The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5–7

Beatitudes — character of disciples and God’s rewards
Salt and light — disciples should be different
Jesus and the Law — actions and the heart
Love enemies / treat others as you want to be treated
Giving, prayer and fasting — focus on God
Seek first God’s kingdom
Hear Jesus’ words and do them
Wise builder — house built on rock

The Healing of a Leper

Luke 5:12–16; Mark 1:40–45

“If you will, you can make me clean”
Jesus touches him — “Be clean”
Healing immediate
Show yourself to the priest
Man spreads the news
Jesus can no longer openly enter towns
Crowds continue to come
Jesus withdraws and prays

The Centurion’s Servant

Matthew 8:5–13

Powerful man approaches with humility
Understands authority
Centurion — delegated authority
Jesus — greater authority
“Only say the word”
Jesus marvels at his faith
“No one in Israel” with such faith
Servant healed immediately

The Nature of Discipleship

Matthew 8:18–22

“I will follow you wherever you go”
Son of Man — nowhere to lay his head
Following Jesus may cost comfort and security
“Follow me”
Discipleship demands priorities
Following Jesus comes first

Calming the Storm

Matthew 8:23–27

Great storm — boat swamped
Jesus asleep
“Save us, Lord”
“Why are you afraid?”
Jesus rebukes winds and sea
Great calm
Authority demonstrated by his word
“What sort of man is this?”

The Gadarene Demoniacs

Matthew 8:28–34

Two fierce demon-possessed men
No one could pass that way
Demons recognize Jesus
“Before the time?”
Jesus permits demons to enter pigs
Herd rushes into sea
Jesus demonstrates authority over demons
People ask Jesus to leave