Bible Commentaries
Matthew 8

Introduction

Miracles Of The Master

Matthew Eight

Jesus did undeniable miracles that proved Him to be the Son of God. "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." ( Joh_20:30-31 .) Nicodemus had it right when he said of Jesus, "...no one can do these things that you do unless God is with Him." ( Joh_3:2 )

A miracle is an event or actions that could not be produced by man or nature. It is a supernatural event that goes beyond natural law. In Bible days no one had to try to defend miracles or prove that they were done. They were so out of the ordinary that they either happened or they did not happen. Many people saw Bible miracles; therefore none could deny that they were real. Even the enemies of Christianity admitted that miracles were done in Bible days! Matthew eight lists several of Jesus' miracles.

Verses 1-15

Some miracles of Jesus Mat_8:1-15 : In Mat_8:1-4 the great multitudes followed him. They did not follow Him with their hearts but they walked along with Him. A leper came in faith to the only one that could help. He knew Jesus could help if it was His will. Healing leprosy was beyond anything that humans could accomplish. This was a miraculous act by the Lord. "Immediately" is a key word in this story. Jesus was willing and the man's leprosy was healed immediately. After leprosy was healed the Law required certain ceremonial things. Jesus sent the man forth to meet those requirements. (Leviticus 14)

The next miracle involved the healing of a centurion's servant. He was sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. ( Mat_8:5-13 ) This centurion, recognizing the authority of the words of Jesus, asked help for his sick servant. Jesus commended the faith of the centurion. The "servant was healed that same hour." The Lord said of the faith of the centurion, "I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." Jesus said that people from all nationalities would enter the kingdom. However, the Jews that should have gladly accepted the Messiah would be rejected because of unbelief.

Jesus also healed Peter's mother-in-law. ( Mat_8:14-15 ) The touch of the Master's hand cured her of a great fever. She was healed quickly and immediately. She then arose and served them. Peter was married and therefore does not fit the idea of a Pope. Peter was neither the first Pope nor a Pope at all.

Verses 16-22

Miracles demanded a following Mat_8:16-22 : Matthew tells us the Jesus did that which Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would do. ( Mat_8:16-17 ) "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick." ( Mat_8:16 .) Isaiah had said, "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness." ( Isa_53:4 ) Observe carefully that Jesus healed all that were sick and He simply did it "with a word."

The text in Isaiah likely refers to the taking away of our sin. However, the lesson is clear, just as Jesus healed the physical infirmities He is able to heal (forgive) the sins of the soul. Matthew referred to the prediction of Isaiah, concerning miraculous healing of physical bodies as a prophecy of the salvation of souls by Jesus.

Discipleship cost and those that follow Jesus must make the necessary sacrifices. Jesus said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Those that followed Jesus were called upon to give up many of the comforts of life. Those that follow Him do not do so for earthly gain. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with our spiritual service to Christ. "But Jesus said to him, follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." ( Mat_8:22 .) Jesus is the Son of God. His miracles prove Him to be so. He deserves our following.

Verses 23-27

Miracle of the wind and waves Mat_8:23-27 : Jesus had power even over the wind and the waves. As He and his disciples were in a small ship they were about to be sunk by a storm. Jesus was sleeping when His disciples awoke Him in fear saying, "Lord, save us: we perish." Jesus arose and "rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." The disciples marveled saying, "Even the winds and the sea obey Him." Many today claim the same miraculous power and yet none of them ever quite the storms. They are thus proven false teachers that claim false miracles and no one marvels at what they do!

Have you ever felt that life was just shaking you in every direction and that you were sinking quickly? If so you should easily recognize the need for having Jesus in the boat of life with you. Those that sail the ship of life without Jesus face certain disaster!

Verses 28-34

Miracle of healing the demon-possessed Mat_8:28-34 : Jesus also healed two very pitiful demon possessed men. These men were exceedingly fierce, living in the tombs. They were so fierce that no one could travel that way. The demons recognized Jesus as the Son of God! They said "If you force us out, please send us into those pigs!" The demons were allowed to go into a herd of swine that were drowned into the sea. When the hogs were drowned the people that were taking care of them ran to town and told others what had happened. "The whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."

Notice the change that takes place when Jesus touches a person's life. The demons had brought these two men to a place that was uncomfortable and distressing. This made them even more wild and fierce. But when Jesus touched their lives all of that turmoil was gone. No words can describe the change that Jesus can bring to a person's heart, life and situations. Sadly, just like these demon possessed ones many have nothing to do with Jesus; they miss the benefits of His blood, they miss His grace and His righteousness. Jesus cannot be Savior for those that have nothing to do with Him.

Instead of asking Jesus to leave their region these people should have recognized Him as Lord and Christ. There was no doubt that the demons that were in those men were subject to Christ. He cast them out by a word or command. The men were made whole in mind and body. Jesus wanted to make all of these people whole but they asked Him to leave! This sad account is repeated in many lives today as people tell the Savior to get out of their region.

The miracles prove that Jesus is the Son of God. If you believe that He is God's Son you will want Him in your life. You will not ask Him to leave.