Matthew 8 | Christ's Willingness to Help You

Everyone has a different opinion about Christ. They always have. But there are only a few options.

Some believe Christ existed but was not the Messiah. Just one more religious leader who said a few good things. They are unwilling to believe that the miracles He accomplished were real and that His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection (if it really happened) accomplished what Christ claimed.
Some believe that He existed but that He makes no claim on their lives today. These are unwilling to trust Him and live their lives ignoring Him.
Some believe He was exactly who He said, which demands that they believe in Him and follow Him fully. They believe He invites them into a personal relationship with Him even today, understanding that this faith response changes everything for them eternally.

A NEW KINGDOM

When Christ burst upon the scene in human flesh, He announced that a new Kingdom had come. This seemed beyond belief. But God's intent was to authenticate His Son's claims, and one of the ways He did this was accomplishing supernatural signs and wonders and healing. Matthew records this in rapid-fire succession in Chapter 8 of his account.

And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:2-3)

And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus *said to him, "I will come and heal him." (Matthew 8:5-7)

When Jesus came into Peter's home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him.

(Matthew 8:14-15)

When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." (Matthew 8:16-17)

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. (Matthew 8:24-26)

Jesus healed people everywhere He went. This authenticated His Divine authority over sickness and death and demons. He even exercised authority over nature, calming the seas. He was Christ, and there was (and is) no other.

HIS MOTIVATION

What is beautiful about each of these experiences is Jesus' absolute willingness to help people. He met them right where they were—regardless of their situation—and He resolved their dilemmas.

He has not changed, and the great assurance for us is this: If He was willing to help them, He is willing to help us.

In His Kingdom, the King comes down from His throne and compassionately delivers those He loves. He is driven by perfect love and compassion we will never see apart from Him. Surely, we should be willing to believe and follow such a King!

Father, thank you for Your perfect love for me. Thank You for Your willingness to come to me, save me, heal me, and welcome me into the Kingdom You are preparing. I pray that my obedience and faith would be worthy of the Your love!