Authority - Matthew 8 (P 19)

Our focus has been on the teachings of Jesus in the previous 3 chapters.  Today we will begin looking at a section in Matthew's gospel that is more about Jesus' doings, his activities.  Chapters 8 and 9 are full of healings.  They are packed with examples of Jesus' authority.  In fact, remember what Matthew records in chapter 7: 28 - 29

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Yes, his teaching had authority ... and his actions carry authority as well which we will observe as we move into chapter 8.

Read Matthew 8: 1 - 17 ... then return here and join me in a few observations.

First, Jesus had authority over leprosy - that disease that wrecked a person's body, isolated them, and led to their death.  I think leprosy in scripture is a vivid illustration of what sin does to our spirits.  Sin wrecks us, isolates us from God, and leads to death.  And there is no cure ... aside from Jesus.  And so we cry out as well, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean!"  And his response?  "I am willing."   His sacrificial death on a cross so long ago was his willingness to cleanse you - his willingness to touch you and make you whole.  Receive it ...

Second, Jesus had authority over sickness.  He healed from a distance ... he healed through touch ... he healed with a spoken word.  We can only bow down in awe of such a one.  Bow down ...

Third, we run across the phrase "great faith" in verse 10.  Jesus uses it to describe the centurion who came to him for his servant.  Jesus honors him ... even sets him at the "feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."  Wow!  That's quite an honor.  I wonder how the Jewish listeners heard that statement?    So what is "great faith"?  Do you have it?  Do I?  Using this story as an illustration, great faith must be faith that completely trusts in the power and ability of the Lord, Jesus.  Great faith recognizes his authority, his position.  Great faith believes ... 

And fourth, notice Peter's mother-in-law in verse 14.  She, too, was ill.  I love her response when Jesus touched her and took away the fever and sickness ... "she got up and began to wait on him."  Has Jesus touched you?  Has he taken away any sickness of body or spirit?  So what is your response?  I suggest that you and I both, "get up and wait on (serve) him."  Get up and serve ...

The quotation from the Old Testament that Matthew uses is found in Isaiah 53.  Let's close our reflection today by hearing these words again ... through the centuries ... from God's heart ... through Isaiah's lips ... to our hearts and minds ...  Isaiah 53: 4 - 5

Surely he took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,

smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our

transgression,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us 

peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

Notice the personal and plural pronouns ... our ... we ... our ...we ... that includes me ... and you.  

Thank you Lord.