Matthew 8 DEVO: King Jesus & His Power

Chapter 8:
The miracles (divine authority) Jesus did were supreme proof that Jesus was the Messiah. In the New Testament times, disease was rampant! People became blind, deaf, and crippled due to illnesses, leprosy, plagues, boils, speech disorders, etc. Medicine & technology were not very advanced. For people who seldom could get relief from their disease, the prospect of complete healing was incredible! No wonder He drew such massive crowds! I noticed 4 things:
1. Jesus’ Power Over Disease (1-15) – 3 miracles, 3 common characteristics: (1) Jesus dealt with physical (lowest level) need; (2) He responded to direct appeals; and (3) He ministered to lowest people in society (outcasts, leper, Gentile, woman). Jesus had a special compassion for those whom others thought little of! The leper came without fear, in reverence, in humility and in faith. The Centurion (Gentile officer in Roman service - hated by Jews) understood delegation of power and was certain Jesus’ word would be carried out. Peter’s mother-in-law jus plain served!
2. What Keeps Men From Christ (16-22) – Sometimes it is hard to understand why people fail to trust in Christ after seeing and reading all that He has done. People still reject Him, even His very own (Jews). John 1:11, 5:38-40, 3:19-20. Here the reasons for rejecting Him are:
a. Personal comfort → following Jesus costs! Can’t live for Jesus “your own way.”
b. Personal priorities → Matt. 16:24 – must drop every priority to follow Christ!
It’s interesting that both believed their relationship with Jesus was what it should be. I mean, these seemed like reasonable requests but Jesus knows hearts!
3. Jesus’ Power Over the Natural (23-27)
This story still sends chill up my arms. I would love to have seen this! Because Christ holds all together (Heb. 1:3), He can rule over Earth! Jesus was sleeping! No doubt exhausted from long day’s work! Sometimes God has to bring us to a point of desperation to get our attention! God loves to hear our cries of desperation because realizing one’s own inadequacy is the first step in turning towards Him.
4. Jesus’ Power Over the Supernatural (28-34)
Being a farmer, I kinda like this one. The demons in these men were wild, violent, suicidal, strong, etc… and they recognized Jesus. They knew at the appointed time they were to be destroyed! Don’t know why the pigs ran into lake and drown or what happened to demons after that, but purpose was to demonstrate Jesus’ authority and power over Satan and his forces! And what was the response of the towns people? They asked Jesus to leave! Whenever unholy men come face to face with God, there is TERROR!
SO WHAT?!
*What are you facing that seems impossible? Have you given it to Jesus? Do you believe He can do something about it? He can!
*Before you knew Christ, what kept you from believing in Jesus? Is there anything that is keeping you from being 100% sold out right now? Give it to Jesus today – you’ll never regret it!
*Who can you reach out to who is downcast and maybe not cared for in your school, neighborhood or workplace? Take some time today and be the one who reaches out to them! You never know how you could change a person’s trajectory for eternity!!!