Matthew 8:1-34 - Exposition

MESSIAH 'S WORK AS COMPLEMENTARY TO HIS TEACHING . We return in this section to matter which resembles that of Mark and Luke, and undoubtedly belongs to the Framework ( vide Introduction).

St. Matthew has given a lengthy summary of the teaching of the Christ, and he now supplements it by a summary of his daily work. He is not concerned with the chronological connexion of the incidents here narrated, for this is evidently to him a matter of but secondary importance. He only desires to bring out different aspects of the Lord's life. Thus he notices—

1. Christ's miracles of healing, and the secret of his ability to perform them (verses 1-17).

2. The personal trials that Christ incurred in his work (verse 18- Matthew 9:8 ).

3. The liberty of the gospel as shown by Christ's treatment of the outcast, and his answer to those who insisted on fasting ( Matthew 9:9-17 ).

4. The completeness of his healing power ( Matthew 9:18-34 ).