Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 8:1-17. Jesus’ Word of teaching has been effective of bringing forth the fruit of faith in the Sermon on the Mount. Now Jesus comes down the mountain to speak His Word of healing that also proves effective in undoing sin and its effects. A leper comes out of the crowd in faith toward Jesus, bowing down in worship and addressing Him as “Lord.” Knowing that Jesus is able, the leper prays that Jesus’ will would be done. As we have learned with the leper from Jesus’ teaching, Jesus’ will is to show mercy, and so He touches the leper, taking his disease and making him clean. As Jesus moves into Capernaum, a Gentile centurion approaches Jesus with the same faith as the Jewish leper. The centurion knows that the Word of the Lord will be effective even from a distance. Jesus marvels at this faith and once again gives according to His will; Jesus heals the centurion’s servant with His Word. Jesus then go