Matthew 8:6

Sunday, 2 March 2025

 

saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” Matthew 8:6

 

“And saying, ‘Lord, my servant, he has been cast in the house, paralyzed, tormenting terribly” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus entered Capernaum, at that time, Matthew records that a centurion came to him, pleading. Now, his reason for coming to the Lord is given, beginning with the words, “And saying, ‘Lord, my servant, he has been cast in the house.”

 

The word balló, to throw or cast, is used. It is a way of saying that a sickness took hold of him and cast him so that he is unable to stand against it. Further, it is a perfect participle, it was something that occurred at some point previously and continues until the present. The idea here is reflected in the words of Revelation 2 when referring to the false prophetess called Jezebel –

 

“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” Revelation 2:21, 22

 

Understanding this, that which had cast the servant is next stated, he is “paralyzed, tormenting terribly.”

 

The word translated as tormenting basanizó signifies to torment or torture. In this case, it is a physical affliction which is a tormenting trial targeting his human physique. That is then supplemented by the word deinós, terribly. It is found only here and in Luke 11:53.

 

It gives the sense of being grievously or vehemently strong. The NKJV “dreadfully tormented” gets the thought across quite well. The centurion is looking for relief for one of his servants who is in agony and unable to recover.

 

He has turned to Jesus as a hope-filled opportunity, knowing that such an affliction would be beyond the ability of doctors to correct.

 

Life application: This is a fallen world where, as often as not, things don’t operate well. Sickness is a part of the human condition, and some have greater afflictions than others. In not knowing God personally through His word, people will use this fallen state to deny the existence of God, speak ill of Him (as if they are owed perfection), or claim that He is incompetent.

 

In John 9, we read these words –

 

“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
3 Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’” John 9:1-4

 

This person was born blind. That was simply his state. Whatever he thought about God and his condition, Jesus was able to cure him and reveal to the world what He is capable of doing.

 

It is not God who is incompetent or uncaring. The Bible tells us that God gave man idyllic perfection. However, he wanted something he was told he could not have. Even if God knew he would do this, it is not God’s fault that he did.

 

Humanity continues to suffer the consequences of that bad decision, but God did not leave it at that and say, “Well, this is how it will be henceforth.” Rather, He promised He would deal with the issue. The Bible shows us how He has been doing so and it even tells us what it will be like when everything we messed up is finally corrected.

 

Instead of blaming God for our trials, and instead of thinking God is uncaring about the difficulties and sadnesses in our lives, we have a responsibility to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who has come to restore all things.

 

Do we want to live our lives in a miserable state, seeking our own happiness in order to use up our time as best we can? Or do we want to live in the joy of the Lord, thanking Him for what we have and what is to come?

 

The difference in one’s attitude will reflect where his priorities are. The more you can mentally overcome the trials you are faced with, the greater the testimony you will be to those around you who need the same confidence that you display.

 

Jesus healed the blind. Jesus promised to bring us into His light and goodness for all eternity. If we believe the first, we should also believe the latter. And if we do, why allow the trials of this life to hold us down?

 

We are so grateful to You, O God for the knowledge that this present world is not all You have in store for us. Rather, we have a heavenly hope of life that is truly life. Help us to focus on that and to be reassured always in the promises You have made. Amen.