Lion + LambSýnishorn

Prayer: Jesus, I believe what the Bible says about You. I believe that You were capable of healing lepers while You were on the Earth, and I believe You are capable of healing sickness today. Bolster my faith in You and Your divine ability today. 

The Miracle-Working Lion

Imagine finding yourself as one of Jesus Christ’s disciples at this point in His ministry. This man had quickly proven Himself unique ... He was a descendent of David, He was birthed by a virgin, God literally spoke the moment He was baptized, He defeated Satan in the wilderness after starving Himself for forty days, and He taught like no teacher before Him. 

“What else is this man capable of?” is a natural question. Today’s verses answer that question, introducing us to a new chapter in Jesus’ ministry-- His miracles. These miracles teach us more and more about the Lion of Judah, but we should be diligent not to miss what the healing of the leper here in Matthew 8 teaches us. 

Jesus, the Lion of Judah, has authority over sickness.

What a needed message for early 2020! If this message is true, then our response to today’s viruses and the future’s illnesses should be completely derived from this knowledge.

Look in the Word: 

1. Look over Leviticus 13-14. With this context in mind, does this situation seem more significant? 
2. Look closely at the leper’s actions and words in verse 2. What do you notice about the way he approaches Jesus? 
3. Now, look at Jesus’ actions and words in verse 3. What do you notice about the way He approaches this unclean leper? 

What’s Next? 

1. Knowing that Jesus has authority over sickness should completely shape the way God’s people respond to COVID-19. Think and write out how you can respond more appropriately. 
2. Once you’ve done this, take a few minutes and pray a few big prayers. Ask God to heal the sick, end the spread of the virus, protect you and your loved ones, and most importantly, to draw people to Himself. He is capable of answering every one of those prayers, after all.