Matthew 8 - Is There Anything Jesus Can't Do?

Matthew 8 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary

Verses for the Day:

16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” (From Isaiah 53:4)

Commentary:

In the last three chapters, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught on what life in the kingdom of God looks like. In chapter 8, He shows us the power of the kingdom of God.When John the Baptist saw Jesus in chapter 3 he said, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." Jesus shows us kingdom power in many ways in chapter 8. 

First, he healed people with various diseases like leprosy, being paralyzed, fevers, and those who were demon possessed. Note being possessed by a demon is a form of sickness. It is spiritual sickness. Jesus also showed his power over nature, when he rebuked the wind and the waves, and the sea instantly became calm. 

These stories showed the authority of Jesus. Authority is defined as the "right to exercise power". Jesus showed he has authority and power over sickness, disease, the devil, and natural disaster. 

Jesus healed unlikely people who had faith in him. He healed a leper, whose condition was assumed because he had sinned. He healed the Roman centurion's servant. who was near death. The Romans were hated by the Jews because they ruled over them with an "iron fist". In both cases these men showed faith in Jesus, and believed He could just "say the word", and they would be healed. 

Jesus not only showed his power. but also his compasssion. It rarely leaders have both. You've heard the saying, "Absolute power absolutely corrupts". Jesus had the most absolute power of anyone the world has ever seen, and yet he was incorruptible. In an ironic twist, Jesus even has compassion on the demons. Instead of casting them into the lake of fire, he allows them to enter a herd of pigs who run and drown in the river. 

Jesus not only showed his power over those demons, but also revealed their nature, which is to kill, steal, and destroy. (John 10:10) It was better that the demons kill a creature instead of men made in the image of God. In Chapter 8, Jesus shows us there is nothing he cannot do, because He is the only Son of God. He is God, and He is all-powerful. He is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is Lord of all. 

Application:

Where do you need God's power in your life? 

Will you exercise the faith of the centurion who said, "But just say the word and my servant will be healed!" 

When you pray for others, do you pray trusting that God has the power to heal them in His way and in His time? 

Prayer of the Day:

Jesus, you came to show us what God's kingdom in heaven looks like on earth. You used your power and authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Help us to trust in You so that you might heal us, deliver us, and use us to heal others. We pray for others who are sick and without hope, that we might give them the hope and power that only you can give. In Your Name, Amen. 

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