. . . Matthew
is unique in describing how a heavenly figure, the personified moon, likewise
afflicts people on earth. On two occasions he describes ill humans as “moonstruck”
(σεληνιαζομενους,
4:24; 17:15), indicating that those illnesses were caused by a celestial demon.
Thus when Matthew tells us of people suffering from “disease” (νοσος) or “affliction” (βασανος), the culturally appropriate understanding
requires us to appreciate these illnesses as attacks by various evil spirits or
demons, that is, acts of power that harm humans. Conversely, when Jesus heals,
he too acts with power to master the possessing spirit and thus to liberate the
ill person from that slavery. If we are correct in seeing how the ancients
understood phenomena like storms as caused by evil spirits (see Kee
1968:242ff.; Robinson 1957:40-41), then Jesus’ “rebuke” of the storm
demonstrates power over the storm demon as well (Matt. 8:26). His healing miracles,
then, demonstrate a superior power. (Jerome H.
Neyrey, Honor and Shame in the Gospel of Matthew [Louisville, Ky.:
Westminster John Knox Press, 1998], 133)
