Sunday Sermon Matthew 8:5-13

Good morning and welcome to FCC! We are so glad that each of you have joined us this morning to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, one verse at a time.

We have come as far as verse 5 of Matthew 8, so let us open our Bibles there.

Read Matthew 8:5-13

Matthew 8:5–9 NKJV

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 8:10–13 NKJV

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, we are grateful that we can gather freely to worship you because we know that their are others around the globe that cannot. We ask that you would pour out your spirit, speak to our hearts to day, encourage the down cast, heal the broken hearted, and set the captive free. As we open Matthew 8 today, we ask that you would help us through the power of your Holy Spirit glean nuggets of truth for our lives.

In Jesus Name, We Love You! Amen!!!

Review

Last week we started Matthew 8 and we learned about a leper, who did not allow the crowds or the circumstances of life prohibit him from coming to Jesus.

This leper who was considered an outcast, lived in isolation.

He was required to yell, unclean, unclean and to stay 150’ away from people, if not more.

He had not had a human touch for years and yet Jesus who was coming down from the Mt. Of Beatitudes after preaching the Sermon on the Mount, stopped, touched, and healed this man.

This man called Jesus Lord and we will see in the next story of the centurion he does the same.

Matthew 8:5–6 NKJV

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

Jesus was up on the mount on the north side of the Sea of Galilee and he heads down to Capernaum.

Capernaum was one the largest of 17 fishing villages on the Sea of Galilee and this body of water is also called:

It is called the “Sea of Chinnereth” in the Old Testament (Numbers 34:11; Joshua 12:3; 13:27). This may be due to its harp-like shape.

“lake of Gennesareth” (Gennesaret) once by Luke (Luke 5:1)

John (John 6:1; 21:1) calls it the “sea of Tiberias”. The modern Arabs retain this name, Bahr Tabariyeh.

John 6:1 NKJV

After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.

I share this because sometimes we get confused and confounded about the geography of the Bible.

The Sea of Galilee is called a Sea by tradition, not by the true sense of the definition of the word sea.

This lake is 12½ miles long, and from 4 to 7½ broad. Its surface is 682 feet below the level of the Mediterranean. Its depth is from 80 to 200 feet.

It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake and yes, there was good fishing on it!

Matthew 8:5–6 NKJV

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

Because Capernaum was the largest fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, it actually had a tax office there

And we know that Matthew/ Levi was from Capernaum and was called by Jesus there.

Every time a centurion is mentioned in the Bible, he is a person of noble character.

Centurions were in charge of 100 men, and they made up the Roman legions which amounted to 6000 men.

They were devout warriors, men’s men, and had to commit to a 25 year commitment to Caesar and Rome.

He had to prove himself over and over at war to be promoted to such a position.

He was a Roman officer if you may and somewhat like a Navy Seal, but with more authority and power.

Some scholars believe that he was located in Capernaum because he was over the tax office there.

When Matthew collected taxes around the Sea of Galilee, he would have Roman soldiers with him and their spears and gear letting the people know that Rome was behind him while he collected.

Sadly, Matthew was despised , just like Rome because he not only collected for Rome, but he added more taxes to pad his pocket.

So here, we have this man of war, a centurion crying out to Jesus for his servant’s healing.

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle said there could be no friendship and no justice toward inanimate things, not even toward a horse, an ox, or a slave, because master and slave were considered to have nothing in common. “A slave,” he said, “is a living tool, just as a tool is an inanimate slave” (Ethics, 1161b). The Roman law expert Gaius wrote that it was universally accepted that the master possessed the power of life and death over his slave (Institutes, 1:52). Still another Roman writer, Varro, maintained that the only difference between a slave, a beast, and a cart was that the slave talked.

What is different about this man?

Let’s look at what Luke writes:

Luke 7:1–5 NKJV

Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”

Luke 7:6–7 NKJV

Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Did you catch that?

This centurion not only loved the nation Israel, but built a synagogue.

Roman soldiers were hated by the Jews church, let’s not forget that Caesar and Herod Antipas occupied the country, so they were despised by the Jews. There was a lot of hatred here church....

Let us not forget that not only were lepers despised and rejected, but that Gentiles, and women were as well.

So, in the passage before us, Matthew paints a picture of a wealthy Roman approaching a poor Galilean, a powerful centurion seeking out a meek Carpenter, a mighty man of war addressing the Prince of Peace.

Matthew 8:5–6 NKJV

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

He implored him and called him Lord church.

His servant had the palsy, he was paralyzed and I think it is crucial for us to remember that palsy, leprosy, deafness, blindness, lameness was common in the days of Jesus .

The average life expectancy was 35 church.

They did not have the medical technology that we have today, nor the hygiene.

If you got sick, the fear of dying was real!!

So when Jesus showed up, because of they cry of this humble, kind, caring, compassionate centurion, this was a huge ordeal, a huge miracle that no one had seen before church.

