From Matthew 7-8
Which of Jesus’ miracles most impresses you? In today’s passage we are reminded Jesus saves. He saves people from sickness, disease and demonic possession. He saves people from creation gone wild. Are there aspects of your life you need to come to Jesus for help?
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
The last two days introduced the concepts of fulfillment and instruction to the gospel. Today we will have a look at miracles and the authority of Jesus.
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.” (Mt 8.14-17)
The first verse leaves the impression that whenever Jesus touches and changes someone they end up serving him. I think this is the appropriate response to Jesus when he comes into someone’s life. For many sickness is an everyday part of human existence. This is not the case with Jesus. In ‘evangelical’ circles expecting that Jesus will heal you if you have enough faith is frowned upon. In some way I understand the argument. It expresses a pastoral concern for some who it may well be in God’s plan that they be sick. God said to Paul, ‘my grace is sufficient for you’. Yet I would like to put pressure on the view that people should therefore give up on hoping for and believing Jesus can heal. Jesus does heal, we should keep praying. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus has power to heal. Those who believe the Gospel will pursue Jesus for healing.
Matthew continues;
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Mt 8.23-27)
Jesus calms the winds and the sea with a word. He rebukes them like a petulant child. ‘Hey, behave yourselves!’ Such is the authority of Jesus over his creation and creations recognition of who he is.
About Jesus
Both situations I’ve quoted above remind us that Jesus saves. He saves people from sickness, disease and possession. He saves people from creation gone wild. Are there aspects of your life you need to come to Jesus for help?
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.
