August 27, 2023 - Matthew 8-11

“When he came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Right away a man with a serious skin disease came up and knelt before Him, saying, 'Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean” (8:1,2). If you are willing! My goodness, our God is willing! Throughout the Old Testament, he was willing. He reached out to Israel all day long, year after year. Jesus went from town to town doing good. Always, he was willing to help those who asked him! The only thing that kept Israel from receiving God's blessing was her stubborn refusal. The only thing that kept the scribes and Pharisees from receiving life was their own hardness and sin.

How did Jesus respond to the centurion? “I will . . .” (8:7). And he was willing time and time again: “Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd” (9:35,36).

What a wonderful Savior we have! The woman with the issue of blood could testify!

In faith she touched the hem of His garment

As to His side she stole,

Amid the crowd that gathered around Him,

And straightway she was whole.

She came with fear and trembling before Him—

She knew her Lord had come;

She felt that from Him virtue had healed her,

The mighty deed was done. [Refrain]

He turned with, “Daughter, be of good comfort,

Thy faith hath made thee whole,”

And peace which passeth all understanding

With gladness filled her soul. --George F. Root (1878)