The Leper’s Prayer 1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. 2Suddenly a lepera came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”b The Faith of the Centurion 5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, 6“Lord, my servantc lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” 7“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. 8The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.” 10When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you.” And his servant was healed at that very hour. Jesus Heals at Peter’s House 14When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. 15So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve Him. 16When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”d The Cost of Discipleship 18When Jesus saw a large crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea.e 19And one of the scribes came to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” 20Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” 21Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 22But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Jesus Calms the Storm 23When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” 26“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. 27The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” The Demons and the Pigs 28When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,f He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” 30In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31So the demons begged Jesus, “If You drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” 32“Go!” He told them. So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the waters. 33Those tending the pigs ran off into the town and reported all this, including the account of the demon-possessed men. 34Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region. Footnotes: 2 a A leper was one afflicted with a skin disease. See Leviticus 13. 4 b See Leviticus 14:1–32. 6 c Or child; also in verses 8 and 13 17 d Isaiah 53:4 18 e That is, the Sea of Galilee; Greek to the other side 28 f BYZ, TR, and PT Gergesenes; other manuscripts Gerasenes Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 8 Summary The Cost of DiscipleshipVerses 1–4 – Cleansing a Leper Verses 5–13 – The Centurion’s Servant Healed Verses 14–17 – Peter’s Household Restored Verses 18–22 – The Cost of Following Verses 23–27 – Calming the Storm Verses 28–34 – Deliverance of the Two Demon-Possessed Men Matthew 8 provides a series of miracles showcasing Jesus' authority over sickness, nature, and spiritual forces. It highlights the role of faith in receiving miracles and offers challenging teachings about the cost of discipleship. Background and Setting • Matthew 8 follows the Sermon on the Mount (ch. 5–7), moving from Jesus’ words to His works. • The chapter unfolds largely around Capernaum and the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee—an area bustling with trade along the Via Maris, dotted with both Jewish villages and Gentile settlements. • Archaeologists have uncovered first-century ruins at Capernaum, including what is traditionally identified as Peter’s house beneath an octagonal church, lending color to verses 14–17. The Authority of Jesus in Physical Healing (8:1–17) • Touching a leper violated Leviticus 13–14, but instead of becoming unclean, Jesus’ holiness overpowers the disease. Compare 2 Kings 5 (Naaman) and Luke 17:12–14 (the ten lepers). • The rapid succession of healings—leper, servant, Peter’s mother-in-law, evening crowds—shows unlimited authority: distance does not limit Him (centurion’s servant), gender and social status do not limit Him (woman in a private home), and numbers do not overwhelm Him (mass evening healings). • Matthew’s Isaiah quotation (v. 17) links Jesus to the Suffering Servant who bears sin’s consequences. See also 1 Peter 2:24. Faith and Gentile Inclusion (8:5–13) • A centurion commanded roughly 80 soldiers and represented Roman power. Yet he calls Jesus “Lord” and sees Himself as unworthy. • His understanding of authority—“say the word”—mirrors military command structure. Jesus affirms this insight as “great faith,” surpassing anything He has seen in Israel. • The promise that many “from east and west” will dine with the patriarchs echoes Isaiah 25:6–9 and Genesis 12:3, hinting at the coming worldwide family of God. Compare Acts 10 (Cornelius, another centurion). Prophecy Fulfilled (8:16–17) • Isaiah 53:4 in its original context speaks of the Servant carrying griefs and sicknesses. Matthew highlights the physical side of that prophecy, showing that Jesus’ mission addresses both body and soul. • The healings authenticate His claim to be the promised Messiah (see Luke 4:18–21). Discipleship Costs (8:18–22) • The enthusiastic scribe illustrates impulsive commitment; Jesus cools it with the reality of homelessness. • The second man wants to delay. Jewish custom placed great importance on burying parents, yet Jesus demands priority—He is Lord even over sacred duties. • Cross-references: Luke 9:57–62; Matthew 16:24; Philippians 3:7–8. Jesus’ Power over Creation (8:23–27) • The Sea of Galilee sits nearly 700 feet below sea level; cool western winds funnel through surrounding gorges, creating sudden squalls—matching the account. • Psalm 89:9 and Psalm 107:23–29 describe God ruling the seas. By stilling the storm with a word, Jesus exercises prerogatives reserved for the Creator, hinting at