In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood reflects on two powerful and unexpected encounters with Jesus in Matthew 8 that reveal how Christ heals, saves, and expands our understanding of faith.
First, Jesus touches and cleanses a leper—someone considered untouchable and defiled. Rather than becoming unclean Himself, Jesus makes the unclean clean. This encounter invites listeners to consider modern forms of “leprosy,” including habitual sins and addictions, and why true healing requires both confession and an ongoing process of restoration.
Second, Jesus encounters a Roman centurion whose extraordinary faith causes Him to marvel. The centurion sees by faith what even the disciples had not yet grasped: that Gentiles are invited into God’s covenant promises. This passage corrects the idea that God has separate plans of salvation for Jews and Gentiles and points instead to one unified plan in Christ—foreshadowing God’s end-time work among Israel.
This episode offers rich biblical insight into healing, faith, and God’s redemptive plan for all peoples.
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