Lesson Eight (Chapter 8)
Miracles
“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.’”
Matthew 8:16-17
Introduction
- Last week we finished the “Sermon on the Mount”, where we saw that Yeshua taught Torah to His talmidim [disciples]. We saw that He discussed what Kingdom people “looked like” and acted like.
- We saw that Yeshua wanted His talmidim to know that G-d’s Word, His Torah was always about relationship. He showed them that the Kingdom message (i.e. “Repent, the Kingdom of G-d is at hand!”) was about restoring relationship to G-d, and to His Word.
- Chapter 8 and 9 are known as the “Miracle Chapters”. These are not just “miracles” – they are about showing specific Messianic authority – and restoring relationship.
Tamei – T’hor
- Torah has much about tamei and t’hor. Although usually translated “unclean” and “clean” – they are NOT about “ritual cleanness” – they are about separation and relationship.
- Better definitions: tamei: fragmented or separated; t’hor: restored or whole.
- There are varying degrees of the state of tamei. The worse being in contact with a dead person – the least something like menstruation etc.
- Tamei meant being separate from the Tabernacle/Temple. It also meant some sort of separation from other people.
- Being in a state of tamei did NOT in and of itself constitute sin. It was also seen more of a state of heightened spiritual awareness – a time of possible danger (separated from others to some degree, and separated from Temple service).
The Leper
- Matt 8:1-4: One with “leprosy” – not Hanson’s Disease. The second most serious state of tamei [uncleanness, separation, fragmentation].
- Lev 13:44-46; Lev 14:1-20: Leprosy was seen as a condition which was caused by sins of division – thus the condition caused separation from others and service in the Temple. Example: Miriam after speaking against Moses.
- Supernatural origin – and supernatural healing. Repentance was the only “cure” for the sages – and only G-d could heal. A priest declared when someone had tzarrat. A priest then had to declare when they were no longer afflicted.
- The “leper” recognized Yeshua's authority – and asks to be made t’hor [clean] – not to be healed. Yeshua declares him t’hor and heals him. No longer tamei – relationship restored.
- Yeshua commands him to go to the priest to be recognized as t’hor, in obedience to Torah.
- Yeshua warns him not to tell anyone – because this healing would be clearly seen as a claim to Deity.
The Gentile Centurion
- 8:5-13: Luke tells us that this Gentile was a friend of Israel – a “G-d-fearer”.
- Tradition (not Torah) did not permit eating with or going into the home of a Gentile – they were considered tamei [unclean].
- Yeshua offers to go to into his house (tradition does not bind the Master of life).
- Yeshua marvels at his faith. The thing that he marvels at is not that he believes in distance healing – but that the Gentile understands Yeshua's authority.
- Again, one considered tamei, fragmented, (in this case not according to Torah) – finds nearness and a relationship
- 8:11-12: Gentiles to sit at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! So much for the tradition of not eating with the “unclean” Gentile.
Peter’s Mother-in-law
- 8:15-16: Peter’s mother-in-law.
- Yeshua has authority to heal with only a touch.
- After being healed – relationship is restored.
Healing after the Sabbath
- 8:16-17: “when evening had come” – phrase for the end of the Sabbath. He will heal on the Sabbath, later. Even though not forbidden in Torah, this would have been confrontational – so here we see Him healing after the Sabbath is over..
- Diseases and demonized – He has spiritual authority
- “Tamei spirits” [unclean spirits]. Yeshua cast them out with a word. Restored relationship – no longer tamei.
- Isaiah 53:4: Bore sickness and infirmities. Note: the healing spoken of in 53:5 is dealt with in 1Peter 2:4 – healing from the condemnation of sin.
Marine Assault into Gentile Territory
- 8:23-34: Yeshua sets out by boat to Gentile territory – not to preach the Kingdom message – but as a “shot across the bow” to the Enemy.
- Spiritual forces at work in the storm on the Lake. Yeshua has the authority to calm the waves – and power over the authorities of darkness. Compare “great faith of Centurion to the “little faith” of the talmidim – definition of faith here: knowing that Yeshua has the authority!
- Landing in Gergesenes (means “a stranger comes near”). 2 demoniacs confront Him from the tombs. The were tamei, in tamei tombs. Yeshua casts the demons into tamei animals. Relationship restored.
- Demons know Who He is – but are confused as to why He was there early. Their time was coming, later…
- The ger [aliens, Gentiles] of the region asked Him to leave – they wanted no relationship.
Summary
- Those seeking “righteousness” without a relationship with G-d will never find it.
- Those seeking fellowship and religion without a relationship with G-d will never find it.
- If we approach Scripture with an attitude of one seeking a relationship with the Holy One of Israel – and as such we will always see Him.
- Are you in a state of spiritual tamei – separated from G-d and others? Yeshua has the answer: draw near.