Matthew 9:27-34

Matthew 9:27-34
The two blind men we meet in these verses present us an example of faith and persistence in prayer. We first see that they believed Jesus was truly the Messiah because they called Him "Son of David." In answer to Jesus' question, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" they answered, "Yes, Lord." They showed persistence by following Him even into the house where He was staying until He answered them. God may not always answer our prayers the first time we ask. Our faith increases as we continue to trust God and as we study His Word. Notice the wording Jesus uses, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" In faith we believe that God is ABLE to do whatever is in His will. It's not necessary for us to believe that he WILL do it. After all, Jesus could have chosen not to restore sight to these two men. It seems to me that the hardest times to trust God are when He seems slow to answer or when He answers in a way different from our hopes. Our faith really means that we know God can do anything, but we are willing to accept His answer.

Jesus warned the men not to tell what had happened to them, probably because Jesus wanted the focus to be on spiritual healing and not on physical healing alone. Of course, they immediately "spread the news about him all over that region." People haven't changed all that much, have they?

Demonic activity seemed to have been prevalent when Jesus walked on this earth. Demons could possess people and influence them physically and spiritually. Jesus demonstrated repeatedly that He has power over demons! The crowd was amazed when the man who was unable to speak was delivered, and he was able to speak. But the Pharisees as usual could only condemn Jesus. This criticism was the most ridiculous yet--that Jesus cast out demons by the power of the prince of demons! Now what kind of sense does this make? Surely Satan does not work to defeat himself!

We must constantly be on the alert that we are not like the Pharisees. We must trust God to help us avoid a negative and critical spirit. My husband often says from the pulpit, "Criticism is NOT spiritual gift!" Rather than being one of those people on the sidelines, always suspicious and finding fault, let us rejoice as the work of God goes forward!