Lectionary Calendar

Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33

Attention!

For 10¢ a day you can enjoy StudyLight.org ads
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!

Bible Commentaries
Matthew 8

MatthewMat 7 MatthewMat MatthewMat 9

Search for…

Resource Toolbox

Print version Copyright Bibliography

Introduction

Introduction:
1. Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2. Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

return to 'Top of Page'

Introduction

Introduction:
1. Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2. Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verse 2

Leprosy
Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
1. Sin
  1. Leprosy, in Israel, was considered due to sin – it was the judgment of God on your life.
  2. Leprosy, in the Bible, is a picture of sin and what it can do to your life.
  3. A Leper had to stay 150 / 300 ft from people (depending upon wind direction)
  4. A Leper had NO hope, no future, no love or compassion and was destined to die Alone.
  5. And somehow…despite his affliction…this man made it to Jesus! ...and worshipped HIM!
2. “If Thou Wilt”
  1. This man knew that Jesus “COULD” cleanse him…he just didn’t know if He “WOULD” !
  2. How many of us are like this?
  3. We know Jesus can forgive US of our sin, but “WILL HE”?
  4. We just know we’ve committed the “unpardonable sin” (which we haven’t)
  5. Jesus told Peter that we must forgive 70 x 7 and we’re sure we’ve gone past the mark,
  6. Sure, Jesus forgave the thief on the cross but me? …HIS LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL!
  7. His love is Sacrificial, with patience and KINDNESS…
3. Cleansing Comes from the Lord
  1. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
  2. Hebrews 10:12-17 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
  3. Psalms 103:11-14 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verse 2

Leprosy
Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
1. Sin
  1. Leprosy, in Israel, was considered due to sin – it was the judgment of God on your life.
  2. Leprosy, in the Bible, is a picture of sin and what it can do to your life.
  3. A Leper had to stay 150 / 300 ft from people (depending upon wind direction)
  4. A Leper had NO hope, no future, no love or compassion and was destined to die Alone.
  5. And somehow…despite his affliction…this man made it to Jesus! ...and worshipped HIM!
2. “If Thou Wilt”
  1. This man knew that Jesus “COULD” cleanse him…he just didn’t know if He “WOULD” !
  2. How many of us are like this?
  3. We know Jesus can forgive US of our sin, but “WILL HE”?
  4. We just know we’ve committed the “unpardonable sin” (which we haven’t)
  5. Jesus told Peter that we must forgive 70 x 7 and we’re sure we’ve gone past the mark,
  6. Sure, Jesus forgave the thief on the cross but me? …HIS LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL!
  7. His love is Sacrificial, with patience and KINDNESS…
3. Cleansing Comes from the Lord
  1. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
  2. Hebrews 10:12-17 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
  3. Psalms 103:11-14 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 3-4

The Touch of Jesus
Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
1. He Touched him
  1. It is notable here: Jesus touched him, NOT from a distance or just throwing things in his direction…
  2. Remember: “Ministry is one life at a time”.
  3. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
  4. Jessus meets us “right where we are”!
  5. He “Touched” the woman at the well.
  6. Blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
  7. Deaf-mute: Jesus touched!
2. “I Will”
  1. Jesus put forth his hand - I will; be thou clean - The most sovereign authority is assumed in this speech of our blessed Lord - I Will:
  2. his authority was absolute, and his power unlimited. Be thou cleansed, καθαρισθητι; a single word is enough.
  3. Some people today who object to our praying "Lord, if You will, thy will be done".
    1. we make a tragic mistake in assuming or presuming to always know what the will of God is. …For three times Paul prayed concerning that and the Lord finally said, "Paul, my grace is sufficient for you" (2Co_12:9).
  4. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
  5. It is His HEART…
3. Cleansed!
  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
  2. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
  4. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 3-4

The Touch of Jesus
Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
1. He Touched him
  1. It is notable here: Jesus touched him, NOT from a distance or just throwing things in his direction…
  2. Remember: “Ministry is one life at a time”.
  3. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
  4. Jessus meets us “right where we are”!
  5. He “Touched” the woman at the well.
  6. Blind Bartimaeus: Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
  7. Deaf-mute: Jesus touched!
2. “I Will”
  1. Jesus put forth his hand - I will; be thou clean - The most sovereign authority is assumed in this speech of our blessed Lord - I Will:
  2. his authority was absolute, and his power unlimited. Be thou cleansed, καθαρισθητι; a single word is enough.
  3. Some people today who object to our praying "Lord, if You will, thy will be done".
    1. we make a tragic mistake in assuming or presuming to always know what the will of God is. …For three times Paul prayed concerning that and the Lord finally said, "Paul, my grace is sufficient for you" (2Co_12:9).
  4. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
  5. It is His HEART…
3. Cleansed!
  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
  2. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
  4. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 5-13

