Matt. 8:1-17 – Here are three incidents noting Jesus’ response to those who were ill: a leper, the Centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus, in taking care of people’s physical infirmities, helps me understand that ministering to people’s physical needs is an important aspect of kingdom work. It demonstrates compassion, and a disciple cannot imitate his/her Master without exuding compassion. The attention to the material needs of a person many times softens the person’s heart toward the message of the Kingdom. Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out of her by Jesus. Her response was to faithfully follow Jesus and minister to His needs with monetary support.
Matt. 8:18-27 – Jesus wants His disciples to know there is a cost to following Him. No one should ever think it is “easy” in the sense that it does not take much effort. There will be hardships (“no place to lay your head” ), and there will be sacrifices (“let the dead bury the dead”). These hardships and sacrifices require a need for ardent trust in God’s care as you follow Jesus, especially during the “storms” of life.
Matt. 8:28-34 – Some will not want to be around Jesus or follow Him because of the loss (their “herd of pigs” may die). But this is why disciples “lose their lives” (Matt. 10:39), in order to see life come to “dead” people. Whatever I give up for the Kingdom of God is worth the loss because the end result is life to the “dead” and life to me. (And really, how great is that trade!)