Matthew 8
A Man with Leprosy Comes: A Story of Faith, Healing, and Courage
In Matthew 8:1-4, we encounter a powerful moment where Jesus heals a man with leprosy, a disease that was feared and misunderstood in Jesus' time. Leprosy was not only physically debilitating, causing nerve damage and rotting limbs, but it also carried a social stigma. People with leprosy were often cast out from society, forced to live in isolation. When this man approached Jesus, he did something extraordinary: he didn't just ask for healing, he showed incredible courage and faith.
The leper cried out, acknowledging Jesus' power, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean" (v2). His words were a profound expression of belief, demonstrating that he recognized Jesus not just as a healer, but as the one with the authority to bring wholeness and restoration. Jesus, moved by his faith, touched him and healed him. The act of touching the leper was significant, breaking through social and religious barriers. Jesus didn’t just heal the body; he restored the man’s place in society. This moment shows us that God is looking for people who understand their need for help and are willing to trust in His power.
You’ll notice in v4 Jesus instructs the man, “see that you don’t tell anyone”. Why is that? Whenever Jesus instructs someone to stay quiet it is usually because of where Jesus was geographically. If he is among the Gentiles it is ok for the word to spread for they were now being invited into the kingdom which you’ll see later in the chapter. If Jesus was among the Jews he knew that once word spread about his teaching and miracles the opposition that arose from the Jews would impact public ministry.
The Roman Centurion: A Faith Beyond Borders
Shortly after in v5-13, we read about a Roman centurion who also sought Jesus’ healing power, but his approach was different. A servant in his household was gravely ill, and the centurion, a man of great authority, reached out to Jesus. However, unlike the leper, the centurion didn’t feel the need for Jesus to physically come to his home. Instead, he expressed a deep understanding of authority, saying, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
This statement of faith amazed Jesus. The centurion, a Roman and a Gentile, had no reason to trust in Jesus, yet he displayed a remarkable understanding of divine authority. His faith was a reminder that belief in Jesus isn’t confined by social status, ethnicity, or background. Jesus praised his faith, saying, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (v10). The centurion’s faith transcended barriers, and his story invites us to reflect on our own faith. Do we truly believe that Jesus has the authority to heal and transform?
In v12 Jesus says, “But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is referring to the unbelieving Jews. Jesus said this to contrast the unbelieving Jews with the believing Gentiles, for the kingdom of God is for them as well!
The Power of Touch and Authority
Following these two stories of healing, Matthew records another intimate healing, this time of Peter’s mother-in-law. She had been bedridden with a fever, and Jesus simply touched her, and she was healed. This healing emphasizes the power of touch and personal care, showing that Jesus doesn’t just heal in grand, public displays but also in quiet, personal moments.
Jesus' healing was never one-dimensional. Whether it was the power of His words, His touch, or His authority, each act of healing demonstrated His deep compassion and His desire for wholeness. His miracles were holistic, addressing physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs. This is a reminder that Jesus desires for us to be whole in every aspect of our lives, not just physically, but in every way.
Breaking Boundaries: Jesus Heals Without Limits
We witness Jesus’ healing power breaking through every boundary—be it cultural, social, or even gender-related. From the leper who should have been kept at a distance to the Roman centurion who represented an occupying force, and even the intimate healing of a woman in Peter’s home—Jesus’ touch was a sign of His authority and His desire to heal not just individuals but entire communities. These healings challenge us to rethink the walls we build around others, whether due to illness, status, or identity. Jesus teaches us that His healing and love are available to all, regardless of background or situation (v14-17).
Trusting Jesus in the Midst of the Storm
Matthew 8:23-27 gives us a scene with a striking picture of faith, authority, and the peace that only Jesus can bring. As the disciples find themselves caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, they fear for their lives. But when they wake Jesus, He responds with a simple question: "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (v26). He then rebukes the wind and the waves, bringing immediate calm. The disciples, astonished, are left to wonder, "What kind of man is this?" (v27). The wind and the waves recognized the voice that made them!
For us, the story speaks volumes about faith in the face of adversity. In our own lives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by life's storms—be it the pressures of work, relationships, or health. But just as the disciples experienced, the answer to our fears lies not in our ability to handle the storm, but in knowing the One who is with us through it all.
The Object of Our Faith
In Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples, He addresses not just the size of their faith but the object of it. Our faith must always be rooted in Jesus. In the same way the disciples turned to Him for help during the storm, we are called to recognize that only in Christ can we find the strength to face life's challenges. Jesus makes it clear that faith, even if it feels small or weak, is powerful when it is placed in the right person—Him.
While the Bible mentions faith as both a gift and something that can grow with use, we don’t need to be discouraged by doubts about how much faith we have. The key is not how strong or big our faith is, but where it is placed. As we continue to focus on Jesus, our faith naturally grows, just as a mustard seed grows exponentially.
Faith in Action: Jesus’ Authority Over Evil
As the chapter progresses in v28-34, we see another display of Jesus' authority, this time over the demonic realm. When Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes, two men possessed by demons immediately recognize Him and beg for mercy. Jesus commands the demons to leave, sending them into a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The people are left in awe of Jesus' power, not just over nature but over the spiritual forces that govern the world.
It is natural to ask why Jesus would allow all of those pigs to die, what a bizarre story, right?! This event reminds us of the reality of the spiritual realm and the authority Jesus has over all things—whether natural or supernatural. While the demons trembled before Jesus, the people were left to witness a profound truth: evil is real, but Jesus is stronger. His victory over the demonic forces serves as a reminder that, even when we feel overwhelmed by the forces of darkness, Jesus remains in control. It was also a gift of grace to publicly reinstate the once afflicted men. The community could verify that their condition and healings were in fact real. They were to be welcomed back into society! Jesus' actions illustrate the depth of God's compassion, and His desire to redeem and restore those who are lost. In a moment of radical grace, He not only frees them but gives them the opportunity to reintegrate into society, symbolizing the hope of renewal that is available to us all through Christ.
