Contextualization of Matthew 8:17 as a Therapeutic Response to Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

COVID–19 pandemic overwhelmed the entire world, and consequently created panic in the social space. This disease which originated in Wuhan, China, stretched its tentacles across the globe, including Nigeria which is one of the most vulnerable African nations due to the low standard of her healthcare system. The havoc wreaked on humanity worldwide and the plausibility of its spread posed great insecurity to human existence and restricted relationships. At the moment, there is no known cure for this pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus. It is a very contagious disease that is transmitted through contact with droplets from an infected person. Sadly, vaccination cannot completely eradicate the coronavirus. The study aims to assess the socio-religious implications of COVID–19 Pandemic and to apply Matthew 8:17 as a panacea for this disease. The research employed historical, descriptive, analytical, and exegetical methods. The paper concludes that the virus is still in existence, hence the possibility of a new stream of eruption. Thus, by connecting Jesus' healing authority to Isaiah's prophecy, Matthew shows that Jesus, the sovereign king, has the power of God to overcome all plagues, pains and struggles of man. Through his sacrificial death, he addressed the root problem, which is sin, so that man can be free from its consequences. The paper, therefore, recommends reliance on the spiritual cum faith remedy that Christianity offers, as buttressed in Matthew 8:17 to checkmate further outbreaks of the disease. In addition, Government should ensure that individuals comply with the vaccination exercise to curtail the spread of the virus.