Life Changing Faith in Matthew 8

Read Matthew chapter 8

Introduction: Matthew 8 points out the authority and power of Jesus Christ, as well as the importance of faith in the lives of believers. Through a series of miraculous events, we witness the life changing power of faith and the impact it can have on both physical and spiritual well being. As we dive into this outline of Matthew 8, we will look at the encounters Jesus has with individuals who showed their strong faith, and how that faith leads to healing, deliverance, and awe inspiring outcomes.

I. The Faith of the Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)
In these verses, we see a leper approaching Jesus with great faith, believing that Jesus has the power to make him clean. The leper’s faith is so strong that he does not doubt Jesus’ ability to heal, but rather submits to His will, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2). Jesus responds to the leper’s faith by touching him, something that was considered taboo due to the contagious nature of leprosy, and heals him instantly. This act of faith and healing mirrors the promise found in Psalm 103:3, which states, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” The leper’s faith in Jesus’ authority over sickness is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming physical ailments.

II. The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13)
As Jesus enters Capernaum, He encounters a Roman centurion who exhibits remarkable faith. The centurion approaches Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant, believing that Jesus can heal him with just a word (Matthew 8:8). Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith and declares that He has not found such faith in all of Israel (Matthew 8:10). The centurion’s understanding of authority, as seen in Luke 7:8, where he states, “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me,” demonstrates his recognition of Jesus’ divine authority. The result of the centurion’s faith is the healing of his servant from a distance, showcasing the power of faith to transcend physical boundaries and bring about restoration.

III. The Faith of Peter’s Mother-in-law and Many Others (Matthew 8:14-17)
In these verses Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, who is suffering from a fever, by simply touching her hand (Matthew 8:15). This act of healing prompts many others to bring their sick and demon possessed to Jesus, and He heals them all, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.” The faith of those who brought the sick and oppressed to Jesus is evident in their actions, as they believed in His power to heal and deliver. This section of Matthew 8 teaches a community of faith, where the belief of one person can lead to the healing of many.

Conclusion: Matthew 8 teaches the believers the power of faith in various encounters with Jesus Christ. From the leper who believes in Jesus’ ability to cleanse him, to the centurion who understands the authority of Christ’s word, to the many who brought their sick to be healed, we see the transformative impact of faith. These examples serve as an inspiration and encouragement to believers, reminding us that faith in Jesus’ authority can lead to physical and spiritual restoration. This chapter should encourage us to exercise unwavering faith in life’s challenges, knowing that Jesus has the power to bring healing and deliverance to our lives.