8. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 8

Read Chapter 8: The Gospel According to Matthew 

മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 8 P. O. C ബൈബിള്‍

Study Notes on Matthew Chapter 8


Matthew 8 presents a series of miracle stories followed by teachings on discipleship.

  The narratives showcase Jesus' authority over sickness, demons, nature, and his call for radical discipleship.

   Matthew often draws from Mark's Gospel but arranges events differently and includes unique teachings.

1. The Cleansing of a Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)

  • Jesus comes down from a mountain, and a large crowd follows him.

  • A leper approaches Jesus with faith, seeking cleansing.

  • Jesus instructs the healed leper to follow the Mosaic law for verification.

2. The Healing of a Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)

  •    Jesus enters Capernaum, and a centurion seeks help for his paralyzed servant.

  •    The centurion expresses deep faith, believing in the power of Jesus' word.

  • :Jesus commends the centurion's faith, and the servant is healed at that very hour.

  •    Teaching:Jesus mentions the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom, contrasting with the rejection of some in Israel.

3. The Cure of Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15)

  • Jesus enters Peter's house and heals his mother-in-law from a fever.

  • Unlike Mark, Matthew emphasizes Jesus' proactive healing without external requests.

4. Other Healings and Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew 8:16-17)

  • In the evening, Jesus heals many possessed by demons and all the sick.

  • Matthew cites Isaiah's prophecy, portraying Jesus as the fulfillment of the suffering Servant who takes away infirmities.

5. The Would-be Followers of Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22)

  • A scribe expresses willingness to follow Jesus anywhere.

  • Response:Jesus challenges the scribe and another disciple regarding the cost and commitment of discipleship.

  • Emphasis on the priority of following Jesus even over familial responsibilities.

6. The Calming of the Storm at Sea (Matthew 8:23-27)

  • Jesus and disciples get into a boat; a storm arises, threatening their safety.

  • Disciples wake Jesus, expressing fear for their lives.

  • Jesus rebukes their lack of faith, calms the storm, leaving the disciples in awe of His authority over nature.

7. The Healing of the Gadarene Demoniacs (Matthew 8:28-34)

  • Jesus encounters two demoniacs in the Gadarenes, powerful and violent.

  • The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and request to enter a herd of swine.

  • Jesus grants their request, leading to the swine's destruction.

  • The townspeople, fearful of Jesus' power, ask Him to leave their region.

Key Themes:

  • Authority and Faith: Throughout the chapter, Jesus demonstrates His authority over sickness, nature, and demons. Faith, especially demonstrated by the centurion, is a recurring theme.

  • Inclusion of Gentiles: The healing of the centurion's servant highlights Jesus' willingness to extend His blessings to Gentiles, foreshadowing the broader reach of the Gospel.

  • Cost of Discipleship: Jesus challenges His followers to prioritize commitment to Him over worldly comforts and obligations.

  • Power over Nature: The calming of the storm emphasizes Jesus' control over natural elements, reinforcing His divine authority.

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