THREE MIRACLES
MATTHEW 8

All three kinds of miracles are portrayed in Matthew 8: healing, casting out demons, and nature miracles. Jesus healed a leper, a centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, cast out perhaps a legion of demons, and stilled the storm. By so doing He gave evidence He was the prophesied Messiah, who was expected to be recognized by his miracles.

First, He healed the leper, possibly a man with Hansen's or another skin disease. Leprosy deadened the nerves in the legs, so one did not feel wounds to the feet. Thus if someone stepped on a stone and cut their foot, it could easily get infected and not be tended to, since the foot felt no pain. This is the same neuropathy that some diabetics have today. The disease does not actually eat the flesh. It only hides the wound so it can become infected and turn into gangrene. The leper demonstrated faith by stating he knew Jesus could heal him if He chose. The Lord replied, “I do choose. Be clean.” And immediately the man was clean. Jesus told him to show himself to the priest to get a certificate of health so he could rejoin his family. (He had been banned from associating with others, so they wouldn't catch the leprosy.) Jesus also told the man not to tell others how he was healed. Apparently at that stage of the ministry, Jesus was not ready for knowledge that He was the Messiah to become widespread, perhaps because He knew when He did His time on earth would be limited.

The second healing was for the centurion's servant. A centurion commanded about 100 men, close to one of our Captains, who is a company commander. The Bible always speaks of these men with respect. Several in the gospels and Acts seem to become Christians. They were elite troops who had proven themselves. This man had compassion for a servant, who was quite ill. He may have been a civilian slave or one of his troops. When he presented the need to Jesus, the Lord offered to go with the man to heal his friend. But the centurion pointed out that was not necessary. He recognized Jesus had authority, and he understood authority. He got most things done by ordering someone else to do it. With the discipline of the Roman army, his commands were carried out immediately and without question. He pointed out that Jesus could do the same from where He stood. Jesus was surprised at how strong his faith was and commented on it. Remember this gospel was written with the Jews in mind but also for Gentiles (remember the wise men?). Jesus said this man had more faith than He had seen from the Jews. He then said the Kingdom would be open to all who came from anyplace, and those Jews who did not accept it would not enter.

Next, Jesus went to Simon Peter's house and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed sick. Notice in passing that this means Peter was married, even though we know nothing about his wife. Probably most of the disciples were married, as this was normal in that day. Boys and girls were married at puberty to mates selected by their parents. At about the same time the boys became apprentices to some trade or another. This healing was very simple. Scripture says Jesus merely touched her hand, and she felt well and proved it by going about her household duties. (Heard a rumor  that was why Peter denied he knew Jesus – he was still miffed that He healed his mother-in-law!)