His divine identity. • The disciples’ wonder, “What kind of man…?” is a step toward fuller recognition in Matthew 14:33 (“Truly You are the Son of God”). Spiritual Conflict and Deliverance (8:28–34) • Gadara (modern Umm Qais) lay in the Decapolis, a Greek-influenced region; pig herding was common because Romans prized pork. Nearby cliffs drop sharply to the lake, matching the narrative. • Two men versus one (as in Mark and Luke) suggests Matthew records both while the others spotlight the spokesman. • Demons recognize Jesus as the “Son of God” (v. 29), a title the disciples are only beginning to grasp. • The townspeople value economic loss (the pigs) over spiritual freedom, preferring Jesus leave. This foreshadows later rejections (Matthew 13:53-58). • Compare Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual warfare; 1 John 3:8: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” Geography and Archaeology • Capernaum: Excavations reveal black basalt house foundations and a white limestone synagogue from later centuries built atop earlier levels, giving a sense of the town’s size and wealth. • Sea of Galilee boat: A first-century fishing vessel found in 1986 measures about 27 feet long—large enough for Jesus and the disciples yet easily swamped. • Gadara/Gergesa debate: Gadara is about six miles southeast of the lake; Gerasa is farther away. Early church fathers suggested a small village, Gergesa (modern Kursi), right on the shoreline with nearby cliffs—fitting Matthew’s detail of the pigs rushing into the water. Thematic Threads in Matthew 8 1. Jesus’ word is enough—He speaks, and disease, distance, demons, and the deep obey. 2. Faith, not ethnicity, grants access to God’s kingdom. 3. Physical healings point to a deeper cure of the human condition foretold by Isaiah. 4. Following Jesus is urgent and costly but opens a life where His power stands against every threat. 5. Responses vary: faith (centurion), service (Peter’s mother-in-law), fear (disciples), rejection (Gadarene townspeople). Each reader is invited to decide where to stand. Application for Today • Come to Jesus with the leper’s honesty: “If You are willing.” His heart toward the humble remains the same. • Pray with the centurion’s confidence: Jesus’ authority transcends distance and circumstance. • Recognize the call to follow immediately, trusting Him to handle daily needs. • Rest in His presence amid life’s storms; He still commands the wind and waves. • Celebrate His victory over evil and share the news—even when society objects—to set others free. Connections to Additional Scriptures Faith and Healing James 5:15 - And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick; the Lord will raise him up. Jesus' Authority Colossians 1:16-17 - For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Peace in Storms Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world... Teaching Points Authority of JesusMatthew 8:1-4 describes Jesus healing a leper, demonstrating His authority over disease. The leper's faith and Jesus' willingness to heal highlight the importance of approaching Christ with humility and belief. Faith of the Centurion In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion displays remarkable faith, acknowledging Jesus' authority to heal his servant with just a word. Jesus commends his faith, emphasizing that true faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Power over Nature Verses 23-27 recount Jesus calming the storm, showcasing His dominion over creation. The disciples' fear and Jesus' rebuke of their little faith remind us to trust in His control over life's storms. Authority over Demons In Matthew 8:28-34, Jesus casts demons out of two men, demonstrating His power over spiritual forces. The reaction of the townspeople, who ask Jesus to leave, contrasts with the delivered men's newfound freedom. Practical Applications Approach Jesus with FaithLike the leper and the centurion, we should come to Jesus with faith, believing in His power to heal and transform our lives. Trust in Jesus' Authority In times of fear and uncertainty, remember that Jesus has authority over all circumstances, and we can find peace in His presence. Embrace Jesus' Compassion Jesus' willingness to heal and deliver reflects His compassion. We are called to show compassion to others, following His example. Recognize Spiritual Realities Acknowledge the spiritual battles we face and rely on Jesus' power to overcome them, just as He cast out demons. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, performing miracles and teaching. He is depicted as having authority over illness, nature, and spiritual realms. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. A Leper Approaches Jesus with faith, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" (Matthew 8:2). Jesus heals him, demonstrating His compassion and authority over physical ailments. 3. A Centurion A Roman officer who seeks Jesus' help for his paralyzed servant. His faith is commended by Jesus, as he believes Jesus can heal from a distance (Matthew 8:5-13). The Greek term "κεντυρίων" (kenturiōn) refers to a commander of a hundred soldiers. 4. The Centurion's Servant The paralyzed servant who is healed by Jesus' word, illustrating Jesus' power and the centurion's faith. 5. Peter's Mother-in-law She is healed by Jesus of a fever, and she immediately begins to serve Him (Matthew 8:14-15). This act of service highlights the immediate response to Jesus' healing. 