Matthew 8:16-22

Miracles demanded a following Matthew 8:16-22: Matthew tells us the Jesus did that which Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would do. (Matthew 8:16-17) "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick." (Matthew 8:16.) Isaiah had said, "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness." (Isaiah 53:4) Observe carefully that Jesus healed all that were sick and He simply did it "with a word."

The text in Isaiah likely refers to the taking away of our sin. However, the lesson is clear, just as Jesus healed the physical infirmities He is able to heal (forgive) the sins of the soul. Matthew referred to the prediction of Isaiah, concerning miraculous healing of physical bodies as a prophecy of the salvation of souls by Jesus.

Discipleship cost and those that follow Jesus must make the necessary sacrifices. Jesus said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Those that followed Jesus were called upon to give up many of the comforts of life. Those that follow Him do not do so for earthly gain. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with our spiritual service to Christ. "But Jesus said to him, follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." (Matthew 8:22.) Jesus is the Son of God. His miracles prove Him to be so. He deserves our following.