No Power Can Stop Faith

By Dennis Herman

This book is a collection of short stories from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark about people who came to Jesus to be healed physically and spiritually. What led them to Jesus? What were their needs? The world in Jesus' day was not much different than it is today. We still have needs. We still feel something is missing. We still search for answers. We pray, plead, wait for answers. Some times we hear a voice, see an answer to prayer, or receive a blessing. Other times we feel like we are adrift in a sea of silence, so far away from God. What can we learn from the people who left them homes to travel long distances to find Jesus? Maybe we are like people who waited until Jesus came to them. How do we find Jesus today? What can we learn from the people Jesus touched and healed? One thing is certain … when the answer arrives, the solution is always much easier than we ever imagined. Jesus already touched someone just like you. See how He effected their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304319364

Book preview

lives.

Chapter 1

Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus Baptized 

Matthew 8:1-4 Jesus Heals a Leper 

Matthew 8:5-13 The Centurion 

Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus Calms the Sea 

Matthew 8:28-34 Demonics

Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus Baptized

Matthew 3:13-17 MKJV  Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him.  (14)  But John restrained Him, saying, I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?  (15)  And answering Jesus said to him, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him.  (16)  And Jesus, when He had been baptized, went up immediately out of the water. And lo, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Him.  (17)  And lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

As Jesus approached the Jordan river, He paused for a moment along the road.  Slowly His eyes gazed over the landscape taking in details of its simple beauty.  Stately trees with leaves of jade, nourished with the reliable waters of the Jordan. Grass slowly swaying in the breeze.  Flowers of purple, red, and blue adding a distinct contrast to the carpet of green.  A butterfly fluttering from flower to flower, seeking nectar while carrying the next generation of pollen along its slender body.  The vivid colors singing out praises to God as it unfolds it wings which had just been folded in prayer.  Jesus thought of how vulnerable such a tender creator is.   So small, colorful and defenseless.  Jesus smiled as He pondered the message the butterfly spoke to Him.  He knew the life of the butterfly reflected His own.  Although surrounded by others, He would be alone.  His life like the colors of the butterfly could not help but attract attention.  His life, like that of the butterfly was totally reliant upon God for protection.  Jesus knew this was His last chance to stand alone in His thoughts during the light of day.  Jesus knew His next steps would change His life, and the world forever.  

As He approached the side of a hill Jesus took a deep breath, and spoke in His normal tone of voice, Father I am ready, .  As He came up over the brink, He paused again.  This time His eyes fastened upon another display of colors, those worn by a group of priests sent to gather information about a strange man with even stranger actions and words.  To many this man was simply known as John the Baptist.  

The priests in their stately robes were gathered to His left, while people from all walks of life waited patiently on His right.  In the middle, about fifteen or twenty paces out in the river stood John with a small group of men helping people in and out of the water.  Jesus turned to His right, walked down the hill, and quietly waited in line with the others listening to their comments as John spoke in a loud, clear voice about repentance, water, the Holy Ghost, and fire.  People around Him asked one another, is this the Messiah?  Is this the one the scriptures tell about?  Are we about to be freed from bondage and oppression?  

One by one the people filed into the water, accepted baptism from John, and come out praising God,  giving thanks for new hope in their lives.  As Jesus began to enter the water a look of awe fell upon John’s face.  He pointed and declared, behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.  John 1:29.  

John struggled against the weight of the water as he tried to run to Jesus.  As he reached Him, John knelt before Him, grasping Jesus’ waist and said, I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?  Jesus answered, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness.  

John stood up and turned around as Jesus began walking to deeper water.  They walked in an embrace with each placing his arm on the others shoulder.  As they paused, the clouds began to separate.  Jesus stood in the water with His right shoulder against John’s chest, both His hands grasping John’s right hand as John’s left hand was across Jesus’ back.  John let Jesus into the water back first.  As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Him.  And lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Why was Jesus’ baptism by John part of God’s plan?  If you think of it, Jesus, the Son of God was baptized by a human.  What does John’s miraculous birth and education by God have to do with Jesus’ baptism?   

