I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. If you are looking for intrigue or for a completely integrated plot line with the same character's being followed up on throughout, it is not that type of movie and you won't be satisfied. Faith and Family-Focused Reviews for Todays Media. 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. How long shall I put up with you? 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. He recalled the story of the Mellor family and what he called "miracle of the pie." 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. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. The miracle takes the role of the protagonist. 11:4-5; John 2:11; 10:25; 20:30-31). Go, he told him, wash in the Pool of Siloam (this word means Sent). However, this tense forest looks like most other Christensen depictions of nature: bright and alive. Thank you. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Which is easier: to say, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up and walk? A new teachingand with authority! The sacred may manifest itself in natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms or earthquakes, that evoke appropriate feelings of awe, but these are not usually considered miracles unless attended . [1] The film was released in select theaters across the United States in the summer of 2011. She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Jesus turned and saw her. . 22. Why couldn't they have killed some of the wolves stalking them & used them for food. To correct what someone posted, we do believe that Jesus Christ is Jehovah of the Old Testament. Otherwise, there are much better films to see out in the world. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 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. Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. The people were amazed and . Jesus restored the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:50-51). Doctor, There's Something Wrong With My Mesentery "Christmas Lullaby" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb". Christensen took some artistic license in producing the movie. Savage is a stalwart protagonist caught between his fears that the company will turn against itself like the Donner Party and the challenge of having his faithfulness labeled apostasy. The point is that there are miracles throughout based on faith in God and His mercy. Lord, have mercy on my son, he said. To rise up people hopes just so they can drag half way across the US to the promised land and die while on the journey is wrong. Jesus cured a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37). Let it be done just as you believed it would. And his servant was healed at that moment. PDF 37 Miracles of Jesus in Chronological Order - Community in Mission Audio: EnglishSubtitles: EnglishStarring: Jasen Wade, Emily Wadley, Jason CelayaDirector: T.C ChristensenGenre: Adventure, History, Supporting actors: Natalie Blackman, Travis Eberhard, Bruce Newbold, Nathan Mitchell, Bailee Michelle Johnson, Savanna Kylie Lewis, Tomas Ambt KofodProducers: Rob Collins, Eric S. Johnston, Scott Priest, Fenton Quinn, Ron TannerStudio: Excel Entertainment Group, Remember FilmsDevices: Available to watch on supported devices. 27. If so, let me know what you think of it! He was from Bethany, the village of Mary, and her sister Martha. He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked himand he was a Samaritan. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. This handsome young actor could be the new Robert Redford. Im going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, Well go with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 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. True stories, that is what I want to know about and this was one story of the West that I didn't know. The crowd was amazed and said, Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.. "The Lord is in their lives. 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.". When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. When Levi Savage, a former Mormon Battalion member and missionary to Asia, agrees to assist the Willie Handcart Company as they journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the late start and onset of a bitter winter leaves the pioneers unprepared and suffering as they cross the plains of the Midwestern United States. With one exception, those who experience miracles are not introduced before their short story. Albert (Travis Eberhard) promises to walk every step to Zion and not beg to ride in a handcart. It was full of large fish, but even with so many the net was not torn. Compared to everyday life, the sun shines brighter in Christensens world. 17. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have pity on us! When he saw them, he said, Go, show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. It does make one wonder. He put mud on my eyes, the man replied, and I washed, and now I see. Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others asked, How can a sinner perform such signs? So they were divided. I dont know, he said. The project started two years ago, when Christensen and producer Ron Tanner were intrigued by the famous rescue at the Sweetwater River. 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). When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher. Savage disappears into the role of a narrator for forty minutes. I wish I could say that I am as strong and faithful as these people were. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. These progenitors laid a foundation of faith for offspring that are still basking in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ due to what they endured. You also discover the reason that they are in such a hurry to push on to the Salt Lake Valley, the sealing power of the Temple that binds families together forever. It is heartbreaking to watch this film and to see the children that die on the way, so sad. Mrs. Mellor had given up and would not go on. Disappointed. Thus '17 Miracles' is not a documentary but rather an inspiring story based on true experiences.". But Jesus was sleeping. Why do people consistently underestimate the savagery of winter weather? What do you want me to do for you? he asked. Wolves haunt the company, but they primarily serve as a reminder of mankinds darker capacity to turn on themselves. I just finished reading The 19th Wife and leaned a lot about the Mormons that I hadn't known. "Dear Stephanie, Dear Paul" (Dear Richard, Dear Kay), Christopher- "The Babe" and A Great Writer. Brother Christensen also spoke of his new movie "17 Miracles," which follows the story of Levi Savage and his journey with the Willie Handcart Company. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 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. For each pull cart family at one time or another during the long ordeal learned to rely on their fellowman. Jesus cured Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:30-31). Were going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. I say to my servant, Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. One of the worst films I've ever seen, partly because the script was so poorly done and direction allows little from actors. