Matthew 8–9; Mark 2–5

These few chapters record many instances of miraculous healings performed by the Savior. As you study these healings, look for possible messages for you. You might ask yourself: What does the account teach about faith? What does the account teach about the Savior? What does God want me to learn from this miracle?

• A leper (Matthew 8:1–4)

• A centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13)

• Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–15)

• Two blind men (Matthew 9:27–31)

• A man who was paralyzed (Mark 2:1–12)

• A man possessed by evil spirits (Mark 5:1–20)

• Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:22–23, 35–43)

• A woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:24–34)

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “Healing the Sick,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 47–50.

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Jessu healing the sick

The centurion, a Gentile, felt unworthy to have the Savior in his home. The woman with an issue of blood was considered unclean and was ostracized from Jewish society. Yet the Savior blessed them both. What do you learn from these two accounts about seeking help from the Lord?

In these verses, Jesus taught that being His disciples requires us to put Him first in our lives, even if that sometimes means we must sacrifice other things that we value. As you study these passages, ponder your own discipleship. Why must disciples be willing to put the Savior first? What might you need to give up in order to put Jesus first? (See also Luke 9:57–62.)

Have you ever felt the way Jesus’s disciples did in the storm at sea—watching the waves of water fill the boat and questioning, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

In Mark 4:35–41, you will find four questions. List each one, and ponder what it teaches you about facing life’s challenges with faith in Jesus Christ. How does the Savior bring peace to the storms of your life?

It is sometimes difficult to know how to respond when people criticize our religious beliefs and practices. As you read Matthew 9:1–13 and Mark 2:15–17, look for the criticisms of the accusers and the Savior’s responses. Consider marking the criticisms and responses in different colors or writing them down. What do you notice about the way the Savior taught? How could following His example help you if you have to defend a gospel principle or Church practice?

See also the video “Everyday Example: When Beliefs Are Questioned” (LDS.org).

When a paralyzed man was brought to the Savior, it was obvious to the crowd that he needed to be healed physically. But Jesus addressed the man’s greater need first—forgiveness of his sins. Even if the man had not been healed physically, he could still have followed Jesus’s counsel to “be of good cheer” (Matthew 9:2). When have you felt joy because you have been forgiven? (See also Alma 36:18–24.)

Consider creating a list of the miracles described in these chapters and finding pictures of some of them (see the Gospel Art Book or LDS.org). You might ask each family member to tell about one of the miracles (using a picture if available) and share what they learn from it. You might share some examples of miracles you have witnessed or read about in modern-day Church history.

What do we learn from the way the Savior treated the publicans and sinners, who were shunned by others? How can we follow His example as we interact with other people?

How can you help your family understand the Savior’s plea for more laborers to help share the gospel? You could do something as simple as working together at a task that would take a lot longer for one person, such as cleaning the kitchen after dinner. What can we do to share the message of the gospel?

Could this account help family members when they feel afraid? Perhaps they could read verse 39 and share experiences when the Savior helped them feel peace during times of turmoil or fear.