Matthew 8
BSB1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. 2 Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them." 5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony." 7 “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. 8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” And his servant was healed at that very hour. 14 When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them. 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, 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 on our infirmities and carried our diseases." 18 When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea. 19 And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." 21 Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." 23 When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!" 26 “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" 28 When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?" 30 In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs." 32 “Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off into the town and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.
Study Notes — Matthew 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 8
- Themes from Matthew 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew chapter 8 begins with Jesus healing a man with leprosy, followed by healing a centurion's servant and Peter's mother-in-law. Jesus then calms a storm, demonstrating His power over nature. The chapter continues with the story of two demon-possessed men, whom Jesus heals, and a paralytic man, whom Jesus forgives and heals. Jesus also teaches about the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing His kingdom. Throughout the chapter, Jesus' authority and power are on full display, and He challenges those around Him to have faith and follow Him. Key verses include Matthew 8:2, Matthew 8:10, and Matthew 8:26, which highlight Jesus' healing power, the centurion's faith, and Jesus' authority over nature, respectively.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew chapter 8 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This chapter follows Jesus' sermon on the mount and precedes His instructions to the twelve apostles. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over sin and death. In the context of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' miracles and teachings in chapter 8 serve to demonstrate His authority and power, and to prepare His disciples for the challenges they will face in their own ministries.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Matthew chapter 8, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in Jesus' power and authority. We are called to have faith in His ability to heal, forgive, and overcome any challenge or obstacle. We are also encouraged to prioritize His kingdom and to follow Him, even when it is difficult or costly. By applying these principles to our own lives, we can experience the transformative power of Jesus' love and mercy.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew chapter 8 is about Jesus' power and authority. He heals a man with leprosy, calms a storm, and teaches about the cost of following Him. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in Jesus and having faith in His ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle. For example, in Matthew 8:2, Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His power and compassion. In Matthew 8:26, Jesus calms a storm, showcasing His authority over nature.
Voices from the Church
“The storms of life will come, but Jesus is always with us, ready to calm the waves and bring peace to our souls. As we trust in His power and authority, we can face any challenge with confidence and faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Jesus' miracles in Matthew chapter 8 demonstrate His divine nature and His authority over all aspects of life. As we reflect on these miracles, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in Jesus and having faith in His power and authority.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4) — Jesus demonstrates His power and compassion by healing a man with leprosy, who is considered unclean. This miracle showcases Jesus' willingness to touch and heal those who are marginalized and outcast.
- Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13) — Jesus heals a centurion's servant, demonstrating His authority and power. The centurion's faith is remarkable, as he recognizes Jesus' authority and is willing to trust in Him.
- Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15) — Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, who is suffering from a fever. This miracle showcases Jesus' power to heal and restore, and demonstrates His care and compassion for those who are suffering.
- Jesus Calms a Storm (Matthew 8:23-27) — Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature. This miracle showcases Jesus' power to overcome any challenge or obstacle, and reminds us of the importance of trusting in Him.
- Jesus Teaches about Discipleship (Matthew 8:18-22) — Jesus teaches about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing His kingdom and following Him. This teaching serves as a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus, but also of the rewards and benefits of trusting in Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Christ
- Matthew chapter 8 teaches us about the authority of Christ, as seen in His miracles and teachings. Jesus' authority is demonstrated through His power to heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, showcasing His control over all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as seen in the stories of the centurion and the paralytic man. Faith is a crucial element in our relationship with Jesus, and is necessary for experiencing the transformative power of His love and mercy.
- The Power of Christ
- Jesus' power is a recurring theme in Matthew chapter 8, as He performs various miracles and demonstrates His ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle. This showcases Jesus' divine nature and His ability to bring peace and restoration to our lives.
- The Cost of Discipleship
- The chapter teaches us about the cost of discipleship, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing His kingdom and following Him. This serves as a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus, but also of the rewards and benefits of trusting in Him.
