“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”[b] Matthew 8.16-17
Jesus is at the house of Peter, in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. From my past visits to the region, its a gorgeous location! He has just healed Peter’s mother unlaw, her name not given, with a touch of his hand, and she is now up and serving her guests. The house is open for ministry and miracles.
The text tells us that when evening came, “many who were demon-possessed were brought to him.” Now this would wake the neighbors! If we know anything from Scripture, those who are demon-possessed are anything but quiet. They are loud, often shouting and screaming, certainly unclean, and cause quite a racket. I wonder if the neighbors approved? I wonder if they called the authorities about a violation of a noise ordinance? I wonder who it woke and how it distracted from the quiet and calm of the Galilean village?
So it wasn’t just one demon-possessed person, it was “many.” Five? Seven? Twenty? And as they came to Peter’s house, the now healed mother in law provided food and drink, Peter managed the door and the guests, and Jesus “drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” Now it would be easy to take this message in a number of directions. We could focus on the ministry of service, hospitality, administration. We could examine why so many people filled with demons were brought to Jesus. We could even explore the cultural context of healing and how Jesus’ miracles were unmatched by anyone else ever in history.
But I’d like to focus on the next Scripture in v.17, also Isaiah 53.4 which says, “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” This is a prophetic word from Isaiah written to be fulfilled by God’s Chosen One, his Messiah, Immanuel — God with us. Jesus did many good things, but what he did best was heal the broken. And aren’t we all broken? Some by pride, some by lust, some by greed, some by demons and all by sin. Jesus is in the restoring business and those disciples who come alongside of him are eager to join in with the work.
Have you experienced his healing? Have you felt his love? Are you now sharing that with others? Allow Jesus who healed so many on the shores of Galilee that night to bring healing to your life today.
“O Lord God, you are good. In the midst of my struggles, you lighten the load. You relieve the pain, restore the promise. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me be all that you have called and created me to be. Send forth your Holy Spirit that we might walk in the way that leads to life eternal. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen