Matthew 8:1-13

Matthew 8:1-13

Jesus moves from words of authority to actions of authority, from the Sermon on the Mount to healing. First is the leper, his faith was such that he was confident in Jesus’ power if He was only willing. Jesus is always willing to do good. He is simply waiting for the request. It is worth noting that Jesus reached out. A little effort on our part is met with great effort on Jesus’ part. In the second healing, Jesus cares for another outsider, a Centurion. Jesus is eager to go with the Centurion to his home, which was a serious violation of Jewish expectations. The Centurion’s reply expresses the best faith in Israel saying that Jesus only needs to speak the word. These two healing pose two questions for me, which are, “Do I really believe Jesus can? Do I feel as if I merit Jesus' company?”

Jesus upsets the cultural norms radically by saying that not only will Gentiles be included, but they will be in place of some Jews. The common Jewish belief was that no son of Abraham would be lost. Here Jesus says not only could some be lost, but also will be replaced with Gentiles. Any sense of self-confidence and self-importance is absolutely removed. Those who imagine they are “in” based on some merit are out! In contrast, those who believe and ask for mercy will find it.

Here's what we can know. We are human and we cannot fix our problems. God is the one who is always right and who knows what ought to happen. If the Lord is willing (and he is) it works out. But we begin by knowing that we are not worthy and because of that we must trust in mercy. The Lord has moved, beyond any measure of condescension, down to the level to help the most unworthy if we will but ask. So, we ask for the Lord's help; that He may forgive and purify and heal because without that, we are without hope.

"Lord, I not only need your grace for the big stuff in life, my sin and brokenness, but also for every detail of living. Help me Lord today to ask for Your grace in every moment, every experience. AMEN