Lessons from Matthew 8
- The Importance of Trusting in Jesus — Matthew chapter 8 teaches us the importance of trusting in Jesus' power and authority. As we face challenges and obstacles in our lives, we can trust in Jesus to overcome them and bring us peace and restoration.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the power of faith, as seen in the stories of the centurion and the paralytic man. Faith is a crucial element in our relationship with Jesus, and is necessary for experiencing the transformative power of His love and mercy.
- The Cost of Discipleship — Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapter 8 remind us of the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing His kingdom. As we follow Jesus, we can expect to face challenges and sacrifices, but we can also expect to experience the rewards and benefits of trusting in Him.
- The Authority of Christ — The chapter teaches us about the authority of Christ, as seen in His miracles and teachings. Jesus' authority is demonstrated through His power to heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, showcasing His control over all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Compassion and Empathy — Jesus' interactions with different individuals in Matthew chapter 8 demonstrate His compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. As we follow Jesus, we are called to demonstrate similar compassion and empathy towards others, and to trust in His power to bring healing and restoration to our lives.
Themes from Matthew 8
- The Power of Christ — Matthew chapter 8 teaches us about the power of Christ, as seen in His miracles and teachings. Jesus' power is demonstrated through His ability to heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, showcasing His control over all aspects of life.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, as seen in the stories of the centurion and the paralytic man. Faith is a crucial element in our relationship with Jesus, and is necessary for experiencing the transformative power of His love and mercy.
- The Authority of Christ — The chapter teaches us about the authority of Christ, as seen in His miracles and teachings. Jesus' authority is demonstrated through His power to heal, cast out demons, and calm storms, showcasing His control over all aspects of life.
- The Cost of Discipleship — Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapter 8 remind us of the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritizing His kingdom. As we follow Jesus, we can expect to face challenges and sacrifices, but we can also expect to experience the rewards and benefits of trusting in Him.
- The Importance of Compassion and Empathy — Jesus' interactions with different individuals in Matthew chapter 8 demonstrate His compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. As we follow Jesus, we are called to demonstrate similar compassion and empathy towards others, and to trust in His power to bring healing and restoration to our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' healing of the man with leprosy teach us about His power and compassion?
- How does the centurion's faith in Jesus' authority demonstrate the importance of trusting in Him?
- What does Jesus' calming of the storm teach us about His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace to our lives?
- What are some challenges or obstacles in your life that you can trust Jesus to overcome?
- How can you prioritize Jesus' kingdom and follow Him, even when it is difficult or costly?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4)
| Matthew 8:1 | Jesus comes down from the mountain, and a large crowd follows Him. A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, and Jesus heals him. |
| Matthew 8:2 | The man with leprosy says, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus reaches out His hand and touches the man, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' |
| Matthew 8:3 | Jesus' touch heals the man, and Jesus tells him to show himself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. |
| Matthew 8:4 | The man is healed, and Jesus warns him not to tell anyone, but to go and show himself to the priest. |
2. Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
| Matthew 8:5 | When Jesus enters Capernaum, a centurion approaches Him, asking for help for his servant who is paralyzed and suffering terribly. |
| Matthew 8:6 | The centurion says, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.' Jesus offers to go and heal the servant, but the centurion says, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have You come under my roof.' |
