R³ Devotional - Day 280

October 7th, 2025
by Anderson Baptist Church

R³ Devotional - Day 280 - Matthew 8

By: Anderson Baptist Church

Matthew 8 is rich with demonstrations of Jesus’ authority—over sickness, storms, spiritual forces, and even social boundaries. It’s a powerful chapter for stirring faith and calling the church to bold trust and compassionate action.

Matthew 8:1-4 — Jesus heals a man with leprosy
Matthew 8:5-13 — The faith of the centurion
Matthew 8:23-27 — Jesus calms the storm
Matthew 8:28-34 — Jesus delivers two demon-possessed men

Faith That Moves Toward Jesus "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." — Matt 8:2

Real-Life Principle: Faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it moves toward Jesus with confidence in His power and humility in His presence.

Relevant Life Application:

In personal life: Encourage believers to bring their brokenness, doubts, and needs directly to Jesus. He welcomes the bold and the desperate.
In leadership: Model vulnerability and dependence on Christ. Let faith be seen not just in preaching, but in how leaders pray, serve, and respond to challenges.
In outreach: Teach that faith is not about having it all together—it’s about trusting the One who does. Invite people to come as they are.

Jesus Has Authority Over Every Storm "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. — Matthew 8:26

Real-Life Principle: Jesus doesn’t just calm storms—He’s present in them. His authority brings peace, even when circumstances remain uncertain.

Relevant Life Application:

In ministry: Equip the church to respond to crisis with prayer and confidence, not panic. Create rhythms of worship that anchor people in truth.
In family life: Teach children and youth that Jesus is trustworthy in every season. Share testimonies of how He’s shown up in past storms.
In community: Be a calming presence in anxious spaces. Let the church be known as a place of peace, not fear.

Ready Action Steps And Reflection