Matthew 8

Read Matthew 8

Jesus not only taught with authority, He cast out demons, cleansed lepers, healed paralytics, and raised up those who were on their sickbeds. Christ demonstrated complete control over enemies seen and unseen, sending a demonic host into a herd of pigs. He was even able to quiet the wind and the waves when His disciples were quaking with fear. They wondered, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey Him?”

Jehovah God had come in the flesh, but not everyone reacted appropriately. One centurion impressed the Son of God because he showed more trust in the Messiah than the Jews did. Jesus said, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”

What was the content of the centurion's belief? First, he said, “Lord, I am not worthy.” The religion of the scribes insisted that the way of acceptance by God was plain enough for all who were willing to keep Jewish traditions, but the Roman leader was right. “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10 citing Psalm 14). Our unworthiness is an essential element of Christian doctrine. Second, the soldier was confident in Jesus' ability to overturn human disability. “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” As Psalm 115:3 teaches, “Our God ... does all that He pleases.”

Despite the obvious greatness of Jesus, our Messiah had “nowhere to lay His head.” The Lord demanded complete submission to His commands, yet He meekly left a town where He was not wanted. The demons knew who Jesus was, and they sought to trip Him up at every turn. They said, “What have You to do with us, O Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Though they may have hoped to stop the Lord of glory, they could not thwart His perfect plan. In every generation, those who acknowledge their weakness and place their hope in the Redeemer's divine strength show that they have been given the gift of true faith.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father God, You have made us clean from the leprosy of sin. Though we were not worthy of having You dwell with us, Christ has come with great works of healing. May the sickness of unbelief be driven far from His church. Those who claim the title “Christian” need to be up and serving You. May nothing be allowed to stand in our way. You are able to turn away every obstacle from our hearts and minds. Defeat all the proud adversaries who would defy You. Save us by Your mighty presence and matchless Word.