July 8, 2026

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Why Couldn’t Jesus Do Miracles? | Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen on Mark 6:1–6

Does human unbelief have the power to limit the all-powerful God? In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with theologian Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen to tackle the startling claim in Mark 6:1–6 that Jesus “could do no mighty work” in his hometown. They explore the relationship between human faith and divine action and raise the practical question: What does this story mean for someone praying for healing that never comes?

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Outline:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:12) Veli-Matti Karkkainen

(03:55) The narrative arc

(09:00) The different difficulties

(17:00) Couldn't or wouldn't?

(20:55) The function of miracles

(23:33) Healed by faith?

(28:50) Why Jesus heals

(35:02) When healing doesn't come

(39:31) Advice for teaching

Religion & Spirituality

Christianity

English

United States

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