< Back

Read: Matthew 8:1-22
Listen: Matthew 8

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” Matthew 8:2-3

The work of the Son reveals the heart of the Father. One reason Jesus came was to reveal, in human form, what God is like. The healing miracles of people with various plights in Matthew 8 display the scandalous nature of God’s compassion. He touches the untouchable. He heals an outsider. He casts out darkness. God does not look away from pain or misery.

God still draws near and cares for us in our deepest sorrows and struggles. He is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). God welcomes us with our desperate needs. The question is whether or not we believe he cares and has the power to address our pain. The works of Jesus reveal to us a God who is not simply moved by our pain but one who comes near with a powerful yet compassionate touch. He is the one who has both the concern and authority to bring about meaningful change in our lives. We have a choice in our pain, whether to draw near, trust and follow him, or whether we will walk away.

TODAY: 1 Peter 5:7 says, “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” The stories in Matthew 8 make evident that God cares for hurting and broken people. Take some time today to cast your cares upon God. What concerns you? What troubles you? Reflect upon these things and then speak with the One who cares.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezekiel 12-13. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the condemnation of false prophets. Consider how Jesus says he is the truth (John 14:6).