Jesus healed them all

Devotional on Matthew 8:16-17

Background

Jesus had just come down from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He taught with divine authority. Now, in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5), He demonstrates that authority through miraculous healings and deliverances. This passage occurs early in His ministry, showing that His words were matched by His power. He didn’t just preach about the Kingdom; He brought it, and that kingdom included healing and restoration for those who were sick.

Scripture (NASB)

“When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and carried our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17)

Greek Definitions:

• Healed (therapeuó, 2323): To serve, care for, restore to health. It implies attentiveness, personal care. He was like the doctor who listened to all your complaints. Jesus didn’t just wave a hand; He listened and engaged with the sick.

• Demon-possessed (daimonizomai, 1139): To be under the control of an evil spirit.

  
  What does that mean? Well, I suppose first evil spirits tempt, and when we fall into sin, they may eventually control (or take over our conscious thinking) about our decisions. Whether it’s lust or greed, or? .. you name it. However, in the Greek this term was also used to describe those who were deaf, mute, paralyzed, and had seizures or epilepsy. Think of children with spastic cerebral palsy? Do you think of those problems as being demon influenced? Could Satan himself have influenced and corrupted the gene pool at some point in history? Do these “genetic” mutations, birth-defects, and other inherent problems occur because of the fall of man?

• Jesus’ authority over demons proved His divine power. He is the creator. It’s not magic, when HE speaks – the creation obeys with just one of his words!

Reflection

Jesus didn’t heal and deliver because it made Him popular or prove a point. He did it because He loved us. Period. Full stop. His healing ministry fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 53:4) that said He would bear our sicknesses. Every healing was a glimpse of the cross, where He’d take our sin and suffering.

Notice how He healed all who came. No one was too broken, too sinful, or too far gone. The same power that casts out demons and cured diseases is available to us today, not just for physical healing, but for the soul’s deepest wounds.

Application

How can we apply this message to our lives today?

Trust in who Jesus is. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NASB)

This powerful statement reminds us of that God’s nature, His promises, and His power never changes. No matter what shifts in the world or in our lives, He remains constant—faithful, sovereign, and unchanging in His love and truth. If he healed when he walked on earth, has he changed? Has his power changed?

The power that silenced demons and cured diseases with a single word is more than enough to understand and help with your struggles.

Bring Him your fears, your sickness, yes – bring him ALL your sickness, and your battles. He longs to guide you, deliver you, and heal you. He cares deeply and acts with authority.

See healing not just as relief in the moment, but as a sign of HIS divine Kingdom. Every miracle Jesus performed pointed forward to the day when all sickness, pain, and evil will be wiped away forever.

Just as people brought the sick to Him, we have the privilege of bringing others to Jesus through prayer, love, and practical help. His healing isn’t meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared. James (one of Jesus apostles) said; “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 (KJV):

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,

You took our infirmities and carried our diseases. By your stripes, and because you were the perfect sacrifice for our sins, we are healed.

You are the same healer today. Help me trust Your power in my weakness and use me to bring Your restoration to others. Help me to lead them to you, because it’s your righteousness and your kindness that leads to repentance.

Remind me that every healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual—points to Your ultimate victory.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Journal

• Recall a time when Jesus brought healing or deliverance in your life. How did it deepen your faith?

• Who in your life needs Jesus’ healing touch? Write their name and commit to praying for them this week.

• Reflect on Isaiah 53:4. How does it change your view of suffering to know Jesus bore it for you?

May we never lose the wonder of a Savior who doesn’t just speak healing—He is healing.