By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
EVERY LIFE VALUED
Matthew 8:1–4, 14–17; 9:1–8
Humanity is unique in God’s created order because we bear the image of the Creator. As such, we have an innate dignity and worth based on who we are and Whose we are.
From the moment of conception until we breathe our last, human life is precious.
Some human beings forsake their inalienable right to life when they rob it from others who bear the image of God (Gen. 9:5–6). We memorialize the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday each January as a reminder of the Supreme Court decision in 1973 that legalized abortion, allowing for more than 60 million unborn babies to be put to death legally in the United States.
Leprosy (8:1–4)
Jesus is Lord over skin diseases. He demonstrates this during an encounter with a man with leprosy. This man knew Jesus had authority, and he believed Jesus could cleanse him. He surrendered his own will to the will of Jesus: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” As a result, Jesus heals him of his infirmity.
Leviticus 13–14 provides instructions for diagnosing leprosy and other related ailments, as well as priestly inspection of those diseases to determine when healing had occurred.
Jesus told the healed man to follow the Torah’s teaching so his family and community would have an official notification from the priest that he had been healed.
Fever and Demon Possession (14–17)
Jesus is Lord over fever. Peter’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Jesus touched her and the fever left. Jesus didn’t need drugs to heal her fever — no NyQuil, no aspirin and not ibuprofen. He simply healed her.
Jesus is Lord over demons. Several people with demons were brought to Jesus, and He drove the spirits out of each one.
Jesus also healed others who were sick with various diseases. Matthew once again points to the fulfillment of Scripture, citing Isaiah 53:4.
Paralysis (9:1–8)
Jesus is Lord over paralysis. In chapters 8–9, Jesus demonstrates His authority over paralysis.
Matthew 8:5–13 records Jesus healing the paralytic son of a Roman centurion after the soldier expressed his faith in Jesus. Another healing of paralysis takes place when men carry their friend on a stretcher to Jesus.
Jesus is Lord over sin. In this second encounter, Jesus tells the paralytic man that his sins are forgiven. Jesus addresses the man’s spiritual needs first. This declaration is not received well by religious scribes who claim Jesus is blaspheming by offering forgiveness only God can offer.
Jesus is Lord over doubt. While the scribes did not trust in Jesus’ words, the man trusted Him. When Jesus told him that his sins were forgiven, he believed it. When Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk, he got up and went home!
In response, the crowds were amazed by the words of Jesus, and they glorified God for giving such authority to a man.
How does this relate to the sanctity of human life? Each one of these individuals whom Jesus healed was someone who bore the image of God and had inherent worth. They were not without sin, but they needed the healing touch of Jesus.
There are people in your life in need of spiritual healing, mental healing and physical healing. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. Bring them to Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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