The Power of the King (preaching resource for June 7 and 14, 2026)
The post exegetes Matthew 8:1-9:34, providing context for the Gospel readings on June 7 and June 14, 2026. Insights are drawn from Craig Keener ("IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament"), TR France ("New Bible Commentary ") and Louis Barbieri ("Bible Knowledge Commentary").
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| "Christ Healing the Blind" by Colombel (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) |
Introduction
In words and acts, Jesus demonstrates his power (and authority) as the Messiah, the promised King of Israel. In The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) a large audience heard Jesus’ words of power. Yet many doubted, wondering: “Is Jesus really the Messiah? Can he really bring about the changes necessary to institute the kingdom?” Matthew now replies with accounts of Jesus’ miraculous acts of power. These demonstrate Jesus’ kingly authority over multiple realms where humanity is enslaved. Jesus alone has the authority and power to set humankind free! And we experience this God-given freedom as we follow Jesus as one of his disciples.
1. Power over disease
Matthew 8:1-15
In ancient times, no evil was more feared than disease. For that reason, there is no greater demonstration of power and authority to these people than the healing of a diseased person. This is exactly what Jesus proceeds to do and Matthew gives three examples:
1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
Matthew selects as his first example of Jesus’ power over disease the healing of leprosy. Note that the man comes to Jesus, acknowledging his authority as Lord (also see Mat 7:21; 8:6). Jesus responds by healing him, and, shockingly, through touching the leper! (v3)—an act that would make Jesus unclean under the Law. But note that Jesus then sends the man to the priest to offer the sacrifice for cleansing from leprosy prescribed by the Law (see Lev. 14:4-8, 10). Jesus tells him not to tell anyone about the healing before he goes to the priest. Apparently Jesus wants the priest to be the first to examine him as a testimony to the priests. And what a testimony it is, for in the entire history of Israel the only record of an Israelite being healed from leprosy is Moses’ sister, Miriam (Num 12:10-15). Can you imagine the dramatic impact when this man suddenly appears at the temple and announces to the priests he has been cured of leprosy! Jesus is presenting his “calling card” to the priests, for they will have to investigate the man’s claim. Jesus’ power heals, testifies and confronts!
5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." 7 Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." 8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
The second example of Jesus’ power over disease is the healing of paralysis. A Roman centurion (a captain in the Roman army) seeks out Jesus, asking for help. This powerful Gentile approaches Jesus as Lord (as did he leper in Mat 8:2) and requests healing for his servant who is paralyzed, suffering and near death (see Luke 7:2). When Jesus says he will go and heal him, the centurion replies that this is not necessary. As a military commander, he understands well the meaning of authority. One with authority need not be present to accomplish a task—orders may be carried out by others, even at a distance.
Jesus marvels at this centurion’s great faith—it is the kind he is seeking, but not finding, within Israel. It is this sort of faith that makes possible entrance into Jesus’ kingdom, regardless of national, racial, or geographical residence (the east and the west, v11). Here Jesus uses the imagery of eating at a banquet—imagery often used in the Old Testament to picture the intimacy and joy of being in the kingdom. Paradoxically, those who think they have automatic entrance because of their ethnic and religious background (considering themselves subjects of the kingdom), will not enter (v12). Instead they will encounter judgment, likened here to being thrown outside, into the darkness. This judgment will be for them a difficult process (there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth—indeed, repentance can be very painful!). In light of the centurion’s faith (his recognition of Jesus’ authority and power), Jesus heals his servant at that very hour.
14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
The third example of Jesus’ power over disease is the healing of fever. Here Jesus enters Peter’s house in Capernaum, where he sees Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. Jesus’ touch brings healing, but a further miracle is also evident. The woman is given strength to get up from her bed and wait on (“serve”) the Lord and probably his disciples with him. Usually when a fever leaves, one’s body is weak for some time, but that was not true here.
2. Power over demonic forces
Matthew 8:16-17, 28-34
In addition to being physically infirmed, many people in Jesus’ day experienced mental and emotional infirmity brought on by demonic forces. Jesus demonstrates his power here as well:
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Jesus stays in Peter’s home where many demon-possessed people are brought to him. Matthew simply notes that Jesus heals them all. In this, Matthew sees fulfillment of the prophetic words spoken through Isaiah (Isa 53:4). Jesus’ life as well as his physical death on the cross were his means of taking upon himself our infirmities and diseases. His entire life was one of bringing healing and deliverance. Here, by casting out demons, Jesus demonstrates his power over Satan who rules the demon world (see Mat 9:34; 12:24). We’ll now skip ahead to vv28-34, where Matthew shares another example of this power:
28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" 30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs." 32 He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
The name “Gadarenes” comes from the town of Gadara, capital of the region southeast of the Sea of Galilee. There Jesus meets two demon-possessed men. They are wild, violent men, forced to live outside the city in a graveyard. The demons’ questions imply they know who Jesus is—the Son of God—and also that his arrival means their doom (v29). Rather than being forced to become disembodied spirits, the demons request permission to enter a large herd of pigs. Jesus grants permission, and as soon as the demons enter them, the whole herd rushes into the Sea of Galilee, and drowns. Obviously, those keeping the herd are frightened and go into the nearby town to report this incredible event. The people of the town plead with Jesus to leave the region. Power (even in deliverance) can be disturbing!
