Matthew 8:5-13 The Miraculous Healing of the Palsied Servant

Introduction: No Bible believer should doubt the miracle as taught in our text. But that does not mean that he should believe in the so-called miracles of our day. The same Bible which teaches the miracles of Jesus’ day teaches that miracles ceased with the completion of the Bible.

I. An examination of the text

A. Jesus had just re-entered Capernaum. Vs. 5

1. In Matthew 4:13 Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.

2. While He lived at Capernaum, He had traveled throughout Galilee preaching.

Matthew 4:23 (He would return each night.)

3. He had gone up in a mountain and preached the Sermon on the Mount.

4. He had healed the leper on His way back to Capernaum.

5. Now He has returned to Capernaum again.

B. There “came” to Him a centurion. Vs. 5

1. A centurion was a Roman army officer in charge of 100 soldiers.

(Apparently stationed at Capernaum.)

2. Ordinarily we would understand “came” to mean that he came physically out to meet Jesus.

3. However, in view of Luke 7:2-3 we understand that he did not come personally but sent

Jewish elders.

C. He besought Jesus that his servant might be healed. Vs.5-6

1. The servant was not a hired servant, but a slave.

2. He was afflicted with palsy. (Grk. – paralytic)

3. He was “grievously tormented”. (Luke 7:2 – “Ready to die”.

4. Medically several diseases produce paralysis.

(The most common is inflammation of the brain. This can also cause death.)

D. Jesus said that He would come and heal the servant. Vs. 7

E. The centurion did not feel worthy for Jesus to come to his home. Vs. 8; Luke 7:6

1. Being a man under authority of Rome and having men under his authority and he

understood that Jesus could only speak and his servant would be healed. Vs. 9

2. Jesus marveled at this Gentile’s faith. Vs. 10

F. Jesus used his faith to teach the Jews a lesson on faith.

1. Believing Gentiles would sit (feast) with Abraham in the millennium. Vs. 11

2. Unbelieving Jews would be cast out into outer darkness. Vs. 12

G. The slave was healed. Vs. 13

II. Some lessons from this text.

A. The centurion was deeply concerned about the physical well-being of his slave; should

we not be much more concerned about the souls of our family and friends.

1. It was bad enough for one to die a paralytic.

2. It is far worse for one to die in his sins.

B. Yet how many of us are concerned about the lost?

1. We are more apt to be concerned about a sick cat or dog.

2. There will probably be more prayers about football games than about lost souls.

(May God help us!)

C. Jesus snatched that man from the jaws of death.

(He can snatch the lost form the jaws of hell.)

D. The servant was not required to have faith, but the lost sinner is if he would be saved.

Conclusion: 1. Christian, right where you are, right now pray for lost souls that they may be saved.

2. Lost soul, right where you are, right now trust Jesus and be saved.

Preached at Pleasant Hill 1-9-83 A.M.