Anne11, thank you for your honest questions as you begin your journey of faith. It's wonderful that you're seeking to understand these profound topics. Let's address your questions one by one, guided by the light of Scripture.
Firstly, Yes, Jesus was Jewish. He was born into a Jewish family, circumcised according to Jewish law and presented to the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem according to the law of Moses, his people were Jewish, he worshipped at the Jewish temple, He celebrated the Jewish festivals and was known as the King of the Jews. The name 'Christian' came later, And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch as told in Acts 11:26 WEB. "when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Christians are the followers of Jesus Christ who believe in His death and resurrection as the eternal payment for their sins and the sins of the whole world.
Regarding miracles, Jesus performed numerous miracles during His earthly ministry as hidden throughout the Gospel books of the Bible to display His power and authority over sickness, nature, Satan, demons and even death. Through His miracles, He demonstrated that He was truly the Son of God, fulfilling the Old Testament promises and proving He was the promised Messiah. In John 20:30-31 WEB Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.People should believe in His name not only to receive healing or experience miracles, but to gain eternal life through Him as explained in John 3:16 WEB. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." For He is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. John 14:6”.
The question of suffering is complex, but we can find comfort in the Bible's teachings. Suffering entered the world through sin, as explained in Romans 5:12 WEB. "Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned." This includes illnesses, pain, and even death. However, even in our suffering, God is with us and can use it for our good and His glory, as told in Romans 8:28 WEB. "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."
Regarding evil, we must understand that God gave everyone the free will to choose between good and evil. Sadly, many people choose evil as told in Romans 8:7 WEB. "because the mind of the flesh is hostile toward God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be." Unfortunately, this results in suffering, especially for the most vulnerable among us, like children. We must remember that God grieves over the evil in the world even more than we do.
We pray because of all of these issues. We pray to bring suffering relief. We also pray that the evil will fail. We are their firstruits. " For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope." Romans 8:18 WEB. And the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now, but we also earnestly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our body of humiliation, and and make it like his own glorious body according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 WEB
Jesus's answer to our for evil was on the cross. His death and resurrection assure us that one day, He will end all suffering.
We will pray with you for your journey to eternal life with our savior Jesus Christ and the continued belief and acceptance of Jesus through seeing His miracles. May our suffering be a light to the world so that even in our trials and tribulations, we can continue to glorify Him. "Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter." 1 Peter 4:16.
Let us pray, dear Lord, thank You for Anne's eager heart to learn. We pray that You guide her through Your Word and fill her with the Holy Spirit, that she may understand Your truths and grow in her faith. Help her recognize all that you can, will, and have done. Let her receive your grace and experience your mercy and your power. We ask this in the precious and holy name of our Savior Jesus. Amen.