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46). You dont know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 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 clothing and set pieces were distractingly nice for clothes and handcarts that should've been far more tattered and beaten up. He was also inspired by Savage's faith and courage. Based on the experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes miracles individual participants reported having during the journey. If you believe Jesus worked miracles watch this you will probably enjoy it. 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. Savage's experiences, recorded in his journal, are used to weave the other stories together. Life is always more complex than can be depicted in two hours. Eberhard plays the role of Albert, a boy with physical disabilities. He said that people often ask him why the Lord allowed the pioneers to suffer. Neither technique is necessarily superior; they are simply different modes of writing history. beautifully shot with not bad acting. Today, these noble pioneers are revered for their faith and courage. Jesus cured a woman of an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). "There was something about his faith that made me realize it was something I needed to go through," Wade said. 17 Miracles - BYU Studies When T.C. 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. "More than Miracles" is available at Deseret Book and other LDS booksellers. That said, the film is not without its flaws. This miracle revealed Jesus' glory and power over creation. A rescue party with food and supplies saved the majority of the destitute pioneers. Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). We need more inspiring films like this in our homes. Is this your son? they asked. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. Originally published on October 9, 2018 These seven miracles performed by Jesus demonstrate who our Savior is. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Brother Moyle stayed with his son and daughter-in-law during the week and would then walk 22 miles to return home on the weekends. The miracles of Jesus show us how powerful Jesus Christ is and how much He loves us. Evidence of God Is God real or is God an illusion? "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" in Psalm 139, Be Still and Know That I am God in Psalm 46:10, "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" - Isaiah 54:17, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We were not disappointed. OK I know that is not to be judged by the 5 senses definition. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: See that you dont tell this to anyone. 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. Give glory to God by telling the truth, they said. Second: If god is alive and well (and I believe he is) then he would look down upon the events and in this movie and say"this is not what I am had in mind when I told you to go forth" For a church to belittle or ridicule a person for telling people that making the crossing across the Oregon trail during winter is wrong, is NOT what god had in mind when he said "sacrifice leads to heaven". How very interestingthanks for bring our/my attention to this part of history. This movie was very well put together. 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. So in my opinion the movie is indeed of the christian faith but it is also faith in our fellowman. Although the movie attempts to depict the entire handcart trek it is actually 17 mostly jointed vignettes portraying events that were recorded in the journals of many of the handcart pioneers. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. All Rights Reserved, New movie 17 Miracles highlights handcart miracles. 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. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way. His disciples answered, Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd? How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked. 19. While the film does an excellent job balancing the portrayal of miracles with the reality of death, the narrative seems to uphold the tradition that no one who survived murmured about the personal price of reaching Zion. I, similar to other men out there, thought I was immune to crying in movies others would find sad, but I found myself silently tearing as I witnessed the tragic events that played out before me. Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish you have just caught. So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. 20. The story of the Mormons journey to their Zion is played out through the eyes of Brother Levi Savage. 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? this movie is for those strongly religious faithfuls, not for atheist non-believers (i, for one) who never believes god almighty was not a make-belief invention and imagination made by those self-serving and self-righteous rich and powerful persons or parties to subordinate those born poor and lowly. Job well done. I wish more films would be made like this, true stories that makes one research further details. The great haul of fishes (Luke 5:1-11). He is not here; he has risen! According to the movies title it is pretty obvious the movie is based off the christian faith. Doesnt each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 10. The film emphasizesthe documentedmiracles that occurred during the journey. [2], Reviews of the film have been mixed. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. 5. The cinematographys effect on tone represents one area where two different narrative impulses seem to clash. There are many miraculous works of Christ recorded in the Bible, as He continues to help mankind in heavenly ways today! I really, really enjoyed this movie. Night is coming, when no one can work. The trip could have been planned differently so the men could work. Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time? Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Did Miracles Really Happen? | Answers in Genesis Jesus said to them, Take off the grave clothes and let him go.. It also symbolized a key component of His ministry: The replacement of the old order, the water of . God gave us a brain and intelligence to know that when something is right, and something is wrong. ), THANK YOU! Johns disciples told him about all these things. When the wine was gone, Jesus mother said to him, They have no more wine. Woman,why do you involve me? Jesus replied. The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains. They are not only divine acts, but they are also a form of teaching. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. 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.". Where have you laid him? he asked. Miracles of Jesus Christ - Full List with Bible Verses - Christianity.com But the more he read the script, the more fascinated he became with the handcart pioneers. If you are looking for a churchy film to watch on a Sunday evening, or at a church event, don't bother with this one. i rest my case. He called out to them, Friends, havent you any fish? No, they answered. