Matthew 8:1–13 〈 Grace Given to the Unworthy, Authority Revealed Through Faith 〉

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📖 Matthew 8:1–13 〈 Grace Given to the Unworthy, Authority Revealed Through Faith 〉 

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion,
“Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.”
And his servant was healed at that moment.

✨ The Grace of Jesus Who Touches the Unclean

The man with leprosy was someone isolated and excluded from society.
He knew himself to be “unclean,” yet he came before Jesus and confessed,
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (Matt. 8:2).

He did not claim any worthiness of his own.
He trusted only in Jesus’ will and power.
Jesus did not avoid him, but reached out His hand and touched him.
The grace of God is stronger than impurity
and reaches even the most shameful places of our lives.

✨ Faith Under Authority, the Lord Who Works by His Word

The centurion, a Gentile, stood outside the center of Jewish society.
Yet he understood Jesus’ authority with remarkable clarity.
“Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matt. 8:8).

He believed Jesus to be the Lord who commands beyond distance and space.
Jesus marveled at this faith and said,
“I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

This reveals that trusting in Christ’s authority
is the channel through which salvation comes.

✨ The Kingdom of God Entered by Grace

Jesus declares that many Gentiles will take their place at the feast in the kingdom of God by faith (Matt. 8:11).
At the same time, those who assumed they belonged inside may find themselves outside.

Salvation is not about qualification, but grace.
Not by works, but by faith.
This is the light of the gospel.

We are all like the leper,
and at the same time, like the centurion—invited by grace.

🙏 Prayer

Gracious Lord,
thank You for coming first to us who were unworthy.
Keep us from thinking ourselves clean by our own standards,
and teach us to trust fully in Your will and Your Word.
May we rely not on form, background, or merit,
but hold fast only to the authority and grace of Jesus Christ.

🔍 Application

  • Examine whether you are bringing your own qualifications before the Lord.

  • In the face of problems, ask whether you trust circumstances more than God’s Word.

  • Remember that those from different backgrounds are also objects of grace, and share the gospel with them.

💡 Meditation Point

Jesus is the Lord who heals those who come to Him in faith.
Live today with the centurion’s confession:
“Just say the word.”
His grace will renew your life.

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