Connect Matthew 8:7 with another instance where Jesus heals with a word. Setting the Scene • Matthew records a Roman centurion seeking help for his paralyzed servant. • John describes a royal official whose son is near death in Capernaum. • In both accounts, distance separates Jesus from the sufferer—yet distance is no obstacle for the One who created all things by His word (Genesis 1; Hebrews 1:3). Matthew 8:7—“I will go and heal him.” “Jesus said to him, ‘I will go and heal him.’” • Simple, direct, and full of certainty. • The Lord’s willingness precedes any human merit; grace motivates His response. • Although Jesus offers to come physically, the centurion’s faith soon reveals that a spoken word is more than sufficient (v. 8–13). Another Word-Healing: John 4:50 “‘Go,’ Jesus told him, ‘your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him and departed.” • One authoritative sentence, and life returns. • No journey, no touch—only the power of spoken command. • The official’s faith rests on Christ’s promise before any visible proof (v. 53). Threads That Tie the Two Accounts Together • Authority – Matthew 8:8: “Only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” – John 4:50: Jesus speaks, and the child recovers “at that very hour” (v. 52). • Distance Overcome – Servant in Capernaum, Jesus in Galilee. – Son in Capernaum, Jesus in Cana. • Immediate, Verifiable Results – Matthew 8:13: “And his servant was healed at that very hour.” – John 4:53: “So he and his whole household believed.” • Faith Preceding Sight – Centurion trusts Christ’s word (Matthew 8:10). – Royal official believes before confirmation (John 4:50). • Prophetic Echo – Psalm 107:20: “He sent His word and healed them”. What These Healings Reveal about Jesus • His word carries the same creative power displayed in Genesis 1:3. • Physical presence is unnecessary; His sovereignty transcends space and time. • Compassion moves Him toward Jew and Gentile alike. • Faith delights Him—He marvels at the centurion (Matthew 8:10) and later uses the official’s testimony to draw an entire household (John 4:53). Takeaways for Today • Christ’s promises in Scripture remain as potent as when He first uttered them. • Prayer may feel “long-distance,” yet the Lord’s reach is immediate. • Faith anchored in His word, not in visible circumstances, honors Him and invites His work (Romans 10:17). |
    |