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus altered the chemical composition from water to wine. Excellent film of a true story. If you ever get the chance (I know you are so busy! Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. We believe that Jesus Christ and His Father are one in purpose, not one in being. "There was something that happened within those people that drove testimony into their hearts," he said. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 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). Allan Davis received an MA in theatre history and criticism from Brigham Young University. Surely they could have camped for 2 or 3 days long enough to cook & eat thereby replenishing their strength so they could go on without starving to death. 17 Miracles is a partially historical account of the Willie Handcart Company's torturous journey, pulling handcarts through treacherous territory on their trek to Great Salt Lake City in 1857. Wanting to return to his son, he must lead inexperienced pioneers. How did the fig tree wither so quickly? they asked. Then they turned again to the blind man, What have you to say about him? 32. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried outthe only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/KucherAV. 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. Did Jesus Descend into Hell After He Died? "This miracle does not get them out but it allows them to know that the Lord is with them," Brother Christensen said. I so wanted to see that and hope they run it again. Christensen's movie focuses on 17 of the many miracles experienced by families in the two handcart companies, some of which aren't widely known. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we dont know. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. I was very moved by this film and I hope my respect for these pioneers came through in this post.Religion in general is getting bad press these days but I hope that will not apply to my blog!Thanks again for your thoughtful comment, Yaya. 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. Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. Then Jesus said to her, Woman, you have great faith! Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? Then he said to him, Rise and go; your faith has made you well.. The fact that any of them survived given the stupidity of the leadership. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. As the writer, producer and director of the popular film, Christensen offers a literary version of the director's commentary in 122-page book. Jesus fed at least four thousand people (Matthew 15:32-39). The acting was good, especially the roll of Levi Savage portrayed by Jason Wade. Christensen's film "17 Miracles" was released last year, Mormon audiences embraced the compelling pioneer stories of courage and inspiration. It was early morning and he was at the front of a long line of traffic. 1. Do you want to become his disciples too? Then they hurled insults at him and said, You are this fellows disciple! Brother Christensen showed several clips and talked about the miracles that the Lord provided. A sense of danger is excellently established as frantic percussive music plays while unidentified men run through the woods. GOD Experience God! Thank you very much for your comment. 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. What Were The 7 Miracles of Jesus? - Conform to Jesus Have you come to destroy us? They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Bring them here to me, he said. This article is part of our Bible resource for understanding the significance and meaning of biblical phrases and ideas. Come out of him! The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. Note: By 1850, the Mormons had 30,747 members in Great Britain compared with 21,092 in North America. Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her? When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Then about two-thirds of the way through the film, these characters are replaced with vignette depictions of miracles: A starving mother remembers two cakes and with faith they are multiplied. 31. 2022 Giving Company Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy. 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. He hopes audiences leave the theater with an increased respect and reverence for the handcart pioneers and want to learn more about them. 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. May God in his mercy bless and preserve us" (Stewart E. Glazier and Robert S. Clark, ed., Journal of the Trail [1997], 3031). How is it that now he can see? We know he is our son, the parents answered, and we know he was born blind. 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. Drunk husband threatens wife and kids with liquor bottle. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath. The Lord answered him, You hypocrites! It is interesting how watching or reading one thing can lead to another isn't it! But many had questions about what was historically accurate and what was artistically altered. Those familiar with previous historical pieces by T.C. Christensen, like Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, will be glad to rediscover Christensens capacity to create rich vistas for his characters. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. He often falls into the fire or into the water. The story of the Mormons' journey to their Zion is played out through the eyes of Brother Levi Savage. For that I gave it 2 star alone. Pioneer stories tend to be structured as vignettes rather than biographies; in any pioneer story, whom the miracle happens to is less important than the universality of God interceding on behalf of the faithful. He is currently a second-year PhD student at the University of Maryland in theatre and performance studies. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:5-8). 1. the two girls going through the field with the rattle snakes. I was blind but now I see! Then they asked him, What did he do to you? While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me. Then Jesus said to him, Get up! And when he voices sound advice to not leave so late in the season, he is labeled an apostate and called to repentance. The Teacher is here, she said, and is asking for you. When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 26. 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. The film does not portray Savage as faithless or someone in particular need of repentance because he disagreed with Church agents. Film director T.C. Photo Credit: GettyImages/LindaJohnsonbaugh. He said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. The film emphasizes the documented miracles that occurred during the journey. 7 Old Testament Scriptures That Point to Jesus. But Jesus answered, No more of this! And he touched the mans ear and healed him. 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. God gave man life, not so it could be thrown away on the journey, no one should have made. I Highly recommend it. Was a beloved daughter, left for dead in a shallow grave, actually brought back to life?
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