PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
October 20, 2024
Matthew 8:1-22
Context:
After the sermon on the mount, a large crowd followed Jesus. The grouping of events concludes with Jesus giving hard to hear instruction to some who claimed to want to follow Jesus. In between, Jesus heals people and casts out demons. The next section will begin to separate the close followers of Jesus (known as His disciples) from the rest of the masses. Even though the 12 will not be named until chapter 10, Jesus lays the groundwork for both the mission and commitment of the His followers.
The ministry took place in Galilee territory. Jesus grew up in Galilee so the area was familiar. Peter’s mother-in-law lived in Capernaum which figures central to the account. In the next section, Jesus will travel to area associated with Gentiles. In some ways, the geography relays the expanding ministry of Jesus.
Structure:
1-4 – I am willing (v 3)
5-13 – as you have believed, let it be done for you (v 13)
14- 17 – what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled (v 17)
18-22 – follow me and let the dead bury their own dead (v 22)
Key Ideas: faith, healing, following
Some things to think about: