Matthew 8:7

I will go (compare Acts 10:9–35; Galatians 2:11–14): Some scholars interpret this as a question: Should I [a Jew] enter [a Gentile's house, risking impurity] and heal him?

Jesus once again served people who were pushed aside or rejected. The centurion was a Gentile soldier. Helping him would have caused strong anger from both nationalistic Jews and separatist Jews.

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

• non-Jewish people,

• lepers,

• blind people,

• sick women,

• people possessed by demons,

• tax collectors,

• those with long-term bleeding, and

• the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).