Seminaries and Institutes
Matthew 8-9

“Matthew 8-9,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)

“Matthew 8-9,” New Testament Student Study Guide

Matthew 8–9

Jesus Performs Many Miracles

After Jesus taught His great Sermon on the Mount, He went among the people, teaching them and also performing many miracles. In Matthew 8–9 is recorded several miracles Jesus performed while He was in the area near the Sea of Galilee.

What might be the importance of these miracles? Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught that while most often “our Lord in his ministry is preaching the gospel of the kingdom; … announcing to all men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come,” the Savior also performed miracles, as “visible evidences in the eyes of all, believers and nonbelievers alike, that he has more than mortal power. They are proof, as it were, that his words are true” (Mortal Messiah, 2:42; see also Matthew 11:3–5). Elder McConkie also taught that “miracles of themselves do not convert men to the truth. … But miracles may so impress the sincere investigator as to cause him to take the steps that lead to faith” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:81).

As you read the accounts in Matthew 8–9 of miracles Jesus performed, consider what they teach you about Jesus and ways each miracle could strengthen your faith and encourage you to more fully trust in Him.

Other Accounts of What You Read in Matthew 8–9

Matthew 8:1–4—Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16

Matthew 8:5–13—Luke 7:1–10

Matthew 8:14–15—Mark 1:29–31; Luke 4:38–39

Matthew 8:18–22—Luke 9:57–62

Matthew 8:23–27—Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25

Matthew 8:28–34—Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39

Matthew 9:1–17—Mark 2:1–22; Luke 5:17–39

Matthew 9:18–26—Mark 5:21–43; Luke 8:40–56

Matthew 9:35–38—Luke 10:2–3

Studying the Scriptures

Do three of the following activities (A–D) as you study Matthew 8–9.

  1. Great Examples of Faith

    1. Matthew 8:5–13 tells the story of a leader in the Roman army—a Gentile, not an Israelite—who sought help from the Savior. What did the Savior say in verse 10 about the centurion’s faith compared to the faith of the Israelites of that day?

    2. From what you read in Matthew 8:5–9, explain at least two ways the centurion showed remarkable faith.

    3. What did the woman in Matthew 9:20–22 and the men in Matthew 9:27–29 do to show their faith?

    4. Choose an area of your life or a teaching of the gospel in which you would like to have more faith. How could the example of the centurion, the woman, or the two men help you increase your faith in that area?

  2. “Perhaps the Greatest Miracle”

    Elder John A. Widtsoe, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “I have come to understand that perhaps the greatest miracle in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the transformation that comes to a man or a woman who in faith accepts the truth of the gospel and who then lives it in his or her life. … As new and greater truths come, as the understanding of them develops within us if we accept and live them, we are transformed from ordinary men into new powers and possibilities” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1952, 34).

    Among all the stories found in Matthew 9, which do you think is perhaps the best example of the kind of miracle Elder Widtsoe spoke about? Why?

  3. When to See the Doctor

    1. According to Matthew 9:10–12, who needs a doctor?

    2. How could these verses help you grow spiritually?

    3. How could they help you as you try to help another person join the Church or come back into activity?

  4. Laborers Wanted

    1. According to Matthew 9:36–38, how did Jesus feel? Why did He feel that way?

    2. Write an imaginary advertisement for a newspaper, asking for people to apply for this “labour” Jesus spoke of in Matthew 9:36–38. Include in the advertisement the qualifications you think Jesus would want of those who serve with Him.