Jesus’ Compassion And Power To Heal
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 8:1-13 and Psalm 41:7-13 (NIV)
(Constance Wong, Worship & Music Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 8:1-13 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This passage illustrates Jesus’ compassion and power to heal. Jesus healed a leper and a Roman centurion’s servant — people whom society regarded as unclean or insignificant. Lepers were excluded and considered untouchable, yet Jesus had compassion on the leper, touching and healing him. Likewise, Jesus did not consider the centurion’s servant unimportant; He spoke the word and the servant was healed.
Both the leper and the centurion demonstrated a posture of humility and complete trust in Jesus’ power to heal. The leper knelt before Jesus, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The centurion did not use his status or power to compel Jesus to heal his servant. Instead, he felt he did not deserve to have Jesus come under his roof. Acknowledging Jesus’ authority, he said, “But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” His remarkable faith drew high praise from Jesus.
The centurion’s compassion for his servant is also striking. Despite his servant’s lowly status, the centurion cared enough to seek healing from Jesus on his behalf.
APPLY:
Reflecting on this passage has led me to search my heart:
– Do I notice those in my community who are suffering, unseen, or excluded? Do I reach out to them with compassion, just like Jesus and the centurion?
– When I pray, do I pray with expectant faith and humility?
– How do I respond to Jesus’ authority over me? When Jesus says, “Do this,” do I obey promptly, or do I argue, make excuses, or delay?
DO:
I will:
1. Ask God to help me be more intentional in noticing and reaching out with compassion to those who feel unseen or excluded.
2. Respond to Jesus’ authority with humility, reverence, and obedience.
3. Pray with expectant faith, trusting God to act in His own way and time.
PRAY:
Lord Jesus, You see and love those whom society overlooks or excludes. You bring hope, healing, and restoration to the sick and the suffering. Help me to see as You see, and to reach out with compassion to those who feel unseen or unimportant. Help me to live out my faith in obedience, trusting Your goodness, submitting to Your authority, and obeying Your Spirit’s promptings without excuse or delay. In Your name, Amen.
