INTRODUCTION
In the Pentateuch, Moses came down from the mountain and led Israel through a wilderness of rebellion and judgment. Jesus the new Moses comes down from the mountain at the head of a great multitude (8:1). But his journey is a journey of healing, not judgment.

THE TEXT
“When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him . . . .” (Matthew 8:1-17).

MANY WONDERFUL WORKS
In Matthew 8-9, Jesus performs ten powerful acts (cleanse leper, heal paralytic, heal fever, calm storm, cast out demons, heal paralytic, raise dead girl, heal woman with blood, give two blind men sight, cast out demon from a dumb man). These match, and invert, the ten rebellions of Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:22). The works are arranged in a rhythm that is somewhat reminiscent of the pattern of the plagues of Egypt: 1) Three acts (8:1-15; 8:23-9:8; 9:18-34 – this last includes a story of double healing); 2) Explanation of Jesus’ ministry (8:16-17; 9:10-17; 9:35-38); 3) Call to discipleship (8:18-22; 9:9; 10:1-42). As Jesus performs these works, there is growing opposition from the Pharisees. There is no opposition in the first cycle (8:1-17), but when Jesus casts demons from the Gadarene demoniacs, people start getting upset (8:34; 9:3, 10-17, 34). Already, we see the kingdom’s reversal: Centurions and tax collectors are coming into the kingdom, while the Pharisees attack Jesus.

LORD OF HEALTH

Jesus’ ministry is a ministry of healing. He comes to bring life, to restore life to those who are unclean and sick. Leprosy normally communicates uncleanness, but Jesus communicates cleanness to the leper with a touch (8:3), and sends him off to be re-integrated into Israel through the Mosaic rites of cleansing. Jesus never even sees the centurion’s “boy,” but heals Him with an authoritative word (vv. 8-9, 13). He heals Peter’s mother-in-law of an infernal “burning” sickness with a touch (vv. 14-15). In each case, Jesus heals on His own authority. He cleanses the leper because He is willing (v. 2); the centurion comes asking Jesus for help; Jesus has power over demons and sicknesses (v. 16).

TAKING INFIRMITIES
Matthew explains these healings with a reference to Isaiah 53. We normally think of Isaiah 53 as a passage about the death of Jesus for our sins, and it is certainly that. But Matthew (translating from the Hebrew) emphasizes that Jesus takes not only sins but infirmities, weakness, and disease upon Himself so that He can bear them away. He not only bears our sins on the cross, but throughout His life He is bearing disease, as the great High Priest.

FOLLOW ME
When people from the crowd come to become disciples of Jesus, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship. It means giving up the comforts of home, and leaving father and mother to cleave to Jesus. Discipleship also means participating in the healing ministry of Jesus. Being a disciple is not just about being saved; it’s about being Jesus’ instrument to bring health.