Matthew 8:1-27
Q.1. What do we learn from the leper’s approach to Jesus? Why was he told to keep the news of the healing to himself? Why did Jesus send the healed leper to the priest? – (Mt.8:1-4)
Lepers were treated as the dregs of society. This leper saw Jesus as his only hope. His approach to Jesus was very humble as he prostrated himself before Jesus, expressing his faith that Jesus could heal him (Mt.8:2). No one would touch a leper but – Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And instantly his leprosy was cleansed (Mt.8:3). Jesus had come to prepare the hearts of people for His kingdom, so did not want the publicity of such a healing to derail His mission (Mt.8:4 c.f. Mt.4:17,19). Jesus also was careful to fulfil the Law in every respect, so sent the healed leper to a priest to verify the healing, as required by the Scriptures (Mt.8:4 c.f. Mt.5:17; Lev.14:2-32).
Q.2. What brought the centurion to Jesus? Why did he prevent Jesus from visiting his home? Why was Jesus so impressed by the centurion’s faith? What do you make of Christ’s prophecy? –(Mt.8:5-13)
The Roman centurion was extraordinary. Luke filled in some details Matthew that did not include in his Gospel: (i) The boy was one of his slaves and was close to death (Lk.7:2). (ii) In his humility he had asked some Jewish elders to ask Jesus for help (Lk.7:3). (iii) They were indebted to this centurion, because unlike most Romans, he loved the Jews and had built their synagogue for them (Lk.7:4-5). The humility of this man who had authority over a hundred soldiers was amazing. He claimed he was not worthy to have Jesus grace his home (Mt.8:8). His reasoning was sublime. He recognized that if he had the authority to command and direct his soldiers, then Jesus only needed to – … just say the word, and my servant will be healed (Mt.8:8). Jesus marvelled at such faith, and declared – … Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel (Mt.8:10). The servant was miraculously healed at that very hour. This incident gave rise to a fascinating prophecy about Israel and the nations – 11 I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; 12 but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt.8:11-12).
Q.3. Was Peter celibate? Why did Jesus heal the infirm? In what way did Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy? Is healing guaranteed in the atonement? – (Mt.8:14-17)
Peter was married. He had a mother-in-law ((Mt.8:14 c.f. 1 Cor.9:5). Jesus healed her and – all who were ill … including the demon-possessed (Mt.8:16). Some claim that there is healing in the atonement, quoting Isaiah 53 which speaks graphically of the substitutionary sufferings of Christ. Here Matthew explained that Isaiah 53:4 applied to Christ’s healing ministry before He died for our sins – This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.” (Mt.8:17). God always has the power to heal. The atonement is about permanent healing from the scourge of sin.
Q.4. What demands did Jesus require of disciples? How did the storm incident show that such allegiance was appropriate? What did the disciples make of this miracle? (Mt.8:18-27)
Many people were impressed by the ministry of Jesus. A scribe expressed his desire to throw his lot in with Jesus. Jesus challenged him to count the cost – … The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head (Mt.8:20). Another promised to follow him after his father was dead and buried. Jesus responded – … Follow Me and allow the dead to bury their own dead (Mt.8:22). It does not appear that these people were prepared to pay the cost. Is He worthy of such allegiance? Matthew reported about the lesson he and the disciples learned during a storm. Jesus was totally relaxed and sound asleep while His disciples panicked – … Save us, Lord; we are perishing! (Mt.8:25). Jesus rebuked their lack of faith. Then He rebuked the storm – and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mt.8:26-27). He is worthy of our allegiance.