Matthew Chapter 8
Matthew did not follow a chronological order of events as Mark and Luke did. Instead, he seemed to group things together by subject. In this chapter he begins to write about the miracles of Jesus. It must have been so incredible to see the power of God displayed right before their very eyes. Jesus was proving to His followers that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Let's Reflect
1. The first miracle recorded in this chapter is a man Jesus healed who had leprosy. What did Jesus do when He healed this man?
2. This man came to Jesus having to walk through a crowd that would have been afraid to be near him. The crowd would have separated from him as he walked. He came having never seen Jesus heal another man of leprosy and no promise that He would heal Him now. The man called Jesus Lord (Yahweh). Not only did Jesus heal him, but He instructed the man to go to the priest. Why? See Leviticus 14.
3. In the next recorded miracle, Matthew wrote about the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. This man showed incredible faith because he did not want Jesus to do what?
4. Jesus remarked about the faith of this man, and we see that what was on the mind of Christ was His kingdom. Because this man had such faith in Him, Jesus pictured this man sitting at a table with whom? Jesus also took the opportunity to warn others who do not have faith that they would be cast into darkness, into hell.
5. Matthew also recorded the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law and how she got up out of bed and served them food. Then verse 16 indicates that there were many miracles that happened in succession. How does Matthew describe what happened?
6. People wanted to follow Jesus wherever He went to see Him perform miracles. It was so wonderful. But Jesus wanted them to see that there were more important things than just the miracles. There was a cost to be a true disciple of Jesus. He wanted them to see that being a disciple meant making Him their first priority. What example was given of a man who wanted to follow Jesus but just not right now?
7. The beautiful miracle that prompted the saying “O you of little faith,” is recorded in this chapter. What miracle is that?
8. As Jesus was on earth there are many recordings of people being possessed by demons. Satan was working overtime to try to derail the plan of God. As we draw closer to the day Christ returns, we are seeing the same tricks of the devil – people being tormented by demons. The devil is busy trying to stop the plans of the Lord. The devil has no power over Christ. Jesus has the authority. Notice by what name did the demons call out to Jesus?
Devotionals