Why was this warrior from Rome pleading for his servant healing?

It is because his heart had turned toward a monotheistic God of Israel, from the Roman Pantheon that was polytheistic which means many gods.

For he loved the nation and built a synagogue, even though he was despised and rejected by the Jews for not just being and Roman soldier, but a Gentile.

Remember many of the Jewish prayed daily, “I thank God that I am not a Gentile, slave, or a woman.”

Remember the lepers, Gentiles, and the women were the outcasts of this society church and Jesus came to set the record straight.

It is my opinion that this soldier heard the Sermon on the Mount and understood that Jesus had authority that was not from the world, but from the God that he believed in.

Matthew 8:7–9 NKJV

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

The centurions servant was not only paralyzed, but being tormented by this palsy.

Some scholars say that he had polio church, but whatever he had if Jesus did not show up, was going to take his life.

Remember that Greco-Roman soldiers had no regard for a slave than an animal, but this centurion did, because he believed upon Yaweh, Jehovah Rapha, which is the God that Heals church in Hebrew.

He was walking in the light that he was given, But knew the Messiah had arrived!!

Here we see him call Jesus Lord a second time!!

Lord- kyrios- n. — a title of respect for someone in a position of greater authority or stature. Lord, Ruler, and One who commands. Master and having power over.

Notice- Jesus did not check his schedule to see if he could go to this Gentiles house, he just stepped into the Father’s will.

How many times is the Lord calling us into his perfect will for that moment and we are more concerned about our schedules or agendas?

How many times do we miss serving someone or helping someone because we are more concerned with our schedules that with people that need our help?

The Centurion understood authority, because he was under the authority of Rome and Caesar church.

The authority that we bend the knee to, is the same authority we walk walk in.

What authority are you bending the knew to? Is it Christ? Is it self?

This Centurion knew that he knew that he knew that the authority that Jesus had was not of this world, but of the Father who art in heaven.

I am guessing he either witnessed the leper be healed, or got wind of this tremendous miracle from someone who was under his authority.

But the bottom line is that this centurion had authority, and yet was serving his servant church.

For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve!!!

Matthew 8:10–12 NKJV

Jesus marveled and said he haas not seen such great faith in all of Israel.

Marveled-thaumazo- v. — to be amazed at (an event or occurrence). To have great wonder and amazement. To have respect for, to honor, and admire.

Jesus was amazed at this Gentiles faith church and he even shared that he, the God of the universe had not seen such great faith, not even in the Pharisees!!

He was amazed at his belief, the belief that Jesus would he his servant!!

This word is only used twice in the NT like this

Once because on belief, and once because of unbelief:

Mark 6:6 NKJV

And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Sadly, this text is in regards to his own people in Nazareth.

Jesus marvelled because even though Jesus was from there, they did not believe church and they were Jews, but this centurion believed upon him.

Romans 10:9–12 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Matthew 8:11–12 NKJV

And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

When you look from Israel to the east and the west, you are looking at Gentile nations church.

Jesus is saying that the Gentiles will sit down/ recline at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Gentiles are called to the wedding banquet just as Abraham, Issac and Jacob and they will enjoy His salvation and blessing church

Sadly, the Rabbinical understanding of the day was that the kingdom would only feature a great feast in the company of Abraham and the Messiah, here, Jesus teaches that the Rabbis are wrong, because many from the Hebrew nation will be cast into outer darkness church.

God wishes not one shall perish, but that all would come to repentance and everlasting life church.

Matthew 8:13 NKJV

Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

Church, without faith is it impossible to please God and God is rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Again, like the leper we see this transformed centurion with a teary eyes, bent knees, and a broken heart running to Jesus for his servant.

The first outcast that was healed was a leper, the second a Gentile at the request of a Gentile Roman soldier, next week we will look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law.

Jesus healed the centurions servant because of his faith and his belief church that very hour!

Who in our lives, needs the same touch as this servant boy? Who needs healing, hope, and salvation in our lives?

Will you intercede for them as the centurion did? Will you cry out to Jesus for them?

Prayer

Lord Heavenly Father, thank you for the centurions faith and belief in you for it inspires us to press into your only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ and your kingdom. We know that you are the Great Physician and the Master Surgeon Lord, and we cry out for healing for those that are being tormented by the ills of life. Jesus would you not only heal, but save those who are suffering here today and in our lives whether it be our children, family, friends, or enemies. Please show us this week who you desire us to intercede for, as the centurion did his servant, and may we not lose heart or grow weary by doing good. Open the door for us to proclaim the Gospel and live our faith out loud!

In Jesus Name!! We Love You, Amen!!!

Benediction

Romans 15:13 NKJV

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE LORD BLESS YOU!

YOUR MISSION STARTS NOW!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!!!

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