6. Two Demon-Possessed Men Encounter Jesus in the region of the Gadarenes. They are delivered from demons, which are cast into a herd of pigs (Matthew 8:28-34). This event underscores Jesus' authority over spiritual forces. 7. The Disciples Accompany Jesus and witness His miracles, including the calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23-27). Their reactions reflect their growing understanding of Jesus' divine nature. Places 1. CapernaumMatthew 8:5: "When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him." Capernaum is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The name "Capernaum" comes from the Hebrew "Kfar Nahum," meaning "village of Nahum." 2. Sea of Galilee Matthew 8:24: "Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping." The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias, is a freshwater lake in Israel. It is significant in the Gospels as the site of many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. The Greek term used here is "θάλασσα" (thalassa), meaning "sea" or "lake." 3. Gadarenes Matthew 8:28: "When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him as they came out of the tombs." The region of the Gadarenes refers to an area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. It is associated with the Decapolis, a group of ten cities with Greek and Roman influence. The name "Gadarenes" is derived from the city of Gadara, one of these cities. Events 1. Jesus Heals a Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)Jesus comes down from the mountain, and a leper approaches Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus touches the man, saying, "I am willing; be clean," and immediately the leprosy is cleansed. Jesus instructs him to show himself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. 2. The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) In Capernaum, a centurion approaches Jesus, asking for healing for his paralyzed servant. The centurion expresses faith in Jesus' authority, saying, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Jesus marvels at his faith and declares that many will come from the east and west to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells the centurion, "Go! As you have believed, so will it be done for you," and the servant is healed at that moment. 3. Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15) Jesus enters Peter's house and sees Peter's mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touches her hand, and the fever leaves her. She rises and begins to serve them. 4. Jesus Heals Many (Matthew 8:16-17) That evening, many who were demon-possessed are brought to Jesus, and He drives out the spirits with a word and heals all the sick. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: "He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases." 5. The Cost of Following Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22) Jesus sees the crowd around Him and gives orders to cross to the other side of the lake. A scribe approaches, expressing a desire to follow Jesus wherever He goes. Jesus replies, "Foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." Another disciple asks to first bury his father, and Jesus responds, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." 6. Jesus Calms the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27) Jesus and His disciples get into a boat, and a furious storm arises. The disciples, fearing for their lives, wake Jesus, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" Jesus rebukes them for their little faith, then rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is a great calm. The men marvel, asking, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" 7. Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men (Matthew 8:28-34) Upon arriving in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men come from the tombs to meet Jesus. They cry out, "What do You want with us, Son of God?" The demons beg Jesus to send them into a herd of pigs if He drives them out. Jesus says, "Go!" and the demons enter the pigs, which rush down the steep bank into the sea and drown. The herdsmen flee to the town, reporting everything, and the whole town comes out to meet Jesus, pleading with Him to leave their region. Topics 1. The Cleansing of a Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over physical ailments. The leper approaches Jesus with faith, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing. Be clean!" The Greek word for "clean" (καθαρίζω, katharizō) emphasizes both physical and ceremonial purification. 2. The Faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) A Roman centurion approaches Jesus, seeking healing for his servant. His faith is commended by Jesus, who says, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." The centurion's understanding of authority and faith is highlighted, as he believes Jesus can heal with just a word. 3. Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15) Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, who is bedridden with a fever. He touches her hand, and the fever leaves her. This act of healing demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power over sickness. 4. Many Healed at Evening (Matthew 8:16-17) Jesus heals many who are demon-possessed and sick, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: "He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases." This passage underscores Jesus' role as the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. 