Matthew 8:1-4 Jesus Heals a Leper

Matthew 8:1-4 MKJV  When He had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.  (2)  And behold, a leper came and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.  (3)  And Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, I will; be clean! And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.  (4)  And Jesus said to him, See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest. And offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

After Jesus finished His sermon on the mountain, teaching God’s commandments in the manner in  which they were meant to be taught, the people praised His teaching saying, He wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority.  (Matthew 7:29 GNB)  

As Jesus made His way down from the steep mountain accompanied by a very large group of His followers touched by His message, they were met by small groups of people making their way up to hear Jesus speak.  Jesus’ attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance.  As He approached the scene the small crowd’s attention was drawn to Jesus.  Immediately Jesus could feel something was wrong.  The Spirit kept leading Jesus forward as some of the people in the crowd were attempting to redirect His path.  Jesus gently moved aside one person after another until reaching the other side of the group where He found a man wrapped in rags and smelling of death.  Clearly this man was a leper.  Jesus instantly understood why some of the people tried to keep Him away.  They did not understand His mission, power, or grace.  

Keeping His distance, the leper immediately fell to his knees.  Breaking into prayer the leper pleaded for mercy.  Son of David, I ask you for mercy from the most high and infinite God, Creator of all Heaven and earth.  Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.    

With compassion in His eyes, Jesus began to approach the leper.  Mummers and gasps could be heard from the crowd as Jesus neared the broken and wasted man in front of Him.  Some tried to cry out a warning to Jesus, but their voices were stopped by unseen angels gathered among the people.  Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, I will; be clean!  

Silence fell over the mountain side as the leper slumped down, Jesus’ hand still upon his shoulder.  After a few seconds, still in a kneeling position the leper straightened up.  Jesus put his hand under the lepers arm helping him up.  Once standing, the leper began removing the rag wrapped about his head and face.  There was no sign of leprosy.  Jesus helped him unwrap his hands, which appeared as strong and fresh as any man’s hands.  Upon examining his hands the leper raised them into the air in a sign of praise to God.  Feeling renewed energy in his muscles and joints, he quickly moved about the crowd in a large circular pattern to share his joy with everyone in sight.  Much to his surprise, the people still moved away from him much like they had before he was healed.  They just could not believe what had happened before their eyes.  

At the end of his circle he came face to face with Jesus, the only smiling face in sight.  The two couldn’t help but embrace.  Jesus whispered in his ear, See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest. And offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.  Upon hearing Jesus’  command, the newly created man turn and left.  

Many authors have written about the leper. Most writers have put an emphasis on compiling a detailed list focusing on the medical aspect of leprosy. Others have loosely referenced Biblical terms concerning this illness. Unfortunately, most have neglected to reference the actual text, failing to give proper credit to the original Author and Healer. Some of the comments on the leper have pointed out the social pains and how they added to the physical pain. And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be. KJV Leviticus 13:45-46.

Although aspects of this subject may be interesting, they fail to teach the spiritual lesson contained within this acted parable. By rule, any text illustrating a point or action beyond the normal physical laws of nature must contain a spiritual lesson. Before this text was written there were very few people healed from leprosy. The Bible makes it clear, this should have been received as a great miracle.

How do we unlock the spiritual lesson in the story of the leper Jesus healed? To unlock the spiritual meaning we first identify the key words. In this case the answer is elementary. The first key word identified is leper. The next step is to compare other texts containing the word leper. This leads us to Leviticus 14 which describes what appears to be a very strange ceremony. This is our second clue. Whenever God introduces a ceremony which may seem strange to most people it will of course contain a simple explanation, explained only by the word of God.

