“The Master’s Guide to Greatness” Part 1 When You Need a Miracle Matthew 8:1-17

Matthew 8:1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.

Matthew 8:1 “as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:29).

The crowd that was amazed at the authority of His words will see the authority of His works.

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy 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 8:2-4 (NIV)

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy…(Matthew 8:2-4) The man with leprosy respected Jesus and knelt before him and said, “Lord, - v.2

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy…(Matthew 8:2-4) The man was aware he was an outcast if you are willing, you can make me clean.” (v.2)

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy…(Matthew 8:2-4) Jesus broke a barrier to cleanse him Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man (v.3)

Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy…(Matthew 8:2-4) “‘Or if he touches human uncleanness—anything that would make him unclean—even though he is unaware of it, when he learns of it he will be guilty. - Leviticus 5:3

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” (vv.5-6)

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) A Roman soldier was required to serve for 20 years and was not permitted to have legal families during their time of service.

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) A Roman centurion rose up through the ranks, was commander of an unit of about 70 – 80 people and was usually “knighted” upon retirement.

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus was willing to break ethnic barriers for the sake of someone in need. Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” (v.7)

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) The centurion is sensitive to Jewish traditions 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. (v.8)

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) The centurion understands the authority of Jesus For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) The centurion understands the authority of Jesus and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (v.9)

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus uses the occasion to teach about inclusion and exclusion in the kingdom When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him,

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus uses the occasion to teach about inclusion and exclusion in the kingdom “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus uses the occasion to teach about inclusion and exclusion in the kingdom 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.

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus uses the occasion to teach about inclusion and exclusion in the kingdom But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (vv.10-12)

Jesus heals a sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13) 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. (v.13)

Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in- law (Matthew 8:14-17) When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her,

Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in- law (Matthew 8:14-17) Jesus broke a social barrier when he touched a woman. She responded by “serving” Jesus. and she got up and began to wait on him.

Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in- law (Matthew 8:14-17) 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.

Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in- law (Matthew 8:14-17) This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” (vv.16-17)

Bottom Line: In order to make a difference in the lives of others, we need to let God make a difference in us.

Bottom Line: Living a life of greatness requires a great faith. The Christian religion has promoted the myth that faith is power.

Bottom Line: Living a life of greatness requires a great faith. Faith is confessing we lack power and we need a greater power to assist us in our place of helplessness.

Bottom Line: Living a life of greatness is not a life you inherit.

Bottom Line: Living a life of greatness demands that we abandon ethnic and cultural prejudice.

Bottom Line: