Matthew 8 is a rapid-fire display of Jesus’ power and authority. We read about Jesus exercising divine control over disease, demonic activity, nature, and the lives of men.
1. Jesus’ Power over Disease
- Leprosy: A leper comes to Jesus, acknowledging Jesus' authority as Lord, and expressing a desire to submit to the will of Jesus. He makes his request known, but does it in such a humble way, bowing before Jesus and telling him "if you are willing" (v. 2). This may very well be the first time in centuries that the Priest's performed the offering ceremony commanded in Leviticus 14. What a testimony!
- Paralysis: There may not be a better picture of someone who understands submission and authority than this Roman centurion. It strikes Jesus to such a degree, He proclaims the discover to all of His followers, and tells them about a time when Gentiles will be included in the kingdom while some Israelites are left out.
- Fever: Peter’s mother-in-law experiences a complete, full healing. One that allows her to immediately get up and begin serving Jesus.
2. Jesus’ Power over Demons
- Sin's destructive evidence is all around Jesus, and those carrying the evidence come to Jesus and He heals each and every one, even "casting out the spirits with a word" (v. 16), thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4.
- Upon Jesus' arrival in the region of the Gadarenes, a gentle region just east of the Sea of Galilee, He comes into contact with two demon possessed men. These demons immediately recognize Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and acknowledge their eternal fate. What a lesson in the operation and characteristics of evil. These demons are violent, bent on destruction, territorial, and desiring a host. We also see the authority of Jesus' acknowledged by these evil Spirits, as they plead for Him to send them "into the heard of swine" (v. 31). They need permission, because One whose authority is infinitely more powerful than their own has arrived. The men with Jesus ought to take heed of this interaction.
3. Jesus’ Power over Men
- Jesus not only exposes the motivations of man but also explains His own lowly position, having "nowhere to lay His head" (v. 20). Following Jesus is a command, but it does not come with expectations of comfort. Following Him is anything but casual; spiritual priorities surpass ALL earthly concerns.
4. Jesus’ Power over Nature
- In the midst of a furious storm (lit: "great earthquake" or "great turbulence"), Jesus was sound asleep. This picture of being asleep to the physical/visible realm, yet being acutely aware and alive to the Spiritual realm is a stark contrast to the disciples complete, hyper-focus on and fear of their physical circumstances. Jesus wakes up, rebukes the disciples, and then turns to the storm, "rebuking the winds and the sea" (v. 26). What an amazing demonstration of Jesus' sovereign authority over creation and the spiritual lens though which He engages the world. The things which captivate men are of little consequence to Jesus.
In Chapter 8 we see the heart of God on full display. Restoring what is broken, inviting His disciples to follow His authority, an authority so great, all natural AND supernatural forces are subject to it. Every healing, every declaration, and every rebuke points forward to the ultimate, complete, permanent, and eternal restoration that awaits all who are willing to come under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and "Follow Him."