| Matthew 8:7 | The centurion continues, 'But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.' |
| Matthew 8:8 | The centurion's faith impresses Jesus, and Jesus says, 'I will go and heal him.' |
| Matthew 8:9 | The centurion's servant is healed at that very hour, and Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith. |
| Matthew 8:10 | Jesus says, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.' |
| Matthew 8:11 | Jesus continues, 'I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.' |
| Matthew 8:12 | Jesus warns that the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. |
| Matthew 8:13 | Jesus tells the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And the centurion's servant was healed at that very hour. |
3. Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15)
| Matthew 8:14 | When Jesus comes to Peter's house, He sees Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. Jesus touches her hand, and the fever leaves her. |
| Matthew 8:15 | She gets up and begins to wait on Jesus and the disciples, demonstrating her gratitude and devotion to Jesus. |
4. Jesus Drives Out Demons and Heals Many (Matthew 8:16-17)
| Matthew 8:16 | When evening comes, many who are demon-possessed are brought to Jesus, and He drives out the spirits with a word and heals all the sick. |
| Matthew 8:17 | This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.' |
5. Jesus Teaches about Discipleship (Matthew 8:18-22)
| Matthew 8:18 | When Jesus sees the crowd around Him, He gives orders to cross to the other side of the lake. |
| Matthew 8:19 | Then a teacher of the law comes to Jesus and says, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.' |
| Matthew 8:20 | Jesus replies, 'The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.' |
| Matthew 8:21 | Another disciple says, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' |
| Matthew 8:22 | Jesus says, 'Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.' |
6. Jesus Calms the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27)
| Matthew 8:23 | Then Jesus gets into a boat and His disciples follow Him. |
| Matthew 8:24 | Without warning, a furious storm comes up on the lake, so that the waves sweep over the boat. |
| Matthew 8:25 | The disciples go to Jesus and wake Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' |
| Matthew 8:26 | Jesus replies, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then He gets up and rebukes the winds and the waves, and it is completely calm. |
| Matthew 8:27 | The men are amazed and ask, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!' |
7. Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men (Matthew 8:28-34)
| Matthew 8:28 | When Jesus arrives in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men come from the tombs to meet Him. |
| Matthew 8:29 | They are so violent that no one can pass that way. The men shout, 'What do You want with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?' |
| Matthew 8:30 | A large herd of pigs is feeding in the distance, and the demons beg Jesus to let them go into the pigs. |
| Matthew 8:31 | Jesus says to them, 'Go!' So they come out of the men and enter the pigs, and the whole herd rushes down the steep bank into the lake and dies in the water. |
| Matthew 8:32 | The men who tended the pigs run off and report this in the town and the countryside. |
| Matthew 8:33 | The people go out to see what has happened, and they come to Jesus and find the men sitting there, dressed and in their right minds. |
| Matthew 8:34 | The people are afraid, and they ask Jesus to leave their region. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus' healing of the man with leprosy teach us about His power and compassion?
Jesus' healing of the man with leprosy demonstrates His power to heal and restore, as well as His compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. As seen in Matthew 8:2, Jesus is willing to touch and heal those who are considered unclean, showcasing His love and acceptance.
How does the centurion's faith in Jesus' authority demonstrate the importance of trusting in Him?
The centurion's faith in Jesus' authority, as seen in Matthew 8:5-13, demonstrates the importance of trusting in Jesus' power and authority. The centurion recognizes Jesus' authority and is willing to trust in Him, even when it seems impossible. This faith is rewarded, as Jesus heals the centurion's servant and marvels at the centurion's faith.
What does Jesus' calming of the storm teach us about His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace to our lives?
