JESUS IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HEAL

Matthew 8:5-7

5.  "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6.  And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7.  And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him."

Our verses of focus are teeming with valuable information. In verse 5, we are introduced to a centurion. Who was centurion? He was an officer in the army of ancient Rome, who had one hundred men under his command. In other words, he was a man of authority. It is of paramount importance to note that although the centurion had earthly  power, he was cognizant that his power was limited, and therefore, he must submit to the Omnipotent (all-powerful) God. The centurion had a problem that he could not solve. As a result, he went beseechingly; imploringly; pleadingly to Jesus to get help for his servant.

Verse 6 records the centurion's plight. He said, "Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy (a condition of uncontrollable tremor of the body), grievously tormented (having intense and excruciating pain)."

What lessons can we learn from the centurion?

1. He  was a caring and compassionate officer, who realized the urgent need to intercede on behalf of his sick, helpless servant.

We must be concerned about the welfare of others, regardless of their stations in life. We must do all in our power to bring relief to their pain.

2. The centurion did not allow his societal position to create a barrier between Jesus and himself. He humbly understood that all of us stand in need of Jesus' help.

3. The centurion knew that Jesus was the Divine Healer, the Great Physician, and he was confident that Jesus would heal his servant.

Verse 7 states, "Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him." Jesus understands the desperate need for healing and He assured the centurion that He would restore health to his servant.

Jesus always honours our faith in Him.  The words of 3 John 1:2  state, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

This is Jesus' desire for each of us.