Matthew 8

As Jesus came down from the top of the mountain Matthew says that he was surrounded by crowds.  But the further Jesus walked the thinner the crowds became until there was no one in front of him except the solitary figure of what, many would say, used to be a man.  A form disfigured by leprosy and cast aside by the people.  He acknowledged Jesus authority over his past and surrendered to his compassion for the present.  Jesus healed him and in doing so the man was no longer isolated from the people.  But Jesus didn’t stop with the healing because the man was still unable to approach God’s temple. Jesus instructed the man to obey the letter of the Law so that he could be made clean.  There was still a need for a sacrifice; Jesus had not yet made his. (Matthew 8:1-4)

Jesus continued his trip from the mountain and as he entered Capernaum he was confronted by another solitary figure.  This man stood out from the crowd because of his military uniform.  He was a commander who knew how to lead.  His experiences had probably taught him how to recognize a good soldier as well as a competent leader.  He recognized Jesus as the latter and came to him not with the authority of Rome but as a fellow human who was too weak and helpless to conquer the enemy dwelling in his very household.  Seeing the compassion in Jesus this leader acknowledged Jesus authority over his servant’s life and surrendered to his compassion. He implored to the commander of the universe to act with compassion for the lowest in his house; his servant. (Matthew 8:5-13)

Jesus and his closest followers climbed into a boat to cross the sea of Galilee.  Jesus gave in to his exhaustion and slept.  Even when the storm around him was churning he slept in peace because God was in control.  But those young men whom he was disciplining to overthrow the spiritual powers of the world would only look at their surroundings.  They couldn’t image so great a peace as to sleep contently in this midst of such violence and danger.  Even after he calmed the storm Jesus’ disciples focused on the miracle over nature rather than Jesus persistent peace while in the tumult.  (Matthew 8:23-27)

After his mountain top homily the people were astonished by his words of authority.  Over the next few chapters Matthew begins to focus on Jesus’ actions of authority.

Stuart