KJV Leviticus 14:2 MKJV. This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: 3. And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper;

KJV Leviticus 14: 13 MKJV. And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy: 14. And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

KJV Leviticus 14: 17 MKJV. And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering: 18. And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord. 19. And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering: 20. And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

Anyone who has read through the Bible has read this ceremony before. This is the point in a study when the Holy Spirit begins to establish His presence. A faithful follower of God’s word will have a small voice within them, directing them to look further. A devout student of the word will find the missing piece of this puzzle by allowing the Spirit to lead, dedicating a little time to conduct a simple search.

Common sense will indicate, there is something strange about putting blood on the right ear, thumb and big toe. It should be obvious, these are key words demanding additional study. A simple search will reveal a similar ceremony recorded in Exodus.

KJV Exodus 29: 1 KJV. And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest’s office: take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

KJV Exodus 29:19 KJV. And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram. 20. Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

This should now make perfect sense. A diligent search has revealed one spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ healing of the leper. When this leper presented himself before the priests, they knew they had to perform a ceremony. Most likely they have never performed this ceremony. When was the last time a leper had been healed? They had no choice but to look to the scriptures for the answer. Point number one. Jesus’ parables are designed to lead people back to the word.

Imagine the expression on their faces as the priests realized, the ceremony they must now perform for a leper is the same ceremony performed for a priest, the high priest. This put the priests at a cross roads. They could either follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and the scriptures which clearly show God sees no difference between a leper in rags and the high priest, or they could become enraged at yet another miracle performed by Jesus. They could refuse to perform the ceremony based on the fact, in the eyes of the people, this would put a leper on the same level as the high priest.

Another point of interest in Leviticus 14.  Atonement is mentioned three times in reference to cleaning a leper.  In error the priests viewed leprosy as a punishment from God, and attributed the cause of the disease to sin.  Knowing how the priests would misinterpret the disease, God included signs of an atonement in the ceremony.  By recognizing the cleansing of the leper by Jesus, the priests were also confirming Jesus’ ability to forgive sins.  

God has His own way of reaching out to teach a lesson.  

Matthew 8:5-13 The Centurion

Matthew 8:5-13 KJV  And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,  (6)  And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.  (7)  And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  (8)  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  (9)  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  (10)  When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.  (11)  And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.  (12)  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  (13)  And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Riding home after a long week of military maneuvers under the relenting middle eastern sun and cold lonely nights, Marcus lingered for a moment to experience the scene before him.  He marveled at the sight of the setting sun which seemed to pause, resting upon the horizon.  His first thought was the fact he was glad it was going down, as he looked forward to the coolness of the night.  Slowly his mind drifted to the wonders of the world and the sun that rose every morning, and its setting every evening.  He admired the perfect form, and the vivid colors highlighted by the red hue of the setting sun, Marcus let out a deep soothing sigh as he thought of being in the arms of his wife, and the greeting he was about to receive from his son.  It’s been the same routine every time he returned home, but also one that he would not give up for anything.  

Riding up to the stable Marcus dismounted, wondering why Lucas was not there to greet him.  Assuming Lucas had more important business to attend to, Marcus tied his horse to the fence post, and headed for the house looking forward to a quick bath, then social activities and company of the evening meal.  Opening the door Marcus was not met by the usual happy smile and embrace of his wife, or the excited greeting of his son.  Instead his ears heard the sound of weeping.  Marcus walked in.  As he turned the corner, he saw the family and a few servants gathered around his son’s bed.  Looking up, his wife Anna, leaped forward, wrapping her arms around him for comfort.  Marcus felt her tears upon his neck and shoulder.  Looking at the bed he saw Lucas lying there.  With both arms Marcus gently held his wife to one side so he could make his way to the bed.  Kneeling, he put the back of his hand on Lucius’ forehead asking, what’s wrong?  Anna informed him of the days events.  About noon time Lucas suddenly fainted.  We tried to revive him.  I thought it was heat stroke, so we placed wet towels on his forehead and tried to get him to drink.  There was no response, so we carried him in and placed him on Cato’s bed.  Marcus inquired, have you called the doctor?   Anna replied, yes.  Handing Marcus a small clay bottle she continued, he provided this to administer to him, but we cannot get him to do so much as drink.  Taking the bottle Marcus gave it a sniff.  Not that smelling it would reveal anything, but give the impression he was actively pursuing a resolution.  At this point Marcus’ anticipated homecoming turned into a time of grief and reflection.  

