Gospel of Matthew - Matthew 8:1-17 - "Defilement, Distance & Faith"

At the closing of chapter 7 in the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount, the scriptures end with people being astonished at Jesus' doctrines because "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Today as we begin chapter 8, we see this same emphasis on Jesus' authority illustrated in both word and deed. God never asks us to believe without proving to us that His Word is truth. Here we see the importance of Jesus’ healing ministry. Faith removes all barriers to God. Those who come to Him by faith, “Lord, if you are willing,” can fully trust that God stands ready and able to help, to save, to heal, and to restore them.