Merely a man, but also God - A place for God in our world

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It sounds odd to say that Jesus was merely a man but also God. Catholics believe Jesus had two natures at the same time. He was fully Man and fully God. He reasoned as we do. He laughed and cried like us, he ate and drank, and did the everyday things we do. But because he was also God, he had incredible powers, powers that went beyond those of an ordinary man.

There are eyewitness accounts of some of the things Jesus did, things that humans are certainly not capable of. Here are just a few examples:

	He had the power to heal people who had, for example, leprosy, blindness and deafness.
	He brought a friend back to life from death.
	He fed thousands of people with minimal amounts of food.
	He was seen walking on water.
	3 days after he had definitely died he met with his followers, who clearly saw he was alive, and even touched his wounds.
	He had an 'incredible' insight into the future and was able to predict most of what would happen to him in detail - and it all came true exactly as he had foretold it.

Some of these things are easier to believe than others, but if the witnesses really are telling the truth for even half of the above, then Jesus had to be in some way supernatural.

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Merely a man, but also God:
Life4seekers response

Your guide for this section is Vivien, she asked the same questions. She is a single mother, 30, and comes from Coventry. Click here to read her story.

This is a website of the Catholic Enquiry Office; part of an Agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales

Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang:

The Annunciation

www.radiantlight.org.uk

Jesus was conceived in a supernatural way – he was conceived through God's spirit coming down upon Mary. Mary remained a virgin. It was through the Spirit of God that she became pregnant! This moment of Jesus' conception is called, "The Incarnation".

It was through a miraculous intervention of God after Mary had been visited by an Angel.

Some people believe that angels are even around today. They believe they are wonderful heavenly beings who serve as supernatural messengers and guardians. Throughout history even non-religious people have claimed to have seen them. The angel who visited Mary to tell her she was going to give birth to Jesus was called Gabriel.

God taking human form enabled men and women to see him and speak with him face to face! What a sacrifice God made leaving heaven to come to earth!!

Did you know that Jesus has passed on some of his supernatural abilities to chosen followers; this has been well documented through history.

Peter, one of Jesus' first followers, brought back to life a little girl who had died.

Francis of Assisi, who lived in the Middle Ages, is said to have been able to talk to animals.

Padre Pio, a monk who died in Italy in 1968, is said to have been able to be in two places at once!

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