Introduction:
1. Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2. Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
3. Then we looked at the leper who was healed…he knew Jesus could heal him but he didn’t know if HE “WOULD”…
The Centurion
1. His Servant
  Matthew 8:5-7 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
  1. Centurion: a Gentile (he was a centurion who was an officer in the Roman Army).
    1. Most Jews hated the Romans because of their occupation of Israel.
    2. Yet he comes to a Jewish teacher, and not for a selfish reason, but on behalf of his servant.
  2. The centurion had an unusual attitude towards his slave.
    1. Under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work.
  3. (Beseeching) Pleading with Him: This shows that the centurion did not make a casual request. Matthew describes him as begging with Jesus on behalf of his servant.
  4. Jesus responds, “I will come and heal him”.
  5. Jesus did not hesitate to go to the centurion's house -- Jesus will minister to anyone regardless of who they are!
2. His Faith
  Matthew 8:8-9 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  1. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: The centurion also knew about the military chain of command, and how the orders of one in authority were unquestioningly obeyed - he sees that Jesus has at least that much authority.
  2. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed:
    1. The centurion fully understood that Jesus had true authority, and can command things to be done and completed outside His immediate presence.
    2. The centurion shows great faith in Jesus' word. (He understands that Jesus can heal with His word just as easily as with a touch).
3. His Lord
  Matthew 8:10-13 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  1. When Jesus heard it, He marveled: The man's understanding of Jesus' spiritual authority made Jesus marvel. His simple confidence in the ability of Jesus' mere word to heal shows a faith that is free of any superstitious reliance on merely external things. This was truly great faith, worthy of praise.
  2. Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham: The fact that such faith is present in a Gentile causes Jesus to announce that there will be Gentiles in the kingdom of heaven. They will even sit down to dinner with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! This was an earth-shattering idea to many of the Jewish people of Jesus' day.
  3. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: As well, Jesus reminds his Jewish listeners that just as the Gentile's racial identity is no automatic bar to the kingdom, their racial identity is no guarantee of the kingdom.
  4. He spoke the Word and it was done!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 5-13

Introduction:
1. Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2. Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
3. Then we looked at the leper who was healed…he knew Jesus could heal him but he didn’t know if HE “WOULD”…
The Centurion
1. His Servant
  Matthew 8:5-7 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
  1. Centurion: a Gentile (he was a centurion who was an officer in the Roman Army).
    1. Most Jews hated the Romans because of their occupation of Israel.
    2. Yet he comes to a Jewish teacher, and not for a selfish reason, but on behalf of his servant.
  2. The centurion had an unusual attitude towards his slave.
    1. Under Roman law, a master had the right to kill his slave, and it was expected that he would do so if the slave became ill or injured to the point where he could not work.
  3. (Beseeching) Pleading with Him: This shows that the centurion did not make a casual request. Matthew describes him as begging with Jesus on behalf of his servant.
  4. Jesus responds, “I will come and heal him”.
  5. Jesus did not hesitate to go to the centurion's house -- Jesus will minister to anyone regardless of who they are!
2. His Faith
  Matthew 8:8-9 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  1. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: The centurion also knew about the military chain of command, and how the orders of one in authority were unquestioningly obeyed - he sees that Jesus has at least that much authority.
  2. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed:
    1. The centurion fully understood that Jesus had true authority, and can command things to be done and completed outside His immediate presence.
    2. The centurion shows great faith in Jesus' word. (He understands that Jesus can heal with His word just as easily as with a touch).
3. His Lord
  Matthew 8:10-13 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  1. When Jesus heard it, He marveled: The man's understanding of Jesus' spiritual authority made Jesus marvel. His simple confidence in the ability of Jesus' mere word to heal shows a faith that is free of any superstitious reliance on merely external things. This was truly great faith, worthy of praise.
  2. Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham: The fact that such faith is present in a Gentile causes Jesus to announce that there will be Gentiles in the kingdom of heaven. They will even sit down to dinner with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! This was an earth-shattering idea to many of the Jewish people of Jesus' day.
  3. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: As well, Jesus reminds his Jewish listeners that just as the Gentile's racial identity is no automatic bar to the kingdom, their racial identity is no guarantee of the kingdom.
  4. He spoke the Word and it was done!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 14-17

