Snapshots of Power, Far and Near

In this message centering on Matthew 8:5–17, Chuck Swindoll examines three specific "vignettes" or snapshots that display the awesome power of Jesus Christ over impossible situations. Swindoll defines this divine power as Jesus’ ability to do whatever He wishes, whenever He chooses, always within His plan and purpose. The sermon explores three distinct scenarios: healing at a distance, healing up close, and healing the multitudes. First, Swindoll highlights the Centurion’s servant, a case of healing from a distance. He focuses on the Centurion's humility and deep understanding of authority. The Roman officer recognized that Jesus did not need to be physically present to heal; He only needed to "say the word," demonstrating a faith that amazed even Jesus [12, 17–18]. Second, the message moves to Peter’s mother-in-law, a case of healing that was up close and personal. Jesus entered the home, touched her hand, and instantly banished her fever, allowing her to rise and serve immediately. Finally, Swindoll addresses the healing of demonized and "sick" people who came to Jesus in the evening. Swindoll explains that Jesus cast out spirits with a simple command, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that He "took our sicknesses and removed our diseases". The sermon concludes with a compassionate application for those facing "impossible situations"—whether it be physical distance from a loved one, a waiting period for healing, or the torment of addiction—urging listeners to trust in the limitless, invisible, yet invincible power of Christ [9, 26–29].

Message Key Facts:

• Definition of Divine Power: Swindoll offers a specific definition for the power of Jesus: "Jesus can do whatever he wishes whenever he chooses always within his plan and purpose for his glory and our good".
• The "Awesome" Rule: Swindoll urges the congregation to reserve the word "awesome" for God alone, noting that His power is "unlimited, independent, absolute, and authoritative" [10–11].
• The "Schindler" Comparison: Swindoll compares the Centurion to Oscar Schindler. Like Schindler, who spent his fortune protecting Jews during World War II, this Roman Centurion built a synagogue for the Jews (referenced in Luke 7) and deeply cared for the life of his servant [15–16].
• Healing at a Distance: The healing of the Centurion's servant demonstrates omnipresence. Jesus proved He can work in places where He is not physically present, meaning distance is never a barrier to faith.
• Understanding Authority: The Centurion’s faith was grounded in his military background. He knew that just as his soldiers obeyed his command to "go," sickness would obey Jesus' command to leave.
• Immediate Recovery: In the case of Peter's mother-in-law, there was no recovery period. The moment Jesus touched her, the fever left, and she began preparing a meal (which Swindoll humorously suggests might have been "leftovers").
• The Meaning of "Sick" (Kakos): Swindoll notes that the Greek word used for the sick in verse 16 is kakos, which often means "bad" or "evil." Citing Walter Bauer’s lexicon, Swindoll suggests these people may have been socially and morally reprehensible outcasts ("bad people") whom Jesus mercifully restored.
• Demon Possession: Swindoll recounts a personal experience from his time in the Marine Corps in Okinawa, where he witnessed a demonized woman whom five men could not control. He uses this to underscore the reality of spiritual torment and Jesus’ power to cast out spirits with a "simple command" [22–23].

Message References:

• Matthew 8:5–17: The primary text covering the three miracles: the Centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and the multitudes.
• Luke 7:1–10: A correlated passage providing more detail on the Centurion’s character and his relationship with the Jewish community.
• Matthew 8:8: The Centurion’s statement of faith: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home; just say the word from where you are and my servant will be healed".
• Matthew 8:10: Jesus’ response: "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen Faith like this in all Israel".
• Matthew 8:17 / Isaiah 53:4: The fulfillment of prophecy: "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases".
• Psalm 139: Referenced regarding God being intimately acquainted with all our ways.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll