Matthew 9:27-31

Matthew 9:27-31

And as Jesus went along from there, two blind men followed Him while crying out and while saying, “Have mercy upon us, Son of David!”  And after coming into the house, the bind men drew near to Him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am powerful enough to do this?”  They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then He touched their eyes while saying, “According to your faith, let this become for you all.”  And their eyes were being opened.  And Jesus warned them sternly while saying, “Pay attention and let nobody know.”  And the ones who went out spread the news about Him in that whole land.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

 Notice that Jesus seems to take His time in doing this miracle.  Certainly Jesus had the power to heal these blind men as soon as He saw them.  But Jesus doesn’t heal them right away.  The men follow Jesus and Jesus doesn’t seem to give any attention to them until after He gets home.  But they continue to follow.  I believe the reason why can be found in the name that they give to Jesus.  The term “Son of David” is a Messianic term that was used in the Gospels primarily by people who knew Jesus from afar.  What does this tell us?  Jesus hears their confession, but He wants to see if they are just using the name to get what they want or if they have what it takes to stick around.  Jesus hears their cry, but He wants to see their willing to do more than pay Him lip service.

Do you give Jesus more than lip service?  When are you likely to just give Jesus lip service and not follow Him concretely?

Second Thought:

Notice that Jesus does heal the men once they come inside the house.  Inside the house the healing will not be a spectacle.  Inside the house the men will not have their moment of public fame.  Inside the house, the men can have an intimate moment with Jesus that is deserved.  After all, what is more important: what we do with Jesus when everybody is watching or what we do with Jesus when nobody is watching?  When the crowd is gone, Jesus can heal the blind men in truth and know that the blind men likewise followed in their own search for truth.

What effects does the crowd have upon you?  Are you different in your faith when people are watching?  Why do human beings tend to be different in groups than when we are by ourselves?  Is it easier for you to be faithful when people are watching or when you are alone?

Third Thought:

Look at the basis for this miracle.  It isn’t about the importance of the men.  Neither is it about their urgency in need.  It isn’t even about how these men can be used later.  The premise of this miracle is faith.  Jesus looks at these men and says, “Do you believe I can do this?”  This is a question asked in the privacy of the home.  This is a question asked in the intimacy of the heart.  This is why Jesus wanted the men to follow and to be alone.

Do you believe in your heart?  What can God do with your faith?

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 9:32-34