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Matthew 8 – Fear and Horror

by Jill

Matthew 8 is a pivotal chapter that shifts from Jesus’ powerful teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) to his miraculous works. The chapter vividly illustrates Jesus’ authority over sickness, nature, and even demonic forces. It also presents profound challenges about faith and discipleship. As we walk through the events of Matthew 8, we’ll uncover key lessons about trust, obedience, and the true cost of following Jesus.

1. The Healing of the Leper: Jesus’ Compassion Breaks Barriers

As Jesus comes down from the mountain, a man with leprosy approaches him with a humble request:
“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2, ESV)

Leprosy was more than just a disease in biblical times—it was a social and religious death sentence. Those afflicted were considered unclean and forced to live in isolation. Yet, Jesus does the unthinkable: he touches the man and heals him.

What This Teaches Us

  • Jesus sees beyond physical afflictions. He looks into the heart and responds with love.
  • Faith requires boldness. The leper had no guarantee, but he believed in Jesus’ power.
  • Jesus restores not only health but dignity. By healing the man, Jesus reintegrates him into society.

2. The Centurion’s Faith: Authority Recognized

Next, a Roman centurion seeks Jesus’ help for his paralyzed servant. Remarkably, this Gentile soldier understands something that many Jews did not: Jesus’ authority transcends physical presence.

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8, ESV)

Jesus is amazed at his faith and declares that he has not found such faith even in Israel.

What This Teaches Us

  • Faith is about trusting Jesus’ authority, not needing physical proof.
  • Jesus welcomes those outside of Israel into God’s kingdom.
  • Spiritual authority is recognized by those who are humble, not just religious insiders.

3. Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Jesus’ Power is Immediate

Jesus enters Peter’s home and finds his mother-in-law sick with a fever. With a simple touch, she is healed, and she immediately begins to serve.

What This Teaches Us

  • Jesus’ healing is immediate and complete.
  • We are healed to serve. Just as she got up and served Jesus, our response to God’s work should be action.
  • Healing extends beyond physical restoration—it restores our purpose.

4. The Cost of Following Jesus

As the crowds grow, Jesus encounters two would-be disciples. One, a scribe, expresses his desire to follow Jesus, but Jesus warns:

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20, ESV)

Another man asks to delay following Jesus until he buries his father, but Jesus replies:

“Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22, ESV)

What This Teaches Us

  • Following Jesus requires sacrifice. Comfort, security, and even family obligations cannot come before him.
  • Jesus knows our hearts. He sees the excuses we make and challenges us to prioritize him.
  • Discipleship is urgent. We can’t delay our commitment.

5. Calming the Storm: Jesus’ Power Over Nature

While crossing the Sea of Galilee, a storm arises, terrifying the disciples. Meanwhile, Jesus is asleep. They wake him, crying out:

“Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” (Matthew 8:25, ESV)

Jesus rebukes the storm, and the sea becomes calm. The disciples marvel:

“What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27, ESV)

What This Teaches Us

  • Faith means trusting God even in the storms of life.
  • Fear comes when we forget who is with us. The disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles, yet they still doubted.
  • Jesus has authority over all creation.

6. Deliverance from Demons: The Power of Jesus Over Evil

Upon arriving in the region of the Gadarenes, Jesus encounters two demon-possessed men. The demons recognize him and beg to be cast into a herd of pigs. Jesus permits it, and the pigs rush into the sea and drown.

Instead of celebrating the liberation of these men, the townspeople beg Jesus to leave.

What This Teaches Us

  • Even demons acknowledge Jesus’ authority. But acknowledgment is not the same as submission.
  • People often value their possessions over spiritual transformation. The town cared more about their lost pigs than the deliverance of these men. They cared not for the works or message of Jesus but closed their ears to Him.
  • Jesus confronts evil directly. He does not ignore or negotiate with it—he commands it.

Key Takeaways for Today

  1. Faith is more than belief—it’s trust and action. The leper, the centurion, and the disciples each had opportunities to trust Jesus.
  2. Jesus’ power extends beyond physical healing—it restores lives and purpose.
  3. Following Jesus requires sacrifice. Whether it’s comfort, security, or personal priorities, we must put him first.
  4. Storms in life will come, but Jesus is always with us. Fear fades when we remember his presence.
  5. People respond to Jesus differently. Some, like the centurion, embrace him; others, like the townspeople, reject him because they value worldly things more.

Conclusion

Matthew 8 challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we trust Jesus’ authority like the centurion? Do we let fears and excuses keep us from fully following him? Are we like the townspeople, valuing possessions over transformation?

The call of Jesus is clear: follow him completely, trust him fully, and recognize his power in every area of life.

What part of Matthew 8 speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!.

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