Marcus never looked at  Lucas as a servant.  Years ago Lucas was purchased as a slave by Marcus’ father.  His dedicated service and sincere concern for the family quickly gained him his freedom.    When Marcus was transferred to serve Rome in Judea, his father asked Lucas to accompany his son.  Realizing this was a sign of trust and respect, Lucas accepted the awesome responsibility.  Thus Lucas was more than a dedicated and free servant, he was in fact a father figure for Marcus.  

Dinner was a solemn experience.  Conversation centered around Lucas and ideas of what to do  about the situation.  After commanding a legion all week, Marcus felt unsure, bewildered, and powerless.  He tried his best to give the impression he was still in control of the situation, and everything would turn out fine.  However, doubts filled his mind and heart like an enemy who had been planning his demise for years.  

The heat of the day captured within the house did not escape into the darkness of the night.  Worries of Lucas kept Marcus awake.  Anna sensed Marcus’ concern.  Turning along side of him, she placed a hand on his chest.  Her intuition told her to wait a moment.  Before speaking, Marcus’ mind must first grow to realize, she was there to comfort him.  When she heard Marcus’ sigh, she knew he was ready to listen.  Are you still thinking about Lucas?  Marcus sighed, yes.  Anna whispered so not to wake anyone, we have done all we could for him.  Marcus whispered back, there must be something we can do, I cannot lie down here and do nothing.  In the silence of the night Anna drew circles along Marcus’ chest, then placed her hand flat upon it.  Feeling the pattern of his deep silent breathing and pace of his heart, she felt her husband’s concern.  Finally she added, you know there is one thing.  You may not believe this, but the other day a man visited.  He claimed he was a leper, and was healed.  The way he was dressed, I believed his story.  It was so touching.  I gave him a change of clothes to go along with his change of life and heart.  Anna paused a moment, waiting for a response.  Receiving none she continued with her story.  The man claims he was healed by a man named Jesus.  Marcus chimed in, I have heard of Him.  He is one of the reasons for the increased activity, my longer hours, and our heightened state of alert.  Anna viewed this as a typical response based on his position and responsibility.  She continued.  Some claim this man Jesus is a prophet with the ability to heal.  Marcus responded, I am familiar with the stories.  That is one reason for the governor’s concern.  Anna asked, do you think they are true?  Marcus answered in a bewildered tone, reports would indicate yes, the stories are true.  Anna could sense a questioning faith by the tone in his voice.  She asked, should we find out if these stories are true?  If they are, could this Jesus help Lucas?  

Worry robbed Marcus of sleep that night.  Rising early he walked to the door in time to watch the sun rise, his thoughts immersed in the stillness of the morning, and the beauty of the scene.  The sun cast a multitude of red, pink, orange and yellow highlights upon the contour of the clouds.  The sky transcended the talent of every artist, changing from the deepest purple in the west to the brightest blue in the east, highlighted by a yellow horizon, and the blazing red of the rising sun.  The scene painted a glimmer of hope in Marcus’ heart.  

Calling his servants together he inquired if anyone had any information about this mysterious man Jesus.  Much to his surprise, almost all his servants shared a story of his teaching, and the miracles He performed.  Marcus asked if anyone knew where to find Him.  He received as many stories on where Jesus had been, and where He was going, as those concerning His miracles.  Marcus gave his servants instructions to find this Jesus, and beg Him to come to the aid of Lucas.  He reminded them of the contributions he had made in building the local synagogue.  He dispatched his servants in teams of two, and sent them off in three directions.  Marcus decided to travel to Capernaum himself, based on updated reports he had been given yesterday.  