The Woman & Others
1. Peter’s Mother-in-Law
  Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
  1. “Thank God I’m not a dog, a gentile or a woman” (one reference-Menahoth 43b-44)
  2. He saw his wife's mother lying sick: This clearly establishes the fact that Peter was married. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that all priests must be celibate and unmarried, but the one they would call the first and greatest pope was certainly married.
  3. And she arose and served them: Peter's mother-in-law shows a fitting response of those who have been touched by Jesus' power - she immediately begins to serve.
2. The “Others”
  Matthew 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  1. They brought to Him many: Jesus' care for the individual is shown by the implication that Jesus dealt with each person individually, not in some cold, "assembly line" procedure.
  2. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah: Matthew rightly sees this as a partial fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 53, which primarily refers to spiritual healing, but also definitely includes physical healing. In this, Matthew shows Jesus as the true Messiah in delivering people from the bondage of sin and the effects of a fallen world.
  3. He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses: The provision for our healing (both physically and spiritually) is made by the sufferings (stripes) of Jesus; the physical dimension of our healing is partially realized now, but finally only in resurrection.
  4. Ultimately: We see the principle that ministry is “One life at a time”!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 14-17

The Woman & Others
1. Peter’s Mother-in-Law
  Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
  1. “Thank God I’m not a dog, a gentile or a woman” (one reference-Menahoth 43b-44)
  2. He saw his wife's mother lying sick: This clearly establishes the fact that Peter was married. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that all priests must be celibate and unmarried, but the one they would call the first and greatest pope was certainly married.
  3. And she arose and served them: Peter's mother-in-law shows a fitting response of those who have been touched by Jesus' power - she immediately begins to serve.
2. The “Others”
  Matthew 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  1. They brought to Him many: Jesus' care for the individual is shown by the implication that Jesus dealt with each person individually, not in some cold, "assembly line" procedure.
  2. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah: Matthew rightly sees this as a partial fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 53, which primarily refers to spiritual healing, but also definitely includes physical healing. In this, Matthew shows Jesus as the true Messiah in delivering people from the bondage of sin and the effects of a fallen world.
  3. He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses: The provision for our healing (both physically and spiritually) is made by the sufferings (stripes) of Jesus; the physical dimension of our healing is partially realized now, but finally only in resurrection.
  4. Ultimately: We see the principle that ministry is “One life at a time”!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 18-22

The Cost of Discipleship
1. This World is NOT our Home
  Matthew 8:18-20 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
  1. Hebrews 13:13-14 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
  2. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
2. One Priority
  Matthew 8:21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  1. Lord, let me first go and bury my father: Actually, this man did not ask for permission to dig a grave for his deceased father. He wanted to remain in his father's house and care for him until the father died. This was obviously an indefinite period, which could drag on and on.
  2. Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead: Jesus clearly states the principle that family obligations - or any other obligation - must not be put ahead of following Jesus.
  3. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  4. Luke 14:26-33 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
  5. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
  6. Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Conclusion
HOW??
1. Love Him, Do HIS will, seek Him in His Word.
2. Walk by faith…and ”Rest” in Him
3. Seek to please God and bring Him Glory…do this by asking HIM what He wants you to do each day and in each situation you encounter.
4. Enjoy the abundant life He has for you that you might bear the good fruit HE DESIRES!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 18-22

The Cost of Discipleship
1. This World is NOT our Home
  Matthew 8:18-20 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
  1. Hebrews 13:13-14 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
  2. Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
2. One Priority
  Matthew 8:21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  1. Lord, let me first go and bury my father: Actually, this man did not ask for permission to dig a grave for his deceased father. He wanted to remain in his father's house and care for him until the father died. This was obviously an indefinite period, which could drag on and on.
  2. Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead: Jesus clearly states the principle that family obligations - or any other obligation - must not be put ahead of following Jesus.
  3. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  4. Luke 14:26-33 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
  5. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
  6. Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Conclusion
HOW??
1. Love Him, Do HIS will, seek Him in His Word.
2. Walk by faith…and ”Rest” in Him
3. Seek to please God and bring Him Glory…do this by asking HIM what He wants you to do each day and in each situation you encounter.
4. Enjoy the abundant life He has for you that you might bear the good fruit HE DESIRES!

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 23-27

Introduction:
Last Week:
1. (1) The Roman Centurion who’s faith Jesus marveled at; (2) Peter’s mother-in-law; (3) “all the rest”; (4) The Cost of Discipleship and the concepts that this world is NOT our home and that our (5) ONE PRIORITY should be Jesus.
The Storms of Life
Matthew 8:23-27 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
1. Power Over the Storm
  1. This storm was of “gale force” – same word used for earthquakes (seismos)
  2. “Why are you fearful, O ye of “LITTLE” faith? à ties fear with unbelief or a “Lack of Faith”
  3. The disciples were fearful and Jesus simply “Forbid” the storm and it stopped.
  4. NOTE: Jesus did not get “question them” for them waking Him up…rather for their “Unbelief”
2. The Storms of Life
  1. We will have “gale force” storms in our lives as well.
    1. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  2. We can come to Jesus just as the disciples did… We can have faith that Jesus cares for us!!! He will NOT let US perish! We must trust…
    1. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
    2. Trusting God requires humility and dependence upon Jesus!
  3. We should know that Jesus will calm the storms in our hearts even if our circumstances do NOT change…
    1. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. What Manner of Man is this?
  Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  1. Even in light of all that Jesus has done…the disciples still don’t recognize Him as God yet…

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 23-27

Introduction:
Last Week:
1. (1) The Roman Centurion who’s faith Jesus marveled at; (2) Peter’s mother-in-law; (3) “all the rest”; (4) The Cost of Discipleship and the concepts that this world is NOT our home and that our (5) ONE PRIORITY should be Jesus.
The Storms of Life
Matthew 8:23-27 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
1. Power Over the Storm
  1. This storm was of “gale force” – same word used for earthquakes (seismos)
  2. “Why are you fearful, O ye of “LITTLE” faith? à ties fear with unbelief or a “Lack of Faith”
  3. The disciples were fearful and Jesus simply “Forbid” the storm and it stopped.
  4. NOTE: Jesus did not get “question them” for them waking Him up…rather for their “Unbelief”
2. The Storms of Life
  1. We will have “gale force” storms in our lives as well.
    1. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
  2. We can come to Jesus just as the disciples did… We can have faith that Jesus cares for us!!! He will NOT let US perish! We must trust…
    1. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
    2. Trusting God requires humility and dependence upon Jesus!
  3. We should know that Jesus will calm the storms in our hearts even if our circumstances do NOT change…
    1. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. What Manner of Man is this?
  Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  1. Even in light of all that Jesus has done…the disciples still don’t recognize Him as God yet…

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 28-34

Liberty to the Captives
1. The Son of God
  Matthew 8:28-29 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  1. 2 men:: the other gospels only speak of one (who must have been the predominant one)
  2. Region of the Gadarenes (other gospels) – near Decapolis (region of 10 cities)
  3. Contrast: His disciples don’t know “WHO” He is, but His enemies do…
    1. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2. Free Indeed
  Matthew 8:30-34 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  1. The demons asked him (some commentators say “prayed”) to cast them into the swine – (they wanted to live somewhere?? I guess ??)
  2. 2 men:: the other gospels only speak of one (who must have been the predominant one)
  3. Having been cast into the swine – we find the 1^st description in the Bible of “Deviled ham”
  4. Then, having run into the sea and dying, we find the 1^st case of suuueeeecide in the Bible.
    Seriously, though…
  5. The god of “this world” desires to torment us, bind us up, drive us insane and ultimately “Kill” us!
  6. Jesus is more than able to intervene in our lives – cast out our addictions, set us free the bondage of our minds, shield us from the continual torment that the enemy brings to us…
  7. John 8:30-36 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
  8. This is a focus area for us to minister in…those who have no hope, are tormented, broken and lost!
3. Love Not the World
  Matthew 8:33-34 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  1. The people valued their “stuff” more highly than God – lovers of themselves, lovers of money, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. (2Tim 3:1-5)

return to 'Top of Page'

Verses 28-34

Liberty to the Captives
1. The Son of God
  Matthew 8:28-29 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  1. 2 men:: the other gospels only speak of one (who must have been the predominant one)
  2. Region of the Gadarenes (other gospels) – near Decapolis (region of 10 cities)
  3. Contrast: His disciples don’t know “WHO” He is, but His enemies do…
    1. James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2. Free Indeed
  Matthew 8:30-34 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
  1. The demons asked him (some commentators say “prayed”) to cast them into the swine – (they wanted to live somewhere?? I guess ??)
  2. 2 men:: the other gospels only speak of one (who must have been the predominant one)
  3. Having been cast into the swine – we find the 1^st description in the Bible of “Deviled ham”
  4. Then, having run into the sea and dying, we find the 1^st case of suuueeeecide in the Bible.
    Seriously, though…
  5. The god of “this world” desires to torment us, bind us up, drive us insane and ultimately “Kill” us!
  6. Jesus is more than able to intervene in our lives – cast out our addictions, set us free the bondage of our minds, shield us from the continual torment that the enemy brings to us…
  7. John 8:30-36 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
  8. This is a focus area for us to minister in…those who have no hope, are tormented, broken and lost!
3. Love Not the World
  Matthew 8:33-34 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  1. The people valued their “stuff” more highly than God – lovers of themselves, lovers of money, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. (2Tim 3:1-5)

return to 'Top of Page'

MatthewMat 7 MatthewMat MatthewMat 9

Copyright Statement
Brown's Commentary on the New Testament is reproduced by permission of author. All other rights reserved.

Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Matthew 8". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/matthew-8.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesMatthew 8

Brown's Commentary on the New TestamentBrown's Commentary

Bible Commentaries
Matthew 8