Welcome to Bible Study Sunday where we are currently exploring the Gospel of Matthew, specifically 8:1–17 in this week’s session. In this beautiful passage we discover Jesus’ healing power, His compassion for the outcast, and the faith that pleases Him.
1. A Willing Healer (8:1–4)
Matthew 8:1-4 ESV
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
The leper approaches Jesus with faith wrapped in humility: “Lord, if you will…” Leprosy isolated the man physically and socially, yet Jesus touches him and restores both health and dignity.
Reflection
Where do you need Jesus’ healing touch: physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually?
2. The Faith of the Outsider (8:5–13)
Matthew 8:5-13 ESV
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.”
A Roman centurion approaches Jesus for his servant, believing that Christ’s word alone can heal. Jesus marvels at his faith: “I have not found such faith in anyone in Israel.”
Reflection
How can we trust Jesus’ word even when we can’t see the outcome?
3. The Burden Bearer (8:14–17)
Matthew 8:14-17 ESV
And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and all who are sick or oppressed, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases” (Isaiah 53:4). His miracles reveal His mission: to carry what we cannot.
Reflection
What burdens are you carrying that Jesus has already borne for you?
Our Key Takeaway
Jesus’ authority is absolute and His compassion is personal. He reaches the untouchable, honors the outsider, and willingly bears our burdens.
Whether you feel powerless, isolated, or weary, remember: Jesus still heals, still touches, still speaks life today.
Our Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your healing touch, Your compassionate heart, and Your powerful word. Help me to trust You fully: to believe You are both willing and able to make me whole. In Your precious and holy name. Amen.
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
You can now find my articles in The Christian Grandfather Magazine.
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The Devotional Guy™ 
Blessings Rainer. God is always at work behind the scenes of what we witness and write. Everything is done for His glory.
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Amen, Barb. Amen. 🙏
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Thanks for sharing that, Richard. I’m glad to know that the reflections are a helpful part of the study. I appreciate your faithfulness in reading my blog and for being a longtime supporter and subscriber of my blog. Blessings.
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Amen. Christ’s healing actions change our own perceptions. Rainer, I appreciate the reflective moments after each part of this study.
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His absolute authority promises us that He is in control no matter what is going on around us
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Reminds me of Ezekiel’s vision and also the Zach Williams song Rattle. Also brings to mind one of the truths of “Experiencing God” that states God is inviting us to join Him in His work. All that to say, this is encouraging to me and hopefully to others. Thanks for sharing that word.
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At a recent prayer breakfast, the speaker said, “God is still raising up dry bones. He is still rolling away great big stones. And He is still looking for people to stand in the gap and join Him in his work.”
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So true, David. Jesus is alive and working in our lives today. Thank you for your kind words and encouraging support. Blessings.
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This is a beautiful collage of Christ’s healing ❤️🩹 ministry. Jesus is still healing, redeeming, and transforming lives today. Thank you for a great devotional thought to start this Lord’s day. Blessings, my brother!
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