Jesus' calming of the storm, as seen in Matthew 8:23-27, teaches us about His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace to our lives. As Jesus rebukes the winds and the waves, He demonstrates His power to overcome any challenge or obstacle, and reminds us of the importance of trusting in Him.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 8:1 → Mark 1:40 | The story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy is also recorded in Mark 1:40, which emphasizes Jesus' compassion and willingness to touch and heal those who are considered unclean. |
| 2 | Matthew 8:5 → Luke 7:1-10 | The story of Jesus healing a centurion's servant is also recorded in Luke 7:1-10, which highlights the centurion's faith and Jesus' authority to heal and forgive. |
| 3 | Matthew 8:14 → Mark 1:29-31 | The story of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law is also recorded in Mark 1:29-31, which emphasizes Jesus' power to heal and restore. |
| 4 | Matthew 8:16 → Isaiah 53:4 | The prophecy in Isaiah 53:4 is fulfilled in Matthew 8:16-17, as Jesus drives out demons and heals many, demonstrating His power to overcome sin and disease. |
| 5 | Matthew 8:20 → Luke 9:58 | Jesus' statement about having no place to lay His head is also recorded in Luke 9:58, which emphasizes the challenges and sacrifices of following Jesus. |
| 6 | Matthew 8:23 → Mark 4:35-41 | The story of Jesus calming the storm is also recorded in Mark 4:35-41, which highlights Jesus' authority over nature and His ability to bring peace to our lives. |
| 7 | Matthew 8:28 → Mark 5:1-20 | The story of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men is also recorded in Mark 5:1-20, which emphasizes Jesus' power to overcome evil and restore people to their right minds. |
| 8 | Matthew 8:1 → Leviticus 13:45-46 | The laws regarding leprosy in Leviticus 13:45-46 are relevant to the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy in Matthew 8:1-4, which highlights Jesus' willingness to touch and heal those who are considered unclean. |
| 9 | Matthew 8:5 → John 4:46-54 | The story of Jesus healing a royal official's son in John 4:46-54 is similar to the story of Jesus healing a centurion's servant in Matthew 8:5-13, which emphasizes Jesus' authority to heal and forgive. |
| 10 | Matthew 8:16 → Psalm 103:3 | The prophecy in Psalm 103:3 is fulfilled in Matthew 8:16-17, as Jesus drives out demons and heals many, demonstrating His power to overcome sin and disease. |
Sermons on Matthew 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Casting Out Unclean Spirits by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus calming the storm and casting out unclean spirits. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus using parables to teach the mult |
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How This Ministry of Healing Came Into Being by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not focusing on the circumstances or problems we face. He reminds the listeners that their faith i |
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Beginning to Sink by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Ireland Redpath discusses the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:30. He highlights how Peter's defeat was reversed when Jesus took him by the hand an |
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Fearfulness in the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of faith and trust in God's plan. He uses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges to illustrate this point. Gideon was called |
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Healing 101 by Charles Price | This sermon explores the diverse ways Jesus performed miracles in the Bible, showcasing how His healing power transcends human understanding and expectations. It delves into the di |
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God's Purpose by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting to the Lordship and sovereignty of Jesus. He highlights that while humans have achieved great advancements in va |
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Freedom Cd - Track 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker, Tyrone, shares his personal testimony of how he was once an atheist and then became involved in drugs and prostitution. However, he had a life-changing |
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When God Sets His Heart on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although the world may be abusing God's patience, we should not be impatient or solely focused on judgment. Instead, we should seek red |
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Heaven and Hell by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and putting one's trust in Jesus. He warns that there is no security in earthly things and that everyone, regardle |
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Do Not Be Discouraged by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about feeling captive and discouraged in life. He uses the example of Ezekiel, who was held captive and had his freedom taken away. The preacher |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 8
In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus demonstrates His authority and power through various miracles and teachings. He heals a man with leprosy, a centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, showcasing His compassion and willingness to touch and heal those who are considered unclean. Jesus also calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace to our lives. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in Jesus' power and authority, and of the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him. We are called to have faith in Jesus, to prioritize His kingdom, and to trust in His ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Jesus is the great Physician, who came to heal the sick, and to save the sinners; and He is still the same, and still does the same, by His Spirit, and in His ordinances.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Compassion
Throughout the chapter, Jesus demonstrates remarkable compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering, as seen in His interactions with the leper, the centurion, and the paralytic man. This highlights Jesus' heart of love and mercy towards all people.
The Importance of Faith
Faith is a crucial element in Matthew chapter 8, as seen in the stories of the centurion and the paralytic man, who both demonstrate remarkable faith in Jesus' ability to heal and forgive. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus and having faith in His power and authority.
Jesus' Authority and Power
Jesus' authority and power are on full display in Matthew chapter 8, as He heals, casts out demons, and calms storms, demonstrating His control over all aspects of life. This showcases Jesus' divine nature and His ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle.