We have read Jesus’ teaching; the spotlight now turns to His miracles, revealing His power. There are 12 incidents in chapters 8 and 9. Then, in chapter 10, He empowers His disciples to do the same.

People are astonished at His teaching, and amazed at His miracles. Chapter 11 provides an explanation; they are not performed as a divine magic show, but as part of the overall purpose in demonstrating that Jesus is the Messiah, “Are you the Coming One?” (11.3)

V1-4    The first specific miracle recorded in Matthew. We see Jesus willingness and compassion ; the caring king. The leprous man addresses His as “Lord,” as in v6, 25. Jesus too shows respect for the scriptures, sending the man to the priest, which is important for Matthew’s Jewish readers.

V5-7    The healing of the centurion’s servant. This miracle presents an opportunity for Jesus to teach further, indicating the close link between His teaching and His miracles. Miracles may be seen as parables, which need to be applied and explained.

            Matthew writes clearly and accurately, setting the scene.

V8-9    “Just say the word;” the centurion is confident of Jesus’ power and authority; He speaks and it comes to pass. The centurion is himself a man of authority, understanding the power of a human word; how much greater is the power of a word owned by God Himself?

V10     Great commendation of his faith. There is no reference to Jewish ritual; only a life of faith pleases God, compare Acts 9.29.

V11-12            Gentiles to be saved, and Jews lost; these words challenge Jewish assumptions that only Jews could enjoy God’s kingdom.

V13     The healing is performed immediately, as Jesus words are fulfilled. We therefore expect that His words about the kingdom will also be fulfilled.

V14-15            Peter’s mother-in-law; a short incident, again revealing Jesus’ compassion and power.

V16-17            The close of a busy day; multitudes healed. The Isaiah prophecy is applied to Jesus’ life here; He took away the people’s infirmities, bearing away their sicknesses. This is consistent with Luke 8.46, in that it cost Jesus to do so.

V18-22            Multitudes come to Jesus, presumably because of His miracles. He takes the opportunity to challenge the commitment of the teacher of the law, and of others. See also Luke 9.57-62,  where the incident is placed later, after the transfiguration (although, of course, Jesus likely said such things many times).

            A teacher of the law would have followed a Rabbi, learning from him, passing on his wisdom, and perhaps adding a little of his own. But commitment to the Lord is altogether more costly. Even earthly security and family ties must take second place to Jesus. See also 10.34-39; we need to give proper priority and balance in our lives.

V23     When Jesus gets into the boat, His disciples follow Him, but others didn’t. The teacher of the law did not follow Him “wherever you go.”

V24-27            The calming of the storm presents an opportunity to teach about faith, see note at v5-7. Through faith circumstances can be changed, and fear turned to peace.

            The disciples, now described as mere “men,” are amazed at what happens. Yet they prayed “Lord, save us,” and He did this.

V28-34            To do good means to oppose evil; Jesus Christ always went around doing good, demonstrating that the power of God, being good, is greater.

            Matthew is an eye-witness to events that follow, and presumably saw two demon-possessed men. Mark and Luke record only one, Legion, and perhaps tell his story. Thus, the apparent contradiction is readily resolved. Further, where Matthew records two witnesses, these provide stronger testimony to the power of Christ.

V28     The journey across the lake, from v23, arriving in the land of Gadara. Matthew describes the scene clearly and accurately; demons are active because of the Lord’s presence.

V29     The demons recognise Jesus’ power; James 2.19. Thus the incident is provided to demonstrate His power and authority, not to explain exhaustively the Bible doctrine of demons.

V30-31            The presence of pigs is a shame to faithful Jews. It is therefore implied that the Jews there were not faithful to the law of God.

V32     The enemy, once within the pigs, goes straight into death. Such is the influence of Satan.

V33-34            The people are fearful, not welcoming the glorious deliverance; somehow the people prefer demon-possessed men to the Lord of glory. Even so, the power of Christ cannot be tamed, even by faithless Jews.

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