3. Power over men
Matthew 8:18-22; 9:9
Matthew now gives three illustrations demonstrating Jesus’ right as king to ask people to follow him. He also has the right to deny requests from those who are motivated improperly.
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
Here a teacher of the Law (a scribe) approaches Jesus. Seemingly without thinking, he blurts out, "teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Though Jesus desires followers, he knows this man seeks fame, not true discipleship. And so Jesus illustrates that to follow him means sacrifice and suffering, not fame. Unlike foxes and birds that have homes, his followers are itinerants. Verse 20 is the first of numerous times Jesus refers to himself or was called by others the Son of Man. It points to Jesus as the Messiah (see Daniel 7:13-14) and also is a powerful reminder that Jesus has taken upon himself our full humanity. And he suffers to do so.
21 Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Here a man who is already Jesus’ disciple, requests permission to leave Jesus to bury his father. It’s likely that his father was not dead or even at the point of death. He is simply wanting to return home and wait until his father dies. Then he will follow Jesus. His request shows that he views discipleship as something that can be picked up or laid down at will. Moreover, he is putting material concerns above following Jesus, for he apparently wants to receive the estate when his father dies. Jesus’ reply is cryptic: Let the dead bury their own dead. The point is clear: following him must be our highest priority. Jesus understands that the physically dead must be cared for, but those who put such cares first, are those who are spiritually dead. This theme continues in Matthew 9:9.
9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
While it is not clear from either of the two preceding illustrations whether those men did follow Jesus, this third illustration is perfectly clear. Jesus meets a man named Matthew sitting in a tax collector’s booth. He collects taxes on customs paid at ports, in this case, Capernaum. To him Jesus issues the command, "Follow Me." Immediately, Matthew leaves his booth and follows Jesus. As King, Jesus has the right to select his disciples, and Matthew is no doubt profoundly impressed with Jesus’ person, teaching and authority over men.
4. Power over nature
Matthew 8:23-27
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" 26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
This incident shows that Jesus has authority over the realm of nature. Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee, a sea notorious for sudden storms that sweep across it. However, in the midst of a particularly furious storm, Jesus lies asleep. However, the disciples are horrified. Fearing death, they awaken Jesus. First he rebukes them: You of little faith (see Mat 6:30), why are you so afraid? Then He rebukes the wind and the waves and suddenly there is absolute calm. These disciples are seasoned fishermen—they have been through many storms on this sea that have suddenly ceased. But after the wind would stop, the waves would continue to chop for a while. No wonder Matthew records their amazement as they wondered what kind of man is this man Jesus. They are utterly amazed (ethaumasan; see Mat 9:33) at the supernatural character of the one whose rebuke is sufficient to bring nature into perfect peace. They are aware that the Messiah is predicted to do just this when he institutes his kingdom. And that is just who Jesus is; and his kingdom is present because he is present. Have no fear!
5. Power over sin
Matthew 9:1-8
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." 3 At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!" 4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7 And the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
Jesus returns to his hometown (Capernaum), on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. There the faith of some men is demonstrated when they bring to Jesus a paralytic, lying on a mat. Several religious leaders are present and hear Jesus tell the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Apparently the man’s infirmity is the result of his own sin. In making this shocking statement, Jesus is claiming divine authority, for only God can forgive sin (see Mark 2:7 and Luke 5:21). The leaders stumble over Jesus’ statement, and say to themselves that he is blaspheming. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asks them whether it is easier to say that one’s sins are forgiven, or to say get up and walk? While either statement could be spoken with ease, the first is “easier” in that it cannot be disproved by onlookers. But Jesus not only speaks the easy words of healing, he also speaks the words of forgiveness. The act of physical healing (which is seen), validates the act of granting forgiveness (which cannot be seen). As a result of this amazing demonstration of power, the crowd is filled with awe—the same reaction of the disciples when Jesus calms the storm (Mat 8:27). Recognizing the authority behind these acts of power, the crowd praises God.
6. Power over tradition
Matthew gives two examples:
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Shortly after Matthew began to follow Jesus (Mat 9:9), he holds this dinner in his home. The guests include his business associates—many tax collectors and “sinners.” Perhaps Matthew’s goal was to introduce them to the Savior. In any case, the Jews hate tax collectors, for they collect money to support the Romans, and in doing so usually take in more than necessary and pocket the difference. Thus the Pharisees, who never eat with such people, ask Jesus’ disciples why their Rabbi Jesus is eating with such evil people. Jesus’ response demonstrates that his goal is to reach out to any who know they are in need. Indeed, it is only sick people who need a doctor. Of course, the self-righteous Pharisees do not think that they are sinners (sick) so they are not seeking out the Lord (the Physician). The Pharisees always bring the proper sacrifices prescribed by the Law, but they are totally lacking in compassion toward sinners. When mercy is lacking, then such religious formalities are meaningless (see Hosea 6:6).
14 Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" 15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. 16 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Not only are the Pharisees questioning Jesus’ participation in this festive meal with tax collectors and “sinners,” but disciples of John the Baptist also question Jesus’ approach. It was right for John and his disciples to fast, for they are calling people to repentance and to the coming kingdom. But John’s disciples ask why Jesus’ followers are not fasting too. Jesus’ answer is that the kingdom is like a great feast (see Mat 22:2 and Isa 25:6), in this case a wedding banquet. Since the king was now present, it would be inappropriate for him or for his disciples to fast. At a wedding, people are happy and are eating, not mourning or fasting. However, Jesus does anticipate his coming rejection, adding that a time is coming when the bridegroom will be taken away.
Then Jesus adds a comment concerning the relationship between his ministry and that of John the Baptist. John is a reformer seeking to bring about repentance among those steeped in the traditions of Judaism. Jesus, however, is not out to patch up an old system. Doing so would be like sewing a new unshrunk cloth on an old garment, which would then tear, or pouring new wine into old wineskins, which would then burst (new wine continues to ferment and thus expand). No, Jesus’ purpose is to bring in something entirely new. He has come to lead a group out of Judaism into the kingdom based on him and his righteousness. Indeed, the true righteousness of God is not built on the Law or on Pharisaic traditions; it is built on Jesus, who fulfills the Law (Mat 5:17).
7. Power over death
Matthew 9:18-26
18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. 23 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24 he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Here two miracles are described. A ruler (probably the ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum), comes to Jesus and requests healing for his daughter. She has just died, he says, yet he believes that Jesus can restore her life. As Jesus went on the way to deal with the ruler’s daughter, he was interrupted by a woman who is immediately healed as she in faith reaches out and touches Jesus’ cloak. It’s important to note that this woman, due to her bleeding, is unclean under the Law (see Lev 15:19-30). If Jesus touches her, he too will become unclean. Nevertheless, Jesus stops, and with compassion refers to her as daughter (a term of affection). Jesus says that her faith is the reason she is healed. Undoubtedly the ruler’s heart is encouraged by this act of power over death, for he too has faith in Jesus. When the party arrives at the ruler’s home, a noisy crowd of mourners has already assembled to weep for the family. They believe the child is dead, and so when Jesus says she is asleep, they laugh. Jesus is not denying that she is dead. He is simply noting that, like sleep, her death is temporary, and she will rise from it. After the crowd is dismissed, Jesus raises the girl back to life. Such power truly belongs only to God, and news of the event spreads throughout the land (see v31).
8. Power over darkness
Matthew 9:27-31
27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
Here two blind men following after Jesus appeal to him as the Son of David, a title that clearly relates Jesus to the messianic line (see Mat 1:1). The men call Jesus Lord (v28)—in essence confirming his deity. Seeing their genuine and persistent faith, Jesus heals them, restoring their sight. In spite of Jesus’ warning to tell no one about this miracle, his fame continues to spread throughout the region (see Mat 9:26; 12:16). His warning is probably given to keep multitudes from thronging to him merely for the purpose of physical healing. While Jesus did heal many from physical diseases, his miracles were primarily to authenticate his claims. Jesus came primarily for spiritual healing, not physical healing.
9. Power over dumbness
Matthew 9:32-34
32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."
As the two formerly blind men leave the house, a demon-possessed man is brought to Jesus. The demon has prevented the man from speaking. Jesus immediately heals him. When this mute man speaks, the crowd is amazed (the Greek word here translated amazed is also used in Mat 8:27) and says, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” However, the religious leaders do not draw the same conclusion. They believe that Jesus is performing his miracles by the power of Satan, the prince of demons (see Mat 10:25; 12:22-37). Here the theme in Matthew of the rejection of Jesus (and his followers) by the religious leaders is coming to a head.
Conclusion
Who is this man Jesus? He is embraced by the common people, yet vilified by the religious elite in Israel. Matthew wants us to know him as he knows him—this is the Son of David—the King, the promised Messiah. The proof is in his words of power (Mat 5-7) and in his acts of power (Mat 8-9) that display his Messianic authority. This is Jesus the Christ. Listen to him! Follow him! Believe in him! He will set you free.