Sin, Sorrow, and Sickness (Matthew 8:16,17; Isaiah 53:4; Luke 7:20-22)

Matthew 8:17 says, ''That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah, the prophet, saying, 'He Himself took our infirmities, and bore (our) sicknesses."

This verse is a direct quotation of Isaiah 53:4, but it is unique in two distinct aspects:

1) Over 95% of all NT quotations from the OT, are from the LXX (septuagint) [the Greek translation of the OT], but this quotation is from the Hebrew text.

2) The other unique aspect of this verse, is that it quotes Isaiah 53:4, but in the reverse order of the Hebrew text.

Isaiah says, ''... He has borne our griefs [sicknesses], and carried our sorrows [infirmities-specifically mental disease or mental anguish]'' The reason Matthew reversed the order of the words, is to specifically amplify and define Isaiah 53:4, in light of Matthew 8:16.

In other words, taking our sorrows [mental disease and anguish] means deliverance from the authority of being ''... possessed with demons...'', and bearing (our) sicknesses, means being ''... healed...'' of all sicknesses and diseases.

This is not a commentary on a single event [i.e., Matthew 8:16], but rather evidence that Jesus was the Messiah who was to come who would deliver us not only from our sin, but mental disease and anguish as well as physical sickness.

Jesus told John, if he doubted that He was the Christ, to look at the evidences of what He was doing as proof that He was ''...He that should come..'' (Luke 7:20) [He cured many of infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and to many that were blind He gave sight (LK.7:21).''... the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the good news is announced.''(Lk.7:22)].

What Jesus did in Matthew 8:16, was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4, as evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, but the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4, did not occur until Jesus died on the cross.

It is clear from the Greek words used in Matthew 8:17, quoting Isaiah 53:4. that the verse speaks to more than just a simple fulfillment found in Matthew 8:16.

BORE - This word encompasses the meanings of both OT words, ''borne'' and ''carried''.

1) To bear on or in the body as substitution, for another, so that they don't have to bear it. [and as the Hebrew indicates, Messiah was made sick.] This ''bearing'' in the body did not occur in Matthew 8:16, but rather on the cross.

2) To carry away so as to completely remove. Again, this was an action that took place on the cross. [Interestingly enough, these two words in the Hebrew text are used to describe the action taken against sin, so that Jesus bore and carried away sickness and disease to the same extent that He carried away and bore sin.]

TOOK - This word actually means ''to take possession of; to obtain''. It is in the active sense and usually conveys a note of violence about it. [i.e., not passive]. In this context, it conveys the idea of '' to have authority over''.

When Jesus died on the cross He provided deliverance from sin (SPIRIT); infirmities [specifically demonic oppression and possession manifested in the mind] (SOUL); and sicknesses and diseases (BODY). In fact, the overwhelming evidence that Messiah, the Christ has come, is that we have dominion and deliverance from sin (spirit); sorrow (soul); and sicknesses (body). [That is the specific message of Mark 16:17-18, that those who represent the Christ, will manifest these evidences that Messiah has come. (''In my name..'', meaning , as my representatives.)]

Those ministries that have seen countless people delivered from demons, sicknesses, and sin are too numerable to mention, but a couple specific ones, are Dr. T.L. Osborn, who for over 60 years now has seen blind eyes open; deaf mutes healed; and limbs restored. [ You can refer to his book co-authored by his wife, ''The gospel according to T.L. and Daisy" basically a documented account of 50 years of such supernatural manifestations.]

Also the life of Smith Wigglesworth, who by the power of God saw at least 22 documented cases of people raised from the dead, some of them being in that condition for at least 3 days. Many reading this could also testify of themselves, or someone they know personally, who has been delivered from sickness, sorrow and sin, evidence that Messiah has come!

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.