When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. The blind men said loudly, "Show kindness to us, Son of David. " Jesus went inside, and the blind men went with him.
Jesus asked the men, "Do you believe that I am able to make you see again?" The blind men answered, "Yes, Lord, we believe." Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "You believe that I can make you see again, so this will happen." Then the men were able to see again.
Jesus warned them very strongly. Jesus said, "Don't tell any person about this." But the blind men left and spread the news about Jesus all around that area.
- Matthew 9:27-31 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Once again, Jesus demonstrates his power to heal and restore. Based on the faith expressed by the two blind men, Jesus healed them. But notice also the phrases "After Jesus went inside" and "Don't tell anyone about this." While Jesus was powerful, his power was used to show his compassion and care, not to gain a following. Matthew reminds us again and again that following Jesus is about obeying his commands. Jesus, as God with us -- our Immanuel, is all about teaching and showing compassion. Blending these two is the art of faithful Christian service.
PRAYER:
Almighty and awesome God, you are glorious and you have chosen to reveal that glory with both power and compassion. Please use your Spirit to give me a heart of compassion and to show me how to live a victorious Christian life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
- Matt. 20:29-34
29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
32 Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
33 "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
- Isa. 29:17-19
17 In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field
and the fertile field seem like a forest?
18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,
and out of gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind will see.
19 Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD;
the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
- Isa. 35:4-6
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
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