My last blog from Psalm 16 showed how Jesus meets all our needs. Youth feel Christianity is irrelevant to their lives. They learn Bible stories as a child but see no connection to their daily lives. Statistics show many Christian young people are leaving the church today. Matthew 8 shows how Christ meets physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Instead of spending money or asking for advice, these people sought Jesus first. God is pleased when someone asks Him for healing. The request indicates faith. God also shows special concern for those living on the margins of society.

He demonstrated His power to heal individuals with a variety of spiritual, emotional and physical diseases: 
1. Cure Diseases (Matt. 8:3)
2. Restore Deformities (Matt. 8:6-7)
3. Heal Sicknesses (Matt. 8:14-15)
4. Cast Out Demons (Matt. 8:16)
5. Subdue Creation (Matt. 8:26)

Jesus healed many who were considered outcasts like the leper who He touched (Matt. 8:1-4). Leprosy was thought of like AIDS is today. Christ healed the centurion’s servant with a word (Matt 8:5-13). The centurion, similar to immigrants or refugees in our country, was of minority ethnic background compared to the majority population of Israelites. An example of gender bias was Peter’s mother-in-law who Jesus healed (Matt. 8:14-15).

What is our responsibility to being healed? Jesus responds positively when we:
1. Show humility and confidence in Christ’s power to heal (Matt. 8:2-3)
2. Offer specific requests (Matt. 8:6)
3. Submit to Christ’s authority (Matt. 8:8-9)
4. Show faith in Christ’s power to heal (Matt. 8:10)

Oftentimes, a person living in the margins of society or who is disenfranchised, would love someone to take an interest and get to know him or her as a real person. Spending time with others and actively listening to what they have to say allows those being shunned or ignored by society to experience God’s love firsthand. Authentic relationships can be the first step toward physical, emotional or spiritual healing (Matt. 8:1-17). We see Christ spending time with those in need.   

Young and old people today are growing tired and skeptical of what they believe is modern-day Christianity. But Jesus is still in the healing business. 

Martin Luther said, “A gospel that does not deal with the issues of the day is not the gospel at all.”

Which of the four responsibilities below will you apply to a circumstance you are facing today?
1. Show
humility and confidence in Christ’s power to heal     (Matt. 8:2-3)
2. Offer specific requests (Matt. 8:6)
3. Submit to Christ’s authority (Matt. 8:8-9)
4 .Show faith in Christ’s power to heal (Matt. 8:10)


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