Upon entering Capernaum, Marcus first visited the synagogue he helped finance, donating the funds in the names of his servants.  After he was warmly greeted by a number of elders, and asking them for help he explained the situation.  After learning of Lucas’ condition, which melted away the prejudice they held towards Jesus, the elders were more than happy to help.  They informed Marcus of the latest reports received about Jesus, indicating He was on his way to Capernaum.  Marcus divided the elders into small groups, assigning each to the main roads leading into Capernaum.  Marcus would wait at the synagogue to receive reports.  

The instant one group of elders reached the edge of the city, they saw a large group traveling along the road.  As soon as they confirmed Jesus was leading the group, the elders sent a messenger to Marcus.  The elders waited for Jesus to enter the city, and sought an audience with Him.  Sensing their need, Jesus granted their request.  

The scene seemed rather odd, considering the back ground of the characters.   A few hours before, these Jewish elders were actively seeking faults in Jesus, but now they were seeking His favor.  Even more strange was the fact, they had relayed the request of a Roman centurion.  When Marcus arrived, the three groups were not only represented, but working together to save one person.  Only God could bring these three, Jesus, Jewish elders, and a Roman centurion together under a common cause.  When people are facing a trial it creates a situation for God to show His wondrous powers.  

Jesus’ heart, always filled with love, may have reached an even higher level when viewing the scene of cooperation between the Jewish elders and a Roman centurion.  In this miracle He recognized the work of His Father.  

After listening to the elders praising Marcus, Jesus waited for his request.  Finally Marcus spoke up.  Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, Go! And he goes; and to another, Come! And he comes; and to my servant, Do this! And he does it.  

Jesus paused for a moment while silently praying that the elders understood the message Marcus had just delivered.  It was a message and claim they would not receive if Jesus had offered it.  

Finally Jesus answered Marcus’ request. Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.  And I say to you that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven.  But the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  And Jesus said to the centurion, Go. And as you have believed, so let it be to you.

As quickly as Lucas fell sick, he recovered.  The moment Jesus spoke His blessing, Lucas opened his eyes, sat up in bed asking for something to drink.  Instantly the servants who had gathered around his bed began rejoicing, praising God, and the name of Jesus.  Tears filled Anna’s eyes as she joined in, praising Jesus, and dedicating her life to learning more about this mysterious man she had heard so much about.  

Matthew 8:23-27 Jesus Calms the Sea

Matthew 8:23-27 MKJV  And He entering into a ship, His disciples followed Him.  (24)  And behold, a great tempest arose in the sea, so much so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.  (25)  And His disciples came to Him and awakened Him, saying, Lord, save us! We perish!  (26)  And He said to them, Why are you afraid, little-faiths? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  (27)  But the men marveled, saying, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

James and John stood in the shallow water, one on each side of the small ship, holding it steady as first Jesus, then the other disciples entered in.   James and John shoved the boat out into deeper water before leaping in.  The ship drifted along on the calm glassy water as the two fishermen arranged the oars and began rowing.  Looking up at the stars visible beyond the clouds Peter commented, we could not ask for a more peaceful night.  

The disciples exchanged memories of the people they had just seen Jesus heal.  They were all talking at once when Simone chimed in, wait, wait, wait!  The best one was the little girl with the old woman who coughed so much she couldn’t speak.  I think the little girl was her voice.  Like  there was some type of spiritual connection between them.  Philip added, I remember those two.  I think you are right.  Remember Jesus placed His hand on the child’s head, and the old woman stopped coughing.  Simone added, yes, and remember the first words the old woman spoke?  Thank you Melissa.  That was touching.  I think everyone expected her to thank Jesus.  Philip replied, we don’t know how long the little girl stood by the old woman’s side.  I may have been years.  As they talked Judas sat quietly dropping one coin at a time from the fingers of his right hand into the palm of his left, appreciating the chinking sound of each coin.  

Sitting on the floor of the ship leaning back against the side, Andrew began to tell his favorite story.  "The one I will never forget was the old farmer.  He came to Jesus with one finger and a thumb