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The Healing Power of Jesus

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” MATTHEW 8:1-4 NLT

I MUST RUN TO JESUS IN MY SUFFERING

Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” MATTHEW 8:2 NLT

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. MATTHEW 28:18 NLT

The first step toward healing is running to Jesus as our only authority. 

JESUS MEETS MY SUFFERING WITH COMPASSION

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. MATTHEW 8:3 NLT

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” MARK 1:41 NLT

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. LAMENTATIONS 3:22 NIV

“The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” PSALM 103:13 NLT

I MUST FOLLOW AND LIVE OUT JESUS’ COMMAND

Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” MATTHEW 8:4 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to reflect with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite the Holy Spirit to guide this time. What comes to mind when you hear the word “suffering?” Think about how you’ve experienced suffering in your own life or with those around you. What response do you tend to have toward suffering (relief, revenge, restoration, etc)? Even if you have not experienced much suffering, invite God to show you what you run to when faced with pain, discomfort, or frustration. Now, reflect on how you’ve experienced the compassion of Jesus in times of distress or grief. Consider how you could bring your own or others suffering under the authority and compassion of Jesus. Begin by embracing His love for you in this moment. Remember, He was willing to suffer – for all of our sin – because of His great love for us. Jesus has the power to heal any afflictions, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. What healing do you seek? Share this with Him openly now. Often when Jesus healed someone, He also gave a brief instruction for them to obey. Ask Him if there is anything He wants you to follow and obey now. Is there someone in your life that God wants you to share the compassion and power of Jesus with? Commit to taking action this week, then close in prayer thanking God for this time spent together.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What’s a “1st-world problem” you’ve found yourself overly upset about lately?
  2. START HERE: When life gets difficult, what do you tend to turn to for relief or escape?
  3. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT). What can we learn about Jesus from this passage?
  4. KEEP GOING: What stands out to you most about the leper’s approach to Jesus?
  5. KEEP GOING: What are some reasons nowadays that people might hesitate to run to Jesus in their suffering?
  6. KEEP GOING: Why do you think Jesus touched the leper instead of just speaking a word?
  7. KEEP GOING: How does Jesus’ compassion challenge your behavior toward people you avoid?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: If you really believed Jesus had all authority in your life, what decision or mindset would change this week?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Who in your life needs to experience your compassion this week?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Pray together for people who are suffering, both in and outside your group, to experience the compassion of Jesus.