---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What I notice, as a historian reading…"
description: "\"What I notice, as a historian reading stories about so-called nature miracles, the walking on the water, or the miraculous catch of fishes, they're don..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/003/john-dominic-crossan-29819_boat_what-i-notice-as-a-historian-reading-sto_2913597.jpg"
---

#  What I notice, as a historian reading stories about…

![“What I notice, as a historian reading stories about so-called nature miracles, the walking on the water, or the miraculous catch of fishes, they're done especially for the insiders, for the disciples. Usually healings and exorcisms are done for people along the road, as it were. Jesus doesn't come…” quote by John Dominic Crossan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/003/john-dominic-crossan-29819_boat_what-i-notice-as-a-historian-reading-sto_2913597.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/003/john-dominic-crossan-29819_boat_what-i-notice-as-a-historian-reading-sto_2913597.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/003/john-dominic-crossan-29819_boat_what-i-notice-as-a-historian-reading-sto_2913597.jpg)

> “What I notice, as a historian reading stories about so-called nature miracles, the walking on the water, or the miraculous catch of fishes, they're done especially for the insiders, for the disciples. Usually healings and exorcisms are done for people along the road, as it were. Jesus doesn't come on the water to save the fishing fleet from Capernaum, he comes on the water to save the disciples. It's a parable, dummy, it's a parable, don't you get it? If the leadership of the church takes off in a boat without Jesus, it will sink, it will get nowhere.”

[John Dominic Crossan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dominic-crossan/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Miraculous stories in religious texts often serve internal audiences, emphasizing faith for followers rather than historical fact.

**In simple terms:** Miracle tales target believers, not outsiders.

Key Takeaway

Consider the intended audience of religious narratives.

Themes

religion interpretation myth faith leadership

Mood

inquisitive analytical thoughtful

Type

theological literary educational

When to use this quote

- theological study
- faith community discussions
- educational curricula

Key Concepts

theology narrative analysis historical criticism

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do religious leaders emphasize miracles for disciples?
- How might outsiders interpret these stories differently?

A Different Perspective

Focusing solely on insider meaning may limit broader understanding of texts.

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