Matthew 8-9, Psalm 126

I just noticed something: The Bible's book of Matthew, chapter 7, ends with the observation of the crowds who heard Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, namely that he taught as one who had authority. In Matthew, chapter 8, a series of events underscores the crowd's insight into Jesus' authority.

• In Matthew 8:1-4 Jesus exercises his authority over disease. He heals a man of leprosy, and by the way, sends the man to the recognized religious authorities, the priests, "as a testimony to them."
• In Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus shows his authority over disease again by healing a centurion's servant who is at some distance away. The centurion bears witness to Jesus' authority, since he is "a man under authority."
• In Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus displays authority over nature. He speaks to a storm and calms it. His disciples are amazed. They asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
• In Matthew 8:28-34 Jesus confronts demons and proves his authority over them. Two demon-possessed men are freed of their affliction
• In Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus heals and forgives a paralyzed man. Again the crowds who witnessed his actions were amazed: "When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man."
• Finally, Jesus confronts the authority of social and religious customs. In Matthew 9:9-12 Jesus says a word and Matthew the tax collector immediately leaves his lucrative business and follows Jesus. Later, by sharing a meal at Matthew's house, Jesus reveals his authority versus that of the Pharisees.

Here is a question for reflection, then: In what ways does my relationship with Jesus acknowledge his authority?