Out of Darkness

OPENING PRAYER:

Just and merciful God, you are the one who is worthy of praise. All glory and honor to you.

READ: MATTHEW 9:27-34

Jesus Heals the Blind and the Mute

27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

28 When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33 And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

MATTHEW 9:27-34

REFLECT:

Read Exodus 4:11 and thank God for your senses, which all too often we take for granted.

Did you notice the underlying theme in these verses – the light of Christ which transforms the darkness of people’s lives (John 8:12)? The blind men were perceptive in asking Jesus for mercy and also calling him the ‘Son of David’ (v 27). Clearly, using that popular title to address him meant that they had some understanding that Jesus was the promised Messiah, foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 9:7). Interestingly, Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus would give sight to the blind (Isaiah 35:5).

Jesus did not respond to the men’s request right away. Perhaps he was waiting to ensure they had faith. So, they were persistent, their resolve paid off and their sight was miraculously restored (v 30).

Like the blind men, those who brought the demon-possessed man to Jesus had faith in his ability to heal (v 32). It’s possible that news of the blind men’s healing had reached them (v 31) and they were spurred into action. Not only was the demon driven out, the man’s inability to speak was healed (v 33). Meanwhile, clouds gathered as tensions began to stir and the Pharisees started to feel very threatened by Jesus (v 34)…

APPLY:

Ask Jesus to bring his light to darkness in your life, the lives of others, or situations in the world. Praise him for all he is and does.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Lord God, life, and the people around me present me with a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. Grant me wisdom and discernment as I navigate these landmines that confront my walk with you.

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