December 18th – Matthew 8:1-13
Spend some time meditating on the miracles in these verses. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.
- Request God’s help.
- Read Matthew 8:1-13
- Record a verse that stands out to you.
- Respond to God.
Amazing! Now read the commentary when you’re ready.
“Lord, if You are willing, make me clean.” Because leprosy is often used as a symbol of sin, we can see ourselves in this man who was previously so helpless. Only a miracle would cleanse him from leprosy, and only a miracle cleanses us from sin. However, Jesus not only healed him, but He also touched him. That is remarkable!
The words of our LORD, “I am willing; be cleansed,” are full of compassion and love. He is willing to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is willing to touch you who have had an abortion. He is willing to touch you who have been abused. He is willing to touch you who find yourself in the pit of despair. He is willing to touch you, who are full of bitterness, and you, who are full of self-righteousness. Jesus sees you, and He loves You.
Soon after His encounter with the leper, Jesus is presented with an unusual request. A Roman centurion (Gentile) came to Him asking for his servant, who was in great pain, to be healed. Think about the implications of this act. He believed Jesus could and would heal his servant. Again, Jesus was willing to come and heal, but this Gentile had unsurpassed faith. He believed Jesus could heal his servant without being physically present. Why? Because the centurion knew Jesus had authority from God to heal and to save. Somehow, the centurion understood the parallel between authority on earth and the ultimate authority of God. Then, Jesus affirms his faith and notes how Gentiles will be seated at the table with Abraham in Heaven. Amen and Amen!
How does it make you feel that Gentiles are included in the Kingdom of Heaven?
My Verse: Matthew 8:13: “And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment.”
My Response: Jesus was pleased, wasn’t He? I can imagine the smile on His face when He told the Roman centurion that it would be done as he had believed. Yes, the servant was healed because His master believed. The fact that the servant’s master interceded for him is not lost on me. Not only do the saints intercede for us, but the Holy Spirit intercedes for you and me when we can only groan in pain. When we ask anything by faith in Jesus’ name, it pleases God. Why? Because it glorifies His Son. What a glorious Savior we have!
Father, Thank you for the gift of faith and prayer. Like the centurion, we can boldly ask anything by faith in Your precious name. Amen.
1 Comment. Leave new
Matthew 8:1 “Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside.”
What must it have been like, being followed by large crowds? It sounds overwhelming and exhausting to me! No wonder, Lord, that You were glad You would be leaving for Heaven, Your one body replaced by the Spirit — residing in each individual’s heart. No jostling to get near You.
You. In. Us.
Do I fully grasp the wonder of that?