Matthew 9: Part III - Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute

Summary:

Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute
Verses 27-34

Jesus left the ruler's house and two blind men called out to Him for mercy, calling Him the Son of David.  Jesus went indoors and asked the men if they believed He could do this.  They answered yes.  Jesus touched their eyes and said, " 'According to your faith will it be done to you.' "  (Verse 29b)  And they received their sight.  Jesus told them not to tell anyone, but they told the whole region.

As Jesus was leaving, a demon-possessed man, who couldn't speak, was brought to Him.  The demon was driven out and the man spoke.  The crowd was amazed and said they'd never before seen something like this in Israel.  But, the Pharisees claimed that Jesus drove out demons by the prince of demons.

Lori's Thoughts:

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."  (Hebrews 12:2a)  The blind men didn't go as far as the faithful sick woman had, but Jesus healed them as well.  I believe He asked them if they believed so that they could confess their faith aloud.  There is power in the spoken word.  God spoke and created the world.  Jesus spoke and healed ailments and drove out demons  We can speak and drive out demons as well.

Jesus told the blind men and He tells us that, if we believe, we will receive.  Confess your faith to God and see how He helps it grow.

Now, Jesus told the men not to tell anyone about this miracle.  I think He, as a human, was tired and needed a break.  He'd been going non-stop for a while.  But, it's quite difficult to keep secret the wonders of God.  We want to share it with everyone, hoping they will fall in love and be healed by Jesus.

Notice how the religious leaders doubted Christ and the crowd believed Him.  The last will be first and the first will be last (see Mark 10:31).  I just hope that the religious will get there eventually.  Works without faith or a relationship with God gets you nowhere.  Actually, it can lead to hell.  Those that believe and talk to God are moved to live as Jesus lived, by having compassion on everyone.  He helped them and healed them.  He wants us to do the same.  "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  (I Corinthians 12:27)  If we all work together, we can share the load that had been placed upon one Man.

Summary...

The Workers Are Few
Verses 35-38

Jesus went through all towns and villages, teaching in the synagogues.  He preached the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness.  When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  He said to His disciples, " 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.' "  (Verse 37b-38)

Lori's Thoughts...

Salvation is available for everyone, not just for those with the right heritage or position or religion.  Christ went everywhere to spread the gospel and heal the sick.  He loves us.  We are the sheep and He is our Shepherd.  However, He wants us to be shepherds as well.  This is what He means by 'workers'.  He is building us up in faith so we can continue His work on earth as He finishes preparing our home in heaven.  Are you willing to go do His work?  It will require putting everything into submission to Him.

I know I want to make it to heaven with people by my side.