May God in his mercy bless and preserve us" (Stewart E. Glazier and Robert S. Clark, ed., Journal of the Trail [1997], 3031). Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. That said, the film is not without its flaws. With the threat of winter starvation, illness, wolves, freezing river crossings, and death following them throughout their journey, Levi and others also witness the occurrences of divine miracles that enable them to complete their journey and arrive in Salt Lake City. It was a reassurance not only in the christian faith but in faith of our fellowman. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. 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.". Growing up Mormon as a strong female was tough. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. Why Did Jesus Designate Harsher Punishment for Those Who Hurt Children? The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains. ", Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. He called it a sustaining miracle. I don't know how you find a better story than that.". Many of them, i think, wanted to leave sooner rather than later because of persecution where they were living. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a Mormon I've seen this film and even have the DVD. 17 Miracles - Dove.org When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Dont cry. Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. 24. 13. Go in peace.. While Mormon culture provides multiple ways to hear pioneer stories, there is a pattern to how the stories are told. Night is coming, when no one can work. Traditionally, when we tell stories of miracles, context is provided, but the event rather than the individual pioneer is preeminent. One of my favorite LDS movies, intense, moving, unique. I feel Brigham Young was also to blame for this travesty because it was his idea to bring people to the Utah territory with hand carts. Leanna | www.lds.org. You would find this film interesting, I am sure. It was meant to showcase the faith of those who undertook the journey, and make me wonder how I can exhibit such faith in my life. Nearly nine hundred years later, these miracles of Elisha would have been well known to Jesus's Jewish audience when he performed miracles such as curing the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), feeding the five thousand with five small loaves of barley bread (Matthew 14:13-21), and raising Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:21-43). The trails were many: sickness, fatigue, bickering, cold, starvation and death; most were city folks, and none were prepared for the grueling trip. as they make a desperate trek across deadly lands to arrive in Zion. However, this tense forest looks like most other Christensen depictions of nature: bright and alive. They were all filled with awe and praised God. When they all denied it, Peter said, Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you. But Jesus said, Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. 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? When Jesus entered the synagogue leaders house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, Go away. Yes, it was on March 25th near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Never boring. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. If I watched on I can imagine they would have parted a sea and fed the 5000. As recorded in the New Testament, this is an extensive list of miracles completed by Jesus Christ: 1. This is a timeless story of a truly faithful and dedicated people who believed fully in their trek to the Mormon "Zion". Some of the strong may get through in case of bad weather, but the bones of the weak and old will strew the way. Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31). Thank you. Ask him. Miracles - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 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. But because you say so, I will let down the nets. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. "More than Miracles" is available at Deseret Book and other LDS booksellers. True stories, that is what I want to know about and this was one story of the West that I didn't know. I read q book about the Donner Party and it has stuck with me for years! The cinematographys effect on tone represents one area where two different narrative impulses seem to clash. Brother Christensen explained that in England a pie is potatoes and possibly meat and vegetables. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. His complete acceptance of his fate in my mind was a miracle. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. They are not only divine acts, but they are also a form of teaching. Director T.C. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. Lord, they answered, we want our sight. Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. As recorded in the New Testament, this is an extensive list of miracles completed by Jesus Christ: 1. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. God gave us a brain and intelligence to know that when something is right, and something is wrong. The company could not wait so the family continued to walk while daughter Louisa tried to talk her mother into continuing. 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. Though the basic story of the 1856 ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies is fairly well-known, a more personal perspective of the events and a more specific focus on miracles are what Christensen says separates his new movie "17 Miracles" apart from others. Thank you. 3. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. I am one of these, and my heart swells with love for these people. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. Jesus cured a boy who was plagued by a demon (Matthew 17:14-21). 11:4-5; John 2:11; 10:25; 20:30-31). It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light. After he had said this, he went on to tell them, Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up. His disciples replied, Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better. Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. While pioneer stories mention struggles, they relate the struggles with optimistic and hope-inspiring tones. It is meant to tell a tale of many lives woven together by a life threatening trek based on faith and desire to serve God and be His people no matter the cost. Is this the one you say was born blind? For example, the movie opens with the Mormon Battalions discovery of the Donner Partys remains. 14. All Rights Reserved, New movie 17 Miracles highlights handcart miracles. PROVO, UTAH. But Jesus answered, No more of this! And he touched the mans ear and healed him. I dont know, he said. Given my definition however, here are a few of my choices. He often falls into the fire or into the water. Along the way Louisa noticed a pie in the road. 18. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. During one return home, while milking a cow, Brother Moyle was kicked in the leg, which had to be amputated just below the knee. One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. I am willing, he said. My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Levi Savage who whiteness' the ugly effects of the Donner party when faced with starvation and death worries about the fate of the handcart pioneers who are leaving so late the season. Then he spit and touched the mans tongue. The first threecompanies made it with few problems but the last two, the Willie Handcart and the Martin Handcart companies were late leaving and suffered during a severe winter which started in October. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The film does not portray Savage as faithless or someone in particular need of repentance because he disagreed with Church agents. Miracle - Sources of miracles | Britannica Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town, and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 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. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried outthe only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. To this, they replied, You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us! And they threw him out. His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, Isnt this the same man who used to sit and beg? Some claimed that he was. Seven, they replied, and a few small fish. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.