ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 8

Matt. 8:1–9:38 The Authoritative Power of the Messiah: Kingdom Power Demonstrated. Jesus has shown himself to be the Messiah through his teaching (chs. 5–7). Now he shows himself to be the Messiah through performing many miracles. His works demonstrate that the kingdom of God has arrived.

Matt. 8:2–3 leper. The OT provided specific guidelines for the examination and treatment of those with a variety of skin diseases. Generally called leprosy, many of these diseases were highly contagious (see Leviticus 13–14). Lord is the title of respect (similar to “Sir”) that people commonly used when they came to Jesus for aid. When the context in which it occurs shows a knowledge of its OT background, the word can be seen as an affirmation of Jesus’ deity (see note on 1 Cor. 12:4–6). make me clean. Leprosy made the leper and all who touched him ceremonially unclean (Lev. 13:45–46). But when Jesus touched him, he was healed.

Matt. 8:4 show yourself to the priest. Jesus instructs the man to do what the law required for lepers to return to society. say nothing to anyone. Jesus does not want to draw crowds who come simply for the sake of miracles. See also 9:30; 12:16; 16:20; 17:9.

Matt. 8:5–7 centurion. A Roman officer in charge of a hundred men. In the account of this miracle in Luke 7:1–5, others came to Jesus on the centurion’s behalf, but Matthew does not mention them. As is often the case, Matthew shortens the story. He reports what the centurion said through his messengers (see note on John 3:17).

Matt. 8:8 not worthy. A Jew who entered a Gentile’s home became ceremonially unclean (see Acts 10:28).

Matt. 8:11–12 recline at table. A reference to the future messianic banquet in the kingdom of heaven (Rev. 19:9) that will fulfill God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:3). sons of the kingdom. A Jewish term for the nation of Israel. They will lose their claim to the kingdom unless they follow the centurion’s example of faith. weeping and gnashing of teeth. This description of terrible suffering in hell appears several times (Matt. 13:42; 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28).

Matt. 8:16–17 He took our illnesses and bore our diseases refers to Isaiah’s prophecy of the servant (see Isa. 53:4).

Matt. 8:19 scribe. An expert in handling written documents. In Israel, scribes’ duties included teaching, interpretation, and regulation of the law.

Matt. 8:20 Son of Man (see note on John 1:51; see Dan. 7:13) is Jesus’ favorite way of describing himself. It shows the true meaning of his identity and ministry: (1) the humble servant who has come to forgive common sinners (Matt. 9:6); (2) the suffering servant whose atoning death and resurrection will redeem his people (16:13, 27–28); and (3) the glorious King and Judge who will return to establish God’s kingdom on earth (25:31; 26:64).

Matt. 8:22 leave the dead to bury their own dead. While Jesus clearly upholds the biblical command to honor father and mother (see 15:1–9), the call to follow him is more important than any other relationship.

Matt. 8:26 little faith. See note on 6:30. rebuked. Jesus is able to command even the forces of nature, just as God is.

Matt. 8:28 In Matthew, the phrase other side often indicates a journey from Jewish to Gentile territory and vice versa (14:22; 16:5). Gadarenes refers to the town of Gadara, about 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of the Sea of Galilee, and the surrounding region (see Mark 5:1).

Matt. 8:29 before the time. The demons know that they will be judged and punished at God’s appointed time.

Matt. 8:30–34 The herd of pigs (about 2,000; Mark 5:13) would have been raised for food in this Gentile region on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee.