V1-4
In this passage, Jesus healed a man with leprosy.
The Greek word meaning to cleanse in verse 2 is καθαρίσαι (katharisai) from the verb καθαρίζω (katharizó), which means to cleanse, render pure, purify, make expiation for, free from the influence of sin, to pronounce ceremonially clean.
See that you don’t tell anyone (v4)
If I performed a great miracle, I imagine my first impulse would be to tell everyone about it — maybe get a slot on a TV show and let everyone know what God had done (or how good a healer I was). Jesus did the opposite.
Jesus told the former leper not to publicise his healing. He did not want notoriety, and neither did he seek publicity. He instructed the man to go and show himself to the priest.
Jesus did not use his power to gain glory or fame for himself.
V5-13
In this passage, a Centurion came to Jesus to ask him to heal his servant. He believed that Jesus could heal him just by saying the word. Jesus commended him for his faith.
The Greek word for faith in verse 10 is πίστιν (pistin) from the noun πίστις (pistis), which means faith, belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, the ground of belief, guarantee, good faith, honesty, integrity, faithfulness, truthfulness.
say the word and my servant will be healed (v8)
The Centurion understood the power of authority. He knew that Jesus had the power to heal – all he asked was for Jesus to speak the word and command it.
V14-17
In this passage, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law plus many other sick and demon-possessed people.
The Greek word for word in verse 16 is λόγῳ (logō) from the noun λόγος (logos), which means: a word, a thing uttered, speech, language, talk, converse, mode of discourse, style of speaking, a saying, a speech, an expression, form of words, formula, a message, announcement, an account, statement, a story, report, narrative, treatise, doctrine, subject matter, reckoning, plea, motive, reason, the divine Word.
many … were brought to him (v16)
Jesus was able to heal many people in Capernaum. The news of one person’s healing encouraged many others to come to Jesus.
he drove out the spirits with a word (v16)
Jesus understood his authority. He drove out demons with a word. He did not have to persuade them to leave.
Jesus gave his disciples the same authority to drive out demons and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1).
V18-22
In this passage, Jesus explained the cost of following him.
The Greek word for follow in verse 22 is Ἀκολούθει (Akolouthei) from the verb ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheó), which means to follow, follow as a disciple, imitate.
When Jesus saw the crowd (v18)
Matthew 8:16 tells us that Jesus healed many people and his miracles drew a large crowd.
However, Jesus was more interested in gaining disciples than in gaining popularity and affirmation. He defined the cost of following him. It would involve sacrifice and discomfort, not just amazing miracles.
the Son of Man has no place to lay his head (v20)
Jesus must be our priority – we may have to give up everything for him. Sometimes following Jesus means giving up family, friends, a home or other things we enjoy, including our dreams and plans.
V23-27
In this passage, Jesus was asleep in a boat, and his disciples woke him to calm the storm.
The Greek word for fearful in verse 26 is δειλοί (deiloi) from the adjective δειλός (deilos), which means timid, fearful, cowardly.
a furious storm came up (v24)
When we go through the storms of life, we can have faith in Jesus. He can calm them in an instant.
We’re going to drown (v25)
Jesus was getting soaked by the storm, yet he was still asleep. The disciples panicked and woke him up, believing they would drown.
I think Jesus questioned their lack of faith, not because they woke him, but because they said they were going to drown.
When you ask God for help, pray with faith.
he got up and rebuked the winds (v26)
In this incident, Jesus commanded the storm to be calm. Later in chapter eight, he commanded the demons to go (v32). Matthew shows us that Jesus has authority over both the natural and the supernatural world.
V28-34
In this passage, Jesus delivered two men from demons and sent the demons into a herd of pigs.
The Greek word for cast out in verse 31 is ἐκβάλλεις (ekballeis) from the verb ἐκβάλλω (ekballo), which means to cast out, eject by force, to expel, force away, to extract, to reject with contempt, despise, to send forth, send out, to send away, dismiss, to spread abroad, to bring out, produce.
no one could pass that way (v28)
Jesus has the power to walk into impossible situations, approach unapproachable people and do things that no one can do.
they pleaded with him to leave (v34)
Not everyone who experienced Jesus’ miracles was pleased to see him.
Why did the villagers ask Jesus to leave? Were they afraid of his power or annoyed at the loss of the pigs? Would you prioritise a stable income over the salvation of people in your community?
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