Matthew 8:14-17 - Seeking Miracles

Jesus is more than willing to heal.  Here is another example where Jesus in His compassion reaches out to a feverish woman who happens to be Peter's mother-in-law.  He heals her, and she gets up to wait on Him.  This shows the power of His touch.  When I am sick, I am a big baby (ask my wife).  As I get over being sick, I want to slowly work myself back into a routine (probably because I am used to being cared for).  Peter's mom-in-law gets up and feels like cleaning the house.  Jesus is powerful!

That evening, Jesus spent more time healing all who came and casting out demons with just a word.  His compassion and power were all too readily revealed.  So much so, Matthew uses this as a reason to bring up further Scriptural proof that Jesus was the Messiah.   He quotes from Isaiah 53:4.

As I am studying this text and reading what others have said, I have been struck by the thought that ever since what is now called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been involved with miracle after miracle.  If ever there was Scriptural basis for Mark 16:9-20, then this may be it.  Even after telling the leper not to tell others, opportunity after opportunity presented itself for Christ to do what He is willing to do.

Yet at the same time, I am struck by why He told the leper not to say anything.  People were no longer coming to hear the good news.  They were no longer looking for a messenger.  They were looking for a miracle.  Mark's gospel says (paraphrased), "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation...and these signs will accompany those who believe."

I wonder if these people seeking a healing touch were getting the cart before the horse.  Were they leaving as believers in a Messiah or in a miracle worker?  And still, Jesus healed all who came.  His compassion was greater than their faith.  I have great faith in the miraculous works of Christ, and I still believe that He is healing and does heal people.  I know He is still willing and still active in our lives.  I like seeing moves of God and watching His power manifested in His people.

However, as a Pentecostal minister, I wonder if some people are hungrier for a cheapened gospel message so they can get on with the "God show."  God show me your works.  God show me your miracles.  God show me the money...


Does God want to be a showman?  By no means, and this shows in verse 18.  Am I denigrating the church or His people?  By no means.  I am a Christian Education pastor and my first concern is for the growth and maturity of Christians.  My fear is that many who seek the charismatic flair and forsake the gospel message end up getting hurt far worse because their hope only exists for the God show.  They get hurt when God doesn't obey their very wishes because they have a sophomoric view of Scripture.

God has a voice, and He used it to give us a collection of writings that are called "sacred" and "infallible".  I believe His Word is both.  I am a big proponent of using God's Word as the primary text of revelation (or preaching).  Does God reveal Himself in miracles?  Absolutely.  Are people blessed by the moves of God?  Without question. Can they mature in this alone?  That is the real question.

Isaiah tells us in 53:4 that the Suffering Servant takes up our infirmities and carries our diseases.  For Jesus, all of these moments were teachable moments.  So we have to ask ourselves, what is being taught, and what are we learning?

• In light of the Scripture, how do you view my comments?
• Do you have a regular time for studying the Bible?
• Do you believe in God's healing and miracles?  If not, what are some roadblocks to believing?

Recommended reading:
What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey
Hidden Power: Tap into a kingdom principle that will change you forever by Tommy Barnett