New Testament Journey Day 40: Matthew 27 – 34. Jesus heals the blind and mute.

“After Jesus left the girls home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting “Son of David, have mercy on us!” The went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “We do.”

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel” they exclaimed! But the Pharisees said, ‘He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the Prince of demons.'” – Matthew 27-34**

“Son of David” as we read in Verse 27 was a popular way of addressing Jesus as the Messiah because it was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of David (Isaiah 9:7). Jesus ability to give sight to the blind was prophesied in Isaiah 29:18; 35:5; 42:7.Jesus didn’t respond immediately to the blind men’s pleas. He waited to see if they had faith. Not everyone how says he wants help really believes God can help him. Jesus may have waited and questioned these men to emphasize and increase their faith. When you think God is too slow in answering your prayers, consider that he might be testing you as he did the blind men. Do you believe that God can help you? Do you really want his help?

These blind men were persistent. They went right into the house where Jesus was staying. They KNEW Jesus could heal them, and they would not let ANYTHING stop them from finding him. That’s real faith in action. If you believe Jesus is the answer to your every need, don’t let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing him!

Jesus told the people to “keep quiet” about his healings because he did not want to be known only as a miracle worker. He healed because he had compassion on people, but he also wanted to bring SPIRITUAL healing to a sin-sick world.

In Matthew Chapter 9, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of four different sins: blasphemy, befriending outcasts, impiety, and serving Satan. Matthew shows how Jesus was spitefully criticized by those who should have received him most gladly. Why did the Pharisees do this? (1) Jesus bypassed their religious authority. (2) He weakened their control over the people. (3) He challenged their cherished beliefs. (4) He exposed their insincere motives. While the Pharisees questioned, debated and dissected Jesus, people were being healed and lives changed right in front of them. Their skepticism was based not on insufficient evidence but on jealousy of Jesus’ popularity.

** **Taken from the Life Application Bible Study

My favorite part of today’s scripture? Passionately and intentionally pursuing Jesus for results! Is that you?