Key Thought

Matthew continues to show us Jesus' power over what destroys our lives. Interestingly, it is Jesus' touch and word that are so powerful in these stories. His touch seems to be more of a demonstration of God’s love, while his word is a demonstration of his authority and power. Matthew reminds us, however, that Jesus' authority and power are not for his advantage, but for the blessing of those in need. He is God's promised Servant! His authority is demonstrated in his service to us. Thus, as we seek to be like Jesus, we need to be servants as He was.

Today's Prayer

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Mighty and majestic God, I am touched by Jesus’ humble use of his power to bless others. Please keep my heart humble and pure so that I may be used by you to bless others. Help me be more a “burden-lifter” and a “blessing-giver.” In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Jesus came down from the hill. Many, many people followed him. Then a man sick with leprosy came to Jesus. The man bowed down before Jesus and said, "Lord, you have the power to heal me if you want." Jesus touched the man. Jesus said, "I want to heal you. Be healed!" And immediately the man was healed from his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, "Don't tell any person about what happened. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer the gift that Moses commanded {for people that are made well}. This will show people that you are healed." Jesus went to the city of Capernaum. When Jesus entered the city, an army officer came to him and begged for help. The officer said, "Lord, my servant is very sick at home in bed. He can't move his body and has much pain." Jesus said to the officer, "I will go and heal him." The officer answered, "Lord, I am not good enough for you to come into my house. All you need to do is command that my servant be healed, and he will be healed. I myself am a man under the authority (power) of other men. And I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell another soldier, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and my servant obeys me. {I know that you also have power like this.}" When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Jesus said to those people that were with him, "I tell you the truth. This man has more faith than any person I have found, even in Israel. Many people will come from the east and from the west. Those people will sit and eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. And those people (the Jews) that should have the kingdom will be thrown out. They will be thrown outside into the darkness. In that place people will cry and grind their teeth {with pain}." Then Jesus said to the officer, "Go home. Your servant will be healed the way you believed he would." And at that same time his servant was healed. Jesus went to Peter's house. There Jesus saw that Peter's mother-in-lawwas in bed with a high fever. Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her. Then she stood up and began to serve Jesus. That evening people brought to Jesus many people that had demons inside them. Jesus spoke and the demons left the people. Jesus healed all the people that were sick. Jesus did these things to make happen what Isaiah the prophet said: "He took away our diseases and carried away our sicknesses."

— Matthew 8:1-17 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.