Matthew, 8
21. Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
21. Another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
St. Matthew 8 begins with Jesus performing several miracles, including the healing of a leper and the healing of the servant of a centurion. He then calms a storm in the sea and releases two men possessed by demons. The topics covered in this chapter include faith, the power of Jesus about evil diseases and spiritual forces and the importance of following Jesus.
James 5:15: "The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven." The cure of disease is a recurring theme in the Gospels, and here James also speaks of the prayer of faith as something powerful to save the sick.
Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not have to fight against flesh and blood, but rather against principalities, against the powers, against the princes of darkness of this century, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." This passage speaks of the spiritual battle that is happening in our world, and which is overcome by the power of Jesus.
Hebrews 11:6: "Now, without faith it is impossible to please him; for it is necessary that he who approaches God believes that he exists, and that he is a rewarding of those who seek him." Faith is a central theme throughout the chapter of St. Matthew 8, and this passage in Hebrews highlights the importance of faith in our spiritual life.
Mark 5:19: "But Jesus did not allow him, but he said unto him, Go to thy house, to thy, and announce how great the Lord has done to you, and as the mercy of you had." This verse speaks of the importance of witnessing the great things Jesus has done in our lives, as well as the healed man of demons in St. Matthew 8 is instructed to do.
John 14:6: "Jesus said unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but for me." Jesus is the way to salvation and a full and abundant life. This theme is emphasized throughout the chapter of St. Matthew 8, where people come to Jesus to receive healing and liberation.
“Deus não opera prodígios onde não há fé.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