5. The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 8:18-22) Jesus discusses the demands of following Him, emphasizing the need for total commitment. He tells a scribe, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head," highlighting the sacrifices required in discipleship. 6. Jesus Calms the Storm (Matthew 8:23-27) While crossing the Sea of Galilee, a storm arises, and Jesus calms it with a command. The disciples marvel, asking, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" This event reveals Jesus' authority over nature. 7. The Demons and the Pigs (Matthew 8:28-34) Jesus encounters two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes. The demons recognize Jesus and plead to be sent into a herd of pigs. Jesus grants their request, and the pigs rush into the sea and drown. This account demonstrates Jesus' authority over the spiritual realm and the recognition of His power by the demons. Each of these topics in Matthew 8 highlights different aspects of Jesus' ministry, authority, and the faith required to follow Him. The original Greek terms and context provide deeper insight into the narrative and theological significance of these events. Themes 1. Faith and HealingIn Matthew 8, Jesus performs several healings, emphasizing the power of faith. For instance, the centurion's faith is highlighted when he says, "Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8). The Greek word for faith, "πίστις" (pistis), underscores trust and belief in Jesus' authority. 2. Authority of Jesus The chapter demonstrates Jesus' authority over illness, nature, and spiritual realms. In Matthew 8:27, after calming the storm, the disciples marvel, saying, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" . The Greek term "ἐξουσία" (exousia) refers to the power and authority Jesus possesses. 3. Compassion of Jesus Jesus' compassion is evident as He heals the leper, the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and many others. In Matthew 8:3, Jesus reaches out and touches the leper, saying, "I am willing; be clean" . The act of touching a leper, considered unclean, highlights His compassion and willingness to restore. 4. Fulfillment of Prophecy Matthew 8:17 references the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy: "He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases" . This theme underscores Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies, linking His actions to the Hebrew Scriptures. 5. Cost of Discipleship Jesus speaks about the cost of following Him, emphasizing commitment and sacrifice. In Matthew 8:20, He states, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" . The Greek term "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō) means to follow or accompany, indicating the dedication required to be His disciple. 6. Spiritual Warfare The casting out of demons from the two possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes illustrates Jesus' authority over evil spirits. In Matthew 8:32, Jesus commands, "Go!" and the demons leave the men and enter the pigs . This event highlights the ongoing spiritual battle and Jesus' power over demonic forces. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Matthew 8:2–3, how could a single touch supposedly cure leprosy when such a disease has no immediate natural remedy? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus' willingness to touch and heal the leper say about His view of those considered unclean or outcasts in society? 2. How does the faith of the centurion challenge your understanding of faith? 3. In what ways can you emulate the faith of the centurion in your life? 4. How does the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law shed light on Jesus' approach to sickness and healing? 5. What does the mass healing in Matthew 8:16-17 teach about Jesus' compassion and authority? 6. How does Jesus' teaching about the cost of discipleship affect your commitment to Him? 7. What can you learn from Jesus' calming of the storm about His power over nature and life's challenges? 8. How does the healing of the demon-possessed men showcase Jesus' authority over spiritual forces? 9. How would you apply the lesson of faith shown by the leper and the centurion to your own life? 10. How does the healing of the demon-possessed men change your perception of Jesus' authority? 11. How does Jesus' compassion towards those who are sick or demon-possessed affect your view of Him? 12. How would you respond to Jesus' call to follow Him, knowing the costs outlined in this chapter? 13. How can Jesus' command over the wind and waves provide comfort in your personal storms? 14. What are some 'storms' in your life where you need to trust Jesus' authority? 15. How can the fear of the townspeople at the healing of the demon-possessed men inform your understanding of people's reactions to the supernatural? 16. How can you practice your faith in Jesus' healing power in your daily life? 17. Reflect on the sacrifices required to follow Jesus. What might you need to give up? 18. How does the authority of Jesus over sickness, nature, and spiritual forces bring you comfort? 19. In what ways can you extend your faith as the leper and centurion did? 20. How do the miracles of Matthew 8 reinforce your faith in Jesus' divine authority and power? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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