Well, this chapter is all about healing and cleansing.
- The leper – he was cleansed. In cleansing him Jesus touched him.
- The centurion’s servant – paralyzed, Jesus heals him from a distance. Jesus is impressed by the centurion’s faith. And expresses a truth, that the kingdom of God will include Jews and Gentiles. And many Jews will reject the kingdom and find themselves on the outside of the great banquet.
- Peter’s mother-in-law – a touch, and she is healed.
- The many – demon-possessed, the sick. Fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy.
- The storm – not a healing, but a demonstration of Jesus’ authority. Even after all the disciples have seen, this raises their amazement to a new level. And in contrast to the centurion’s faith, theirs is found lacking.
- The Gadarene demoniacs – “Go!”
And in the middle, we need to see a couple of things about following Jesus. First there is no comfortable home as a follower. What does that mean for us? Second, following Jesus must be first in our lives, ahead of everything else?
What stands out to you in this chapter?
1) Many wonderful miracles! Yet at the same time I am well aware that Jesus does not choose to heal everyone this side of heaven. 2) Jesus calms the storm….When I’m in a “storm”, rather than focus on the storm and get overwhelmed, I need to remember that Jesus is right there with me and call on him. Yes, this “storm application” is an obvious one and I’ve heard it many times before….now if I can remember to do it in the storms of life!
Last week we were praying again about buying a house here in our country of service. It would make so many things easier and more predictable. But verse 20 came to mind, that we don’t need a home on earth because our real home is in heaven. I’m working to be content with this. And I still ask because he will only do what is best for me.
Our house is 40 years old. Many of our peers are updating their homes…upgrading the bathrooms, modernizing the kitchen, buying new furniture, etc. I caught myself feeling like I need to “keep up with the Jones'”. But then I thought about how Jesus didn’t have a home. Our home is fine. The decor is a bit out-dated, but otherwise, it is perfectly functional. Plus it is more ecological to be happy and make do with what we have (and much less expensive!).
Also, I love how demon-possessed goes hand in hand with healing. I’m sure many of those suffered physically from demons. But Jesus is interested in healing the whole person, physically and spiritually.