Power through obedience | Lessons from Matthew 8 (Part 1)

In Ch 8.1-4, He comes down the mountain, followed by the crowds. A leper comes to Him and says to Him – I’m quite fascinated by this – “If You WANT, You CAN heal me of my leprosy!” What a strong, bold statement! Leprosy was incurable! So, already at this stage, there is an incredible level of faith in what He can do! And yes, of course the leper was healed. Jesus says to him, “I will!” And He does!

Next, in v5, Jesus comes into Capernaum, and a centurion comes to Him – he’s not a Jew, he’s a Roman soldier, an officer in the army that is occupying the land. But this officer comes to Jesus saying, “My servant is at home, sick of the palsy – paralysed – and grievously tormented.” Immediately Jesus responds, “I will come and heal him.” That’s Jesus – the willingness – He would even go to a Roman and heal his servant. But the Roman says, no, I’m not a Jew, I’m not good enough for You to come to my home. Yes, I’m an officer – but I’m not worthy of You!

You can imagine what those Roman officers got up to, believe me! They weren’t normally kind, gentle people, they had the power to be brutal. Yet – and this is very interesting – he says, “I’m not worthy to have You in my house, but SPEAK ONLY A WORD, and my servant will be healed!” He recognised the AUTHORITY Jesus had!