Matthew 8: 1-22

The Man with Leprosy

 According to Dictionary.com, (the unofficial Cornerstone Staff dictionary...,) leprosy is defined as a "slowly progressive, chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae. It damages nerves, skin, and mucous membranes and can lead to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformity if left untreated."

 The book of Leviticus notes that people with this condition would also be considered ceremonially unclean. 

1. How would this disease affect a person socially? Financially? Emotionally? Spiritually?

2. Review vs 2. 

-Discuss what his thoughts may have been as he was approaching Jesus. 

-Would these thoughts have influenced why he started his request to Jesus with the words, "Lord, if you are willing...?"

-What thoughts or feelings would some of the people in the large crowd have had as the man with leprosy approached Jesus for healing?

3. Jesus tells the man with leprosy that He is indeed willing and cures the leprosy. Now, everything has changed. The man with leprosy will be able to find a good paying job, develop more social connections, and enter the temple for worship. Imagine his excitement!

-Why would Jesus tell him not to tell anyone?

4. Fast forward to 2008...

-Who are the "lepers" of our society? Basically, who are the people that we find ourselves avoiding? The homeless? The mentally ill? Single mothers?

-Have you ever felt like an outcast? What were some of the feelings associated with that time of your life? 

-How have we, as a church, responded to those that society shuns?

The Faith of the Centurion

A Roman military officer in charge of 100 soldiers approached Jesus asking for help in regard to his sick servant.

1. Let's take a few minutes and break down the motivation of why the centurion approached Jesus. Imagine you were the centurion...

-If you were the centurion, would you have first taken the servant to the best physicians that you could afford?  

-What would compel you, a high-ranking member of the Roman army, to approach a poor Jewish man for healing? Would this have been your last resort?

-What would your friends and colleagues think?

-Do you think that the centurion considered these things before approaching Christ?

2. After the centurion presented his request to Jesus, Jesus responded by saying, "I will go and heal him." The centurion's response is noted in verses 8-10.

-Why would the centurion respond in this way?

-What does his method of leadership have to do with Jesus coming to his house?

3. When Jesus heard the centurion's response, He was astonished by his faith.

-Why did Jesus feel that the centurion showed great faith?

(Suggested reading: Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus Heals Many

Capernaum, and specifically, Peter's house, became Jesus' "base of operations." Many came to this location to seek healing.

1. Review v. 16

-If Jesus drove out spirits with a word and healed all of the sick in the same manner, why didn't He just heal EVERYONE and wipe out all illness while He was on the earth? 

-Was this the primary purpose of Jesus' ministry?

The Cost of Following Jesus

A person approached Christ and advised Him that he would follow Jesus, but first he needed to bury his father. Review Jesus' response in v 22.

1. What did Jesus mean by this response?

-Does His response seem uncaring? Or, is He just being frank regarding the cost of being a disciple?

2. What is the cost of following Jesus?

-Is it the loss of family and friends? Is persecution part of the cost? Is submitting your heart, mind and soul to His Lordship a cost?

-For those that currently don't follow Christ, which of these is the most "costly?" 

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 8:1-22