Matthew Chapter 8

Matthew 8 — “The Authority of the Kingdom Made Visible”

Matthew 5–7 revealed the words of the Kingdom.
Matthew 8 now reveals its power.

The Sermon on the Mount proclaimed a new law.
Now Christ demonstrates that this law comes from divine authority.

This chapter answers a crucial question:

Does Jesus have the power to do what He says?

Matthew’s answer is unequivocal:
He commands disease, demons, nature, and sin itself.

1. The Leper: God Touches the Unclean

“A leper came to him… ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’” (Matt 8:2)

Leprosy is not merely disease — it is ritual death.
The leper is cut off from worship, from community, from hope.

Yet the man does not doubt Christ’s power.
He doubts only His will.

Jesus answers not with words, but with touch.

“Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him…” (v. 3)

This is shocking.

According to the Law, touching a leper brings defilement.
But in Christ, holiness flows outward.

St Gregory of Nyssa writes:

“He did not contract impurity; He poured out purity.”
(Homilies on the Gospels)

This is the Incarnation: God entering what is broken to make it whole.

2. Obedience to the Law Fulfilled in Mercy

“Show yourself to the priest…” (v. 4)

Christ does not reject the Law.
He completes it.

Healing restores the man to worship.

Mercy leads back to communion.

3. The Centurion: Faith Beyond Israel

“Lord, I am not worthy…” (v. 8)

The Roman centurion understands authority.

He knows command does not require proximity.

Christ marvels.

“With no one in Israel have I found such faith.” (v. 10)

The Kingdom is not bound by blood or border.

Faith opens the door.

St Augustine teaches:

“The Gentile believed before the Jew obeyed.”
(Sermons)

4. Healing by a Word

Jesus heals without touching.

This shows divine authority.

The Word who created now restores.

5. Peter’s Mother-in-Law

“He touched her hand…” (v. 15)

Once healed, she serves.

Grace leads to service.

The Kingdom heals in order to send.

6. Jesus Bears Our Sickness

“He took our illnesses…” (v. 17)

Matthew quotes Isaiah.

Christ does not merely cure — He carries.

The Cross already casts its shadow.

7. The Cost of Discipleship

“Foxes have holes…” (v. 20)

The Kingdom is not comfort.

It is allegiance.

Following Christ costs everything.

8. Lord of the Storm

“Even the winds and the sea obey him!” (v. 27)

Nature recognises its Creator.

Fear fades where Christ commands.

9. The Demoniacs

“What have you to do with us, O Son of God?” (v. 29)

Demons know His identity.

Christ liberates the possessed.

No darkness can resist Him.

Theological Summary

SignMeaning
LeperSin cleansed
CenturionFaith
HealingsKingdom power
StormDivine authority
DemonsVictory over evil

Christ in Matthew 8

Jesus is:

• Healer
• Lord
• Savior
• King

The Kingdom is not theory — it is power.

Spiritual Application

  • Trust Christ’s will.
  • Submit to His authority.
  • Follow Him without fear.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
who touch the unclean, command the storm,
and free the bound,
heal our souls and rule our hearts.
May we trust Your will,
submit to Your authority,
and follow You wherever You lead,
now and forever.
Amen.