Tag: Matthew 8:5-8
Jesus is Willing and Able
Scripture reading for October 20: Matthew 8:1-3 “When He came down from the mountain, great crowds followed Him. And behold, a leper came to Him and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I will.”
Matthew 8:5-8 “When He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, appealing to Him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And He said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the Word, and my servant will be healed.”
For those who are battling a prolonged sickness, one of the temptations we fall into is to begin to question the willingness of God to heal. Sometimes this even extends to the ability of God to heal us. A man with a debilitating skin disease called leprosy came to Jesus asking about His willingness to heal him. He was considered unclean and untouchable in that culture. Jesus immediately stretched out His hand and healed him.
As Jesus entered Capernaum, a Roman soldier who commanded a hundred men came humbly to Jesus. Although he was not a Jew, he appealed to Jesus for His help to heal a suffering servant. Jesus responded quickly and was ready to go to his house. But this soldier, having commanded men, recognized Jesus’ authority and asked Him to just speak the word. He was confident in Jesus’ ability to perform the healing miracle from any location. Jesus marveled at his ‘great faith!’
Those who are battling a difficult and persistent disease today can take heart in this Word from Jesus. He is willing to heal anyone and will touch even those society considers ‘untouchable’. He is able to respond to any person of faith who trusts His authority. Since these records in Scripture speak to all and inspire faith, God is willing and able to do for you what Jesus did for the leper and the Gentile soldier. Will You call on Him in faith today?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your heart of compassion and willingness to touch the untouchable. I believe You sent this Word for my healing. Amen.