PREPARING FOR THE SERMON
October 27, 2024
Matthew 8:23-9:8
Context:
The two healings, along with the casting of the demons into the herd of swine, occurs in all three synoptic gospels. The chronological timeline differs between the books differs. Jesus often travelled across the Sea of Galilee. The sequence of events is not central to the message, but Matthew’s layout does provide a thematic grouping.
The occurrence of two trips in quick succession along with the intermittent encounter with the townspeople all provide a call to faith from unique perspectives. One group claims faith but does not evidence it. A second group sees direct and compelling evidence to believe, yet they reject faith. The third group demonstrates faith from a previously unlikely source. The third group also contrasts the friends’ faith with the unbelief of the scribes.
Structure:
23-27 – you men of little faith (v 26)
28-34 – they pleaded with Him to leave their region (v 34)
9:1-8 – your sins are forgiven (v 2)
Key Ideas: faith, miracles, healing, exorcism
Some things to think about: