Title: The Leper's Faith/Matthew 8:1-17
Contents
Hymn: 344. 363.
Text: Matthew 8:1-17.
*** The Leper's Faith (Verses 1-4)
I am moved by the picture of Jesus having a conversation with a leper who appeared among the crowds that followed Jesus. The leper came to Jesus, knelt down and begged for healing, showing confidence in the Lord and showing humility. In response, Jesus showed his love for the sick and his ability to heal, and he showed caution in not disregarding the laws of that time. Each one shown between the two of them becomes a small challenge for me. I need the balance of confidence and humility of the leper. I need the attitude of Jesus, who not only heals diseases with true love and God's power, but also acknowledges the priests of that time.
*** The centurion's faith (verses 5-13)
*** Jesus carrying the burden of sickness (verses 14-17)
Jesus healed and comforted all the afflicted who came to him. It was the image of the Messiah that the Israelites had been waiting for, and it is the Savior that all people in the world needed in Jesus' day and now as well. But Jesus, who is in front of me right now, is not only for the people of one area in Palestine, but He died on the cross for the sins, pains, diseases and sorrows of the whole world. Therefore, I should be thankful to Jesus who died for me more than the people who were healed at that time were thankful. We must preach Jesus Christ more passionately than the people of that time.