Bible Reading Podcast
Matthew 8
Series: 2023 Bible ReadingAnd now, a minute with the Word…
Jesus is followed by crowds as he comes down from the mountain. He touches a leper and heals him. Back in Capernaum, Jesus meets a gentile centurion with incredible faith, who believes Jesus’s word alone has the power to heal his servant back home. Jesus says something shocking about the kingdom of heaven: many Gentiles will be welcomed into the kingdom and most of the Jews will be cast out. Faith will matter, physical lineage will not. Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law and then heals many with demons and various diseases. Surrounded by crowds, Jesus plans to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Some disciples claim they will follow Him no matter where He goes, but Jesus knows that true discipleship to Him will involve discomfort and laying aside other plans and cares and worries. Jesus then falls asleep on a boat on the sea and a violent storm terrifies the disciples. Jesus questions their lack of faith and calms the wind and sea, and the disciples are amazed, still not understanding who Jesus is. After coming ashore on the southeast side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus casts out demons, saving two humans at the expense of a herd of swine. The whole city pleads with Jesus to leave. Perhaps Jesus seems less appealing when personal cost is involved.