Matthew 8:1-17 reveals Jesus as the Great Physician, who is willing to heal you, who is able to heal you, and who is often proactive to heal you. First, Jesus is ready to heal—“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean …

[He] touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’” (vv. 2-3) That leper had no doubt about Jesus’ ability to heal him, only His will to do so. Jesus was moved with compassion. Do you have some area of your life that needs the Lord’s touch? Do you believe He is able to take care of it? Jesus is ready to meet your need, even when you’re not sure if he will. Second, Jesus has the power to heal—“And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.” (v. 13) The word spread and another came to Jesus for healing, a Roman commander–a Gentile. An important note: a Jewish person who enters a Gentile’s house becomes ceremonially defiled. The centurion was probably aware of the law and didn’t want to put Jesus in that situation. Yet, he had faith to believe that Jesus could heal by merely speaking a word. He understood Jesus’ complete authority. And Jesus demonstrated the power the centurion believed He had. The centurion believed Jesus had power to heal and asked Him to. Third, Jesus sometimes takes the initiative to heal—“When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her.” (vv. 14-15) Jesus’ compassion for those in need prompts Him to act. He didn’t wait for Peter’s mother-in-law to ask. He didn’t wait for Peter to ask on her behalf. Jesus saw the need and powerfully met it! God’s Word tells us that God often answers our prayers before we even ask. The healing that Jesus provides is focused on our salvation; whatever physical healing we receive is ultimately worthless without the hope of eternal life.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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