And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching. For He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes…that evening they brought to Him many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. Matthew 7:28 – 29; 8:16 As Matthew enters the second discourse describing Jesus’ ministry, he is interested in showing how the Kingdom of God advances under the authority of Jesus. The entire section (Ch. 8 – 10) contains story after story of Jesus’ power over everything from disease & demons to dietary laws & death. There is no greater power than His. And Christ uses His power to heal and restore what sin and Satan has destroyed. Today we will look at the first three miracles of healing. Outline: Introduction: The Structure of Matthew’s Gospel The Kingdom Advances on Christ’s Authority Christ’s Authority is Reflected in His Word and Works His Word and Works Reveal His Will and Priorities His Will and Priorities Result in Healing and Restoration o Healing for the Alienated & Outcast - The Untouchable Leper (8:1 – 4) o Healing for the Lowest & Least – The Invisible Servant (8:5 – 13) o Healing for the Ignored and Taken for Granted – The Elderly Woman (8:14 – 17) Discussion Questions: The kingdom of God is always advancing, though we may live in a time, place and experience that is not aware of the advance. Jesus’ words are true in Matthew 16:18 – ‘I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ Matthew records several ways that Christ the King has power and authority to advance His kingdom on earth and accomplish His will. What makes Christ’s Word and His Works stand out from all other words and works? According to Matthew’s account, what are the priorities of Christ’s kingdom? Which of the three people healed in today’s Scripture do you identify with the most? Why? Application: We must all live under authority. In fact, our response to authority in our lives directly affects the maturing of our faith and character (cf. Eph. 6:1 – 3; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1 – 5). If you want to take the next step of applying the Scripture we studied today, why don’t you do an inventory of your history with authority issues. How did you respond to God as you lived out humble submission in your childhood, in marriage and family life, in school, on a sports team, at work or in church? Do you see authority figures as people placed in your life by God (cf. Rom. 13:1)? Has the Spirit of God put His finger on an area you need to pray about?