Transcript

Responding To A Compassionate And Powerful Savior

Matthew 8:1-17
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Pastor Randy Smith

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A few weeks ago, I challenged this church to read though the Bible in 2009. Those comments are birthed in a deep conviction that God speaks to us through His written Word. And the more we hear the Word of God, the more we will act in conformity to His image and expectations. A mind saturated with the Scriptures provides a proper Godward orientation in our actions. For apart from a proper Godward orientation, we will either ignore His will or seek to accomplish His will inaccurately. The consequences for both of these are eternally tragic.

Along these lines, I am presently reading a book written for teenagers (soon to be required reading for my daughters) entitled, Growing up Christian (Karl Graustein, P&R). The author posts a recent survey conducted among adolescents who profess to be Christian. In that survey it was revealed that:

41% believe Satan is not a literal figure.

45% believe all religious faiths teach equally valid truths.

53% believe Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Christians pray to the same God.

58% believe that Jesus Christ committed sins.

52% believe our good works can earn for us a place in heaven.

 - Originally found in George Barna, Real Teens, p. 131-132

This only demonstrates how biblically illiterate our homes and youth groups have become.

Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? The 80/20 rule is the generally accepted fact that in most churches, 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. This statistic is tragic and proves one of three things. Either the majority of our churches are filled with unbelievers, or believers in the church are not aware of their biblical responsibility to serve, or people in the church are aware of their biblical obligation and still choosing to ignore the command. All of these are a serious problem, and all of these are the result of people not understanding and applying biblical instruction.

Without a love for and grounding in the Word of God, we will not accept the necessity to share the Gospel and not have the ability to share it accurately. We will not prioritize prayer until we begin to bleed Bible. We will not know how to treat the gifts God has entrusted to our care, like our time and our children and our money and our talents, until we understand how they are to be used for His glory. We will fall short on our ability to discern the Internet sites we visit, the friends we keep, the television shows we enjoy, and the social issues we promote until we make these decisions through the Word of God.

The consequences are horrendous and heartbreaking when God's professing children act like the children of Satan revealing to themselves and to the world that there is no evidence of understanding or following the voice of the Father they claim to worship.

There is a lot of confusion in the church due to biblical illiteracy, but possibly no confusion is more damming than an incorrect understanding of the Person of Jesus Christ. Who was (and is) He? What was His mission? What is the proper response to His ministry? As we resume our verse-by-verse study in the Gospel of Matthew, this morning we will find the correct answers to those questions in the Bible.

As we pick up the text in chapter 8, we must remember that Jesus just completed the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7. He just preached it-now He will practice it. He just claimed to have ultimate authority-now He will prove it. After the sermon, "the crowds were amazed at His teaching" (Mt. 7:28) - now they will be amazed at His deeds.

So as we study God's Word together, let's examine, part 1, the character of Jesus (who He is) and, part 2, the calling of Jesus (what He expects from us) as we look at the three miracles He performed recorded in Matthew 8:1-17.

1. THE CHARACTER OF JESUS

Compassion

As we consider the character of Jesus, we cannot overlook His incredible compassion to assist those people who are afflicted. And as we consider the three people to whom He ministered in our account-a leper, a Gentile and a woman-we marvel at His willingness to help, but moreover His willingness to help those who were shunned by the majority in that society.

Let's first consider the leper mentioned in verse 2. Leprosy was an awful disease of the ancient world. The pain turns to numbness. Soon the skin begins to lose its original color. Eventually the face becomes disfigured. Fingers and toes drop off. An unpleasant odor is emitted. And making this disease most feared was the fact that it was highly contagious. People avoided a leper like the plague. Among the 61 spiritual defilements in Old Testament times, leprosy was second only to a dead body in severity.

Aware of the horrific results of leprosy, God's Word prescribes specific precautions that were taken by the ancient Israelites. When it was officially verified that one indeed had leprosy, the victim's clothes were to be torn, his head exposed and his mouth covered while he was to yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" in a warning for others to keep their distance (Lev. 13).

Yet while people ran from lepers, Jesus ran to this particular leper. While people ostracized these individuals, Jesus welcomed this one. And while people avoided contact with such people lest they be become ceremonially unclean and possibly receive the disease themselves (Lev. 5:3), verse 3 says, "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched Him."

The compassion of Jesus is also seen in the second miracle. Possibly more surprising than His healing of this paralyzed young boy was, as it is featured in this account, His dialogue with the centurion who brought the concern. This was an officer of the Roman army. This was a Gentile probably of Samaritan or Syrian birth. Thus this was a man doubly hated by the Jewish people. You did not associate with these guys, and you definitely did not enter their homes (cf. Jn. 18:28; Ac. 10:29). Yet at the centurion's request, Jesus said in verse 7, "I will come and heal him."

Lastly in verse 14 and 15 we have the account of Jesus healing the mother-in-law of Peter. Maybe some mother-in-law's are not viewed favorably today (I'll save the mother-in-law jokes for another day), but the general view toward all women in the first century was usually negative. Nearly all of the historical records portray women as inferior. According to the rabbinic Tosefta, a Jewish man prayed three benedictions each day, including one which he thanked God that he was not made a woman.

Yet as we see with this healing and the other healings throughout the Gospels, Jesus often ministered to ladies, included them in prominent service, and used them as positive examples in His teaching. And in this case with Peter's mother-n-law, there was no mention of anyone requesting the Savior's assistance, only His compassion toward the afflicted and His willingness to help.

Do you see yourself in any of these folks? Do you ever feel like the outcast? Do you ever feel ignored? Do you ever feel hated without cause? Do you ever feel misunderstood?

Jesus had a special place in His heart for the lonely. He was not afraid to touch the leper or visit the Gentile or speak to the woman. He knew how to reach the heart and minister to people at their deepest points of suffering. He was eager to help the brokenhearted (Psm. 34:18; Isa. 61:1), especially since these are the people who are most aware of their needs and most appreciative of His blessings.

And Jesus Christ is still the same today (Heb. 13:8). His divine compassion is still available for those who come to Him with whatever affliction they may be suffering. Take your pain to Jesus. He cares. He understands. He is willing and able to help in a way humans are unable. To the ill and suffering and rejected and confused and lonely He still cries, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28).

Power

In addition to the compassion of Jesus Christ, this account also reveals the power of Jesus Christ.

Regarding the leper, verse 3, "Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." God's will with God's Word and you have immediate results. Unlike the so-called "faith healers" of today, it was healing without gimmicks, total healing, verifiable healing and instantaneous healing.

One Commentator said, "The scene on this occasion must have been startling-to see a deformed, shriveled, scaly, sore-covered, derelict suddenly stand upright, with perfect arms and legs, with his face smooth and unscarred, his hair restored, his voice normal, and his eyes bright." The writer continues, "The marvels of modern medical science pale beside such miraculous restoration" (John MacArthur, Matthew 8, p. 10)

The power of Jesus! The leper did not defile Jesus, but Jesus healed the defiled, instantly!

How about the young boy who was paralyzed? As you will recall, the centurion felt unworthy for Jesus to even enter his home. Verse 8, "The centurion said, 'Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.'" Verse 13, "And Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.' And the servant was healed that very moment."

This time we see no touch, not even close proximity to the afflicted. Yet the boy was made well the text says that "very moment" simply by the power of the Lord's Word.

And Peter's mother-in-law in verse 14, so ill she was probably unable to leave her bed. Some have surmised this was a life-threatening illness, possibly malaria. Yet in verse 15 we read, "(Jesus) touched her hand, and the fever left her." It disappeared immediately. And to give evidence that her healing was complete and her strength was restored, the verse adds, "She got up and waited on Him."

Based on these accounts, we can conclude that there is nothing too difficult for Jesus. He has omnipotent power and authority over all humans and all angels, both good and bad, and every evil this fallen world may throw our way. Though at times He permits suffering to accomplish His good purposes, He is sovereign over all suffering and is able to cure any disease at the snap of His fingers. Though His will is often a mystery to us, His ability should never be questioned. No wonder we can cast all our cares upon Him because as the unknown author said, "(Our) faith can sleep sound on no other pillow than Christ's omnipotence."

2. THE CALLING OF JESUS

Let's go to the second point: "The Calling of Jesus."

Now that we have identified two key aspects of the character of Jesus Christ, let's examine the proper response to who He is. Technically, I am presenting this in reverse order. While I believe the three people to whom He ministered had some limited previous knowledge of Him, their belief in Him came before they personally witnessed His compassion and power. In other words, the compassion and power of Jesus was received after they properly responded in faith to who is He was. It was not, show me the compassion and power and then I will believe, but rather, I believe and if You will, show me the compassion and power. We often have it backwards. We are like Thomas (Jn. 20:25), "Show and then I'll believe." In our Lord's economy it's, "Believe and then I'll show."

Let's examine the true biblical faith we see in these three characters.

What was the leper's attitude toward Jesus? Verse 2, "And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him and said, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'" Let's break that down: First we see a position of reverence and worship. He prostrated (proskuneo) Himself before Jesus. Second he referred to Jesus as "Lord." He acknowledged Christ's authority with respect and submission. Third, he implored the Lord's help asking, "If You be willing." There were no demands or entitlements, yet there was total confidence in the Lord's ability when He said, "You can make me clean."

What a contrast this should establish in our minds after recently spending considerable time studying the Pharisees. They looked wonderful on the outside, but were filthy and rotten to the core within (Mt. 23:27). Yet this leper, repulsive to the sight of others on the outside, but pure and humble and reverent, wanting only the Lord's will, making him beautiful within.

How about the centurion? What was his response toward Jesus? Surprisingly when Jesus offered to go to his house and heal the child, the centurion stopped our Lord in His tracks. Verses 8-9, "But the centurion said, 'Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it.'"

Once again we see reverence and humility and trust. We see a man that acknowledged his sinfulness before the Sinless One. We see a man who understood the authority of Jesus and a man willing to submit himself to that authority in full obedience.

Remember the other centurion who witnessed the crucifixion? He said, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Mt. 27:54)? This centurion demonstrated his faith by responding to Jesus as the Son or God.

Lastly, Peter's mother-in-law. Though we have no record of her faith before the healing, we do see her faith after the healing. The text says immediately she began to serve Jesus.

When I think about the attitude of many professing Christians today, even my own life, I see how far we have fallen from the portrayal in the Scriptures. Is there any reverence when Jesus is referred to as "buddy" or "my home-boy"? Is Jesus honored when we use His name as an exclamation point? Does the church acknowledge His authority? We may call Him Lord and Son of God, but are we really bowing before Him in total submission? Are we hearing His Word and then deciding for ourselves what we will choose to obey? Have His commands all of a sudden become optional?

When we look at these three individuals, we see the attitude that Jesus expects from His followers. There was humility. There was reverence. And there was obedience. These are the Beatitude Attitudes that will mark every true believer. And as the Beatitudes teach, those with such attitudes, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

It all comes down to faith. Where is our trust? What are we believing in?

I do not wish to sound too morbid, but I really enjoy doing funerals. Funerals are the greatest place to preach the Gospel. Also, what is said at funerals reveals a lot about the person. The individual leading the ceremony will always say good things. He or she will speak positively about the person and often assure the audience that "he is in a better place" or "she is now without pain." Yet the greatest indicator of a reality of a deceased's heart is revealed when the microphone is passed around.

Yesterday many of us from the church had the privilege of attending Greg Feldi's father's funeral. When people shared their eulogies, across the board it was consistent of this man's love for the Lord. Mr. Feldi demonstrated a faith which believed that God's way was best. Without reservation he staked his existence on being faithful to the Lord.

What are we believing in?

My cousin is a flight attendant for American Airlines. Back in the early 80's, when I was still in high school, she had a rather lengthy conversation on the plane with a famous college football coach. After their discussion, she asked if he would write me a letter. In that letter he wrote:

To Randy,

Your cousin Sherry had some fine things to say about you.
I hope that I have the pleasure of coaching you at the University
of Arkansas. Always believe in yourself and this will happen.

Lou Holtz
"Go Hogs Go"

Now I don't want to attack this man's kind comments or read too much into his words, but one of my greatest problems is believing too much in myself! Don't misunderstand me. I'm all over hard work and a determined attitude and setting goals and a positive outlook, but when I ultimately believe in myself, I make foolish decisions. I make selfish decisions. I make decisions that act as if God doesn't even exist! And when I think I am doing what's best for myself by ignoring God's Word, I actually become my greatest enemy.

Is it ultimately about believing in myself or believing what God's Word teaches?

Our belief, our faith is what links us to the saving work of Christ, and that is what continues as we walk with the Lord. Faith believes without always seeing. Faith trusts that obedience is always for our greatest good. Faith surrenders all into the compassionate and powerful arms of Jesus. It all comes down to faith. Our Lord is looking for biblical faith.

In response to the centurion's faith, look at our Lord's words in verses 10-12. "Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, 'Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

These are sobering words!

The Jewish people believed they were a lock for heaven, trusting in their bloodlines and traditions and knowledge. Yet Jesus must have rocked their world when He said many of them will be excluded. Even more surprising and controversial were His words that Gentiles would be occupying their seats. In the Jewish mind, the great thing about the final Messianic banquet would be the absence of Gentiles once and for all.

Yet this centurion qualified. His faith may have been childlike - but that is what the Lord desires! His faith may have been based on minimal knowledge - but he put into practice all that he knew. It was genuine and sincere. And while probably mocked by the religious elite, he trusted the Lord and looked to Christ alone in humble submission.

Jesus was astonished and declared that his faith surpassed all of Israel. While many of the Jews were looking for signs and faults with their Messiah, his faith was resting solely in the Word of God.

As the passage teaches, all who reject Jesus by rejecting His Word will be assigned to eternal darkness and suffering, while those who follow Him by trusting His Word will be assigned to eternal light and blessedness.

And the only reason we have this hope is because of the One who demonstrated the greatest display of His compassion and His power at the cross. So that those who trust Him, demonstrated by a sincere commitment to know and do His Word, may have eternal life.

My friends, are we reading our Bibles? Do we rightly understand and trust the Person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Word of God? And is there genuine evidence of that trust in the decisions we make and the roads we travel?