Matthew 8: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

A leper approaches Jesus, worshiping him and asking to be made clean. Jesus touches him and says, 'I want to. Be made clean,' and the leper is healed (vv.

Key verse

“He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
Matthew 8:26 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 8:1–4 Healing a Leper
Matthew 8:5–13 Faith of the Centurion
Matthew 8:14–17 Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law
Matthew 8:18–22 Cost of Discipleship
Matthew 8:23–27 Calming the Storm
Matthew 8:28–34 Casting Out Demons

Discussion questions

In v2, what does the leper ask Jesus to do for him?
What does the centurion express about his worthiness in v8?
Jesus' statement about 'the children of the Kingdom' in v12: what does this imply about inclusion?
In v27, why do the men marvel at Jesus after He calms the storm?
When have you felt unworthy like the centurion in v8 when approaching someone for help?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 8: 1 Peter 2, Isaiah 53, Luke 8.

Before next time: read Matthew 9.