Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matthew 8
We
have been introduced to the Person of the King (chapters 1--4) and the
principles of the King (chapters 5-7); and now we are ready for the
power of the King. After all, if a king does not have the power to accomplish
anything, what good are his credentials or his principles. In chapters 8 and
9, Matthew reported 10 miracles.
They are not given in chronological order, except for the last four, since
Matthew followed his own approach of grouping messages or events.
Before
we survey these miracles, however, we must pause to answer the obvious
question: Why did our Lord perform miracles? Certainly He wanted to meet human
needs. God is concerned about the temporal well-being of His creatures as well
as their eternal happiness. It is wrong to separate ministry to the body and
ministry to the soul, since we must minister to the whole person. (See Matt.
4:23-25).
Certainly
our Lord's miracles were additional credentials to prove His claim as the
Messiah of Israel, "The Jews require a sign" (1 Cor. 1:22).
While miracles of themselves are not proof that a man has been sent by God
(even Satan can perform miracles (2 Thes. 2:9), they do add weight to
his claim, especially if his character and conduct are godly. In the case of
Jesus Christ, His miracles also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (see Isa.
29:18-19; 35:4-6).
Matthew
8:17 refers us to Isaiah 53:4; and Jesus
Himself in Matt 11:1-5 referred John the Baptist to the Old
Testament promises.
These
same "signs and wonders" would be the credentials of His
followers in their ministries (Matt. 10:8; Heb. 2:1-4).
Along
with His compassion and credentials, there was a third reason for miracles: His
concern to reveal saving truth to people. The miracles were "sermons in
action." Even Nicodemus was impressed with them (John 3:1-2).
It is worth noting that five of these miracles were performed at Capernaum, and
yet the city rejected Him (Matt. 2:21-23). Even the rejection by the
nation of Israel fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (see John 12:37-41).
Like
the judgments against Egypt in Moses' day, the miracles of the Lord were
judgments in Israel; for the people had to face facts and make decisions. The
religious leaders decided that Jesus was working for Satan (Matt 9:31-34; 12:24).
One
thing is certain: Jesus did not perform miracles to “to get a crowd." He
always avoided the crowd. Time after time, Jesus instructed those whom He had
healed not to talk too much (Matt. 8:4,18; 9:30). He did not
want people trusting Him simply on the basis of spectacular deeds (see John
4:46-54). Faith must be based on His Word (Rom. 10:17).
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Tuesday – 5th February
Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matt. 8:1-4; Leviticus
14
The
miracles in these chapters are recorded in three groups, with an event relating
to discipleship separating the groups. Matthew did not tell his readers why he
used this arrangement, but we will follow it. To help us grasp some of the
spiritual lessons, I have characterized each section with a special emphasis.
Grace
to the Outcasts (Matt 8:1-22)
Lepers,
Gentiles, and women were considered outcasts by many Jewish people, especially
the Pharisees. Many Pharisees would pray each morning, "I give thanks
that I am a man and not a woman, a Jew and not a Gentile, a free-man and not a
slave."
Cleansing
the leper (Matt 8:1-4).
There
were a number of afflictions that our Bible categorizes as leprosy. This
dreaded infection forced the victim to live apart from others and to cry,
"Unclean! Unclean!" when others approached, so they would not be
defiled. That the leper ran up to Jesus and violated the code is evidence of
his great faith that Jesus would heal him.
Leprosy
is an illustration of sin Isa 1:5-6. The instructions given
to the priests in Leviticus 13 help us understand the nature of sin:
Sin
is deeper than the skin (Lev 13:3); it spreads
(Lev 13:7); it defiles and isolates (Lev 13:45-46); and it is fit only
for the fire (Lev 13:52, 57).
When
Jesus touched the leper, He contracted the leper's defilement; but He also
conveyed His health! Is this not what He did for us on the cross when He
was made sin for us? (2 Cor. 5:21) The leper did not question His ability
to heal; he only wondered if He were willing. Certainly God is willing to
save! He is "God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved ... "(1 Tim 2:3-4). God is
"not willing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9).
Jesus
commanded the man not to tell others but to go to the priests and have them
declare him restored and fit for society. This ceremony is described in Leviticus
14 and is another beautiful picture of Christ's work for sinners. The bird
slain pictures the death of Christ; the bird released pictures His
resurrection. Putting the bird into the jar pictures the incarnation, when
Christ took a human body that He might die for us. The application of the blood
to the ear, thumb, and toe illustrates the need for personal faith in His
death, The oil on the blood reminds us of the Spirit of God, who enters the
person when he trusts the Saviour.
The
man did not obey Christ; he told everybody what the Lord had done! (Christ
tells us to tell everybody, and we keep quiet!)
Mark
1:45 tells us that the healed leper's witness
forced Jesus to avoid the city; and yet the crowds came to Him.
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Wednesday – 6th February
Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matt. 8:5-17
The
centurion's servant healed (Matt 8:5-13). A
centurion was an officer over 100 men in the Roman army. Every centurion mentioned
in the Gospels and Acts was a Gentleman of high character and sense of duty,
and this man was no exception. The fact that he was concerned about a lowly
servant-boy indicates this.
The
word "palsy" indicates a kind of paralysis.
It would seem that everything about this man
would prevent him from coming to Jesus. He was a professional soldier, and
Jesus was a man of peace. He was a Gentile, and Jesus was a Jew. But this
soldier had one thing working for him: he was a man of great faith. This centurion'
understood that Jesus, like himself, was under authority. All Christ had to do
was speak the word and the disease would obey Him the way a soldier obeyed his
officer. It is worth noting that only
those who are under authority have the right to exercise authority.
Twice
in the Gospels it is recorded that Jesus marvelled: here, at the great faith of
the Gentile centurion; and in Mark 6:6, at the great unbelief of the Jews.
Matthew recorded two "Gentile:' miracles: this one, and the healing of the
daughter of the Syrophenecian woman (Matt. 15:21-28). In both cases, the
Lord was impressed with their great faith. This is an early indication that the
Jews would not believe, but the Gentiles would. Also, in both of these
miracles, our Lord healed from a distance. This was a reminder of the spiritual
position of the Gentiles' 'afar off" (Eph. 2:12).
Peter's
mother-in-law healed (Matt 8:14-17). She was in bed with a fever and Peter
and Andrew told Jesus about her need when they all arrived home after the
synagogue service (Mark 1:21). Women did not hold a high position in
Israel, and it is doubtful that a Pharisee would have paid much attention to
the need in Peter's home. Jesus healed her with a touch, and she responded by
serving Him and the other men.
This
seems like a "minor miracle," but the results were major; for after
sundown (when the Sabbath ended), the whole city gathered at the door that the
Lord might meet their needs (Mark 1:32-34).
Blessing
in the home ought to lead to blessing in the community. The change in one
woman's life led to miracles in the lives of many people.
Matthew
saw this as a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4. Please note that Jesus
fulfilled this prophecy in His life and not on the cross. He bore man's
sicknesses and infirmities during His ministry on earth. To say that there is
"healing in the atonement," and that every believer has the'
'right" to claim it, is to misinterpret Scripture. 1 Peter 2:24
applies this same truth to the forgiving of our sins which He bore on the
cross. Sin and sickness do go together (see Ps. 103:3), since sickness
is a consequence of Adam's sin and also an illustration of sin.
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Thursday – 7th February
Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matt 8:18-34
First'
'discipleship" interlude (Matt. 8:18-22).
Because great crowds followed Jesus, and opposition had not yet begun, many
would-be disciples wanted to follow Him. However, they would not pay the price.
This is the first use of "Son of man" in Matthew as a name for Jesus.
It comes from Daniel 7:13 and is definitely a messianic title and a
claim to kingship. Matt 8:22 might be expressed, "Let the
spiritually dead bury the physically dead." Jesus was not asking the man
to be disrespectful to his father (who was not yet dead), but to have the right
priorities in life. It is better to preach the Gospel and give life to the
spiritually dead, than to wait for your father to die and bury him.
Peace
to the Disturbed (Matt 8:23-9:17). The persons involved in
these three miracles all had a need for peace, and Jesus provided that peace. .
Peace
in the storm (Matt 8:23-27). The Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles long
and 8 miles wide. It was not unusual for violent storms' suddenly to sweep
across the water. Jesus undoubtedly knew the storm was coming, and certainly
could have prevented it. But He permitted it that He might teach His disciples
some lessons.
The
storm came because they obeyed the Lord, and not because (like Jonah) they
disobeyed Him. Jesus was asleep because He rested confidently in the will of
His Father; and this is what the disciples should have done. Instead, they
became frightened and accused Jesus of not caring! Matthew wanted his readers
to contrast the" little faith" of the disciples with the
"great faith" of the Gentile centurion.
Peace
in a community (Matt 8:28-34). This dramatic incident is most revealing
It shows what Satan does to a man: robs him of sanity and self control; fills
him with fears; robs him of the joys of home and friends; and (if possible)
condemns him to an eternity of judgment. It. also reveals what society does for
a man in need: restrains him, isolates him, threatens him, but society is
unable to change him. See, then, what Jesus Christ can do for a man whose whole
life--within and without-is bondage and battle. What Jesus did for these two
demoniacs, He will do for anyone else who needs Him.
Christ
came to them and even braved a storm to do it. This is the grace of God! He
delivered them by the power of His Word. He restored them to sanity, society,
and service. The account in Mark 5:1-21 shows that one of the men asked
to become a disciple of the Lord. But, instead of granting his request, Jesus
sent him home to be a witness. Christian service must begin at home.
There
are three prayers in this event:
(1)
the demons besought Jesus to send them into the swine;
(2)
the citizens besought Him to leave; and
(3)
the one man besought Him to let him follow (see Mark 5:18-20).
Jesus
answered the prayers of the demons and the citizens, but not the prayer of the
healed man!
We
can construct a "statement of faith' , from the words of the demons.
(Demons do have faith; see James 2:19.) They believed in the existence
of God and the deity of Christ, as well as the reality of future judgment. They
also believed in prayer. They knew Christ had the power to send them into the
swine.
The
fact that the demons destroyed 2,000 pigs is nothing compared with the fact
that Jesus delivered two men from the powers of Satan. God owns everything (Psalms 50:10-11)
and can do with it as He pleases. Jesus values men more than pigs or sheep (Matt.
12:12) .He brought peace to these men's lives and to the community where,
for a long time, they had been causing trouble.
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Friday – 8th February
Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matthew 9
Peace
in the conscience (Matt 9:1-8). The Lord had shown Himself powerful over
sickness and storms, but what could He do about sin? Palsy was a gradual
paralysis. This man was unable to help himself, but fortunately he had four
friends with love, faith, and hope. They brought him to Jesus and permitted
nothing to stand in their way. Was the man's physical condition the result of
his sin') We do not know. But we do know that Jesus dealt with the sin problem
first, for this is always the greatest need.
We
must not conclude from this miracle that all sickness is caused by sin, or that
forgiveness automatically means physical healing. A pastor of mine often says,
"God can heal every sickness except the last one." More important
than the healing of this man's body was the cleansing of his heart. He went
home with both a sound body and a heart at peace with God.
'There
is no peace,' saith my God. 'to the wicked' " (Isa. 57:21).
Second
'discipleship" interlude (Matt 9:9-17). We have covered the call of
Matthew in the first chapter of this study.
We
need only to comment on the four pictures of His ministry that Jesus gave in
this message. As the Physician. He came to bring spiritual health to sick
sinners. As the Bridegroom. He came to give spiritual joy. The Christian life
is a feast, not a funeral. The illustration of the cloth reminds us that He
carne to bring spiritual wholeness; He did not come to "patch us up"
and then let us fall apart. The image of the wineskins teaches that He gives
spiritual fullness. Jewish religion was a worn-out wineskin that would burst if
filled with the new wine of the Gospel. Jesus did not come to renovate Moses or
even mix law and grace. He came with new life!
Restoration to the Broken (Matt 9:18-38) In this section Matthew recorded four miracles
involving five persons.
A
broken home (Matt 9:18-19; 9:23-26). It must have been difficult for Jairus to
come to Jesus, since he was a devout Jew and the leader in the synagogue. But
Jairus' love for his dying daughter compelled him to seek Jesus' help, even if
the religious leaders were opposing Him. When Jairus first came to Jesus, his
daughter was close to death. The delay caused by the healing of the woman gave
“the last enemy" opportunity to do its work. The ruler's friends came and
told him that his daughter had died.
Jesus
quickly reassured the man and went with him. In fact, the delay should have
helped to strengthen Jairus' faith; for he saw what the woman's meager faith
had accomplished in her own life. We must learn to trust Christ and His promises
no matter how we feel, no matter what others say, and no matter how the
circumstances may look. The scene at home must have frightened Jairus, yet
Jesus took command and raised the girl from the dead.
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Saturday – 9th February
Topic: The King’s Power
Read: Matt. 9:20-38
A
broken hope (Matt 9:20-22). Mark 5:26 informs us that this
woman had tried many physicians, but none could help her.
Imagine
the despair and discouragement she felt. Her hopes were shattered. Because of
this hemorrhage, the woman was ceremonially unclean Lev 15:25ff),
which only added to her hopelessness. The" 'hem" refers to the
special tassles that the Jews wore on their garments to remind them they were
God's people. (Num. 15:37-41; Deut. 22:12).
It
is interesting that Jairus and this woman-two opposite people-met at the feet
of Jesus. Jairus was a leading Jewish man; she was an anonymous woman with no
prestige or resources. He was a synagogue leader, while her affliction kept her
from worship. Jairus came pleading' for his daughter; the woman came with a
need of her own. The girl had been healthy for 12 years, and then died; the
woman had been ill for 12 years and was now made whole. Jairus' need was
public-all knew it; but the woman's need was private-only Jesus understood.
Both Jairus and the woman trusted Christ, and He met their needs. Jairus may
have resented the woman, because she kept Jesus from getting to his daughter
before the girl died. But his real problem was not the woman, but himself: He needed
faith in Christ.
Jesus
forced the woman to give her testimony (see Mark's account) both for her sake
and for the sake of Jairus. The fact that God helped others ought to encourage
us to trust Him more. We ought not to be so selfish in our praying that we
cannot wait on the Lord, knowing. He is never late. This woman's faith was
almost superstitious; and yet Jesus honored it and healed her. People must'
'touch Christ" where they are able, even if they must start at the hem of
His garment. The Pharisees enlarged their hems and tassels in order to appear
mo
re spiritual, but they lacked the power to heal (Matt. 23:5). Others touched the hem of Christ's garment
and were also healed (Matt 14:34-36).
When
Sir James Simpson, "the inventor of chloroform, was dying, a friend said
to him, "You will soon be resting on His bosom." The scientist
replied: "I don't know if I can do that, but I think I have to hold the
hem of His garment.' It is not the strength of our faith that saves us, but
faith in a strong Saviour.
Broken
bodies (Matt 9:27-34). We are not told why these men were blind.
Blindness was a serious problem in the East in that day. The records state that
Jesus healed at least six blind men, and each case was different. These two
blind men acknowledged Christ as the Son of David (see Matt. 1:1) and
persisted in following Him right into the house. (No doubt they had friends who
helped guide them.) It was their faith that Christ honored. Their "Yes,
Lord" was the confession that released the power for their healing and
their sight was restored.
Blindness
is a: picture of spiritual ignorance and unbelief (Matt. 15:14-15a; Matt 16:8-11;
Rom. 1:25). The sinner must be born again before he can see the things of
God (John 3:3). And the believer must be careful to grow spiritually or
he will damage his spiritual vision (2 Pet 1:5-9).
The
final miracle in this series involved a demon (Matt 9:32-34). While there is
a difference between sicknesses and demonic workings (Matt. 10:8), the
demons do have the power to cause physical afflictions. In this case, the demon
made the man mute. Think of what a handicap this would be! Jesus delivered him,
and the people admitted that this was a new thing in Israel. But the religious
leaders would not admit that Jesus was the Messiah.
How,
then, could they explain His miracles? Only by saying that His miracles were
wrought in the power of the wicked one. They would repeat this charge later,
and Jesus would refute it (Matt. 12:22ff). In their unbelief, the
Pharisees were playing right into Satan's hands!
Third,
'discipleship" interlude (Matt. 9:35-38). Not only did Jesus heal;
He also taught and preached. But He could not do the work alone-He needed
others to help Him. He requested that His disciples pray that God would provide
the needed workers. It was not long before the disciples' themselves were
involved in the ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing (see Matt. 10).
In the same way, when we pray as He
commanded, we will see what He saw, feel what He felt, and do what He did. God will multiply our lives as we share in
the great harvest that is already ripe (John 4:34-38).
