What Jesus Did! 'Victory' — Matthew 8:16-17

Sunday, April 6, 2025

That evening [after healing Peter's mother-in-law,] many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

"He took our sicknesses
and removed our diseases."

— Matthew 8:16-17 NLT

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 personal gain, 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 (John 13:12-17).

Today's Prayer

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.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 8:16-17
Devo: Today's Verse
"When 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. This was to fulfill...."
Prophecy Fulfilled
Illustration of Matthew 8:16-17
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 8:16-17 -- When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He to
Who Will Carry Us?
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
Young children can fall asleep anywhere and sleep peacefully, trusting that those who love them will carry them where they need to go! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead through worship in song, the Lord's Supper, a powerful message from God's word, and a blessing to enable us to worship from home or with family and friends in a meaningful way and ask this important question: Who will
The Disease
Article by Tim Archer
How would you feel if you had The Disease? Jesus came to touch and to heal, to take away The Disease.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:16-17 NLT — "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 6, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Walking in the Light' (Ep. 5:6)
"Dear Father, Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that cloak the intent of wickedness. I know that it is because of these..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Trial by Fire'
"Dear Friends, Years before Peter wrote his short letter known as 1 Peter to My disciples, he was repeatedly persecuted. He regularly encountered..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Doubts Come During Crisis – Stay Faithful'
"The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Don't Vandalize God's Temple' (1 Co. 3:16-17)
"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!