Read: Matthew 9:27-34
Never was anything like this seen in Israel. (v. 33)
Opening the eyes of the two blind men and loosening the tongue of the deaf-mute are the ninth and tenth healing miracles that Matthew records in chapters 8 and 9. Jesus cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, delivered the storm-tossed and the demon-oppressed, restored the paralyzed, made pure the bleeding, raised the dead, and gave sight to the blind and voice to the mute. You would think all this would be cause for rejoicing, and it was. The crowds marveled and said, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”
But not everyone was happy with Jesus. His enemies, the Pharisees, witnessing the very same things, said this: “He casts out demons by the prince of demons” (v. 34). The contrast could not be sharper: blind eyes recognized him and mute tongues spoke of him, but the religious establishment rejected him as a demon.
Jesus was polarizing. When brought face to face with his power, some responded with faith-filled awe. Others rejected Jesus with a sneer, blaspheming rather than believing. The same sort of thing is happening today. There are those who look at Jesus and dismiss him, judging it all to be a fraud. And then there are those who, looking at Jesus, prize him above all else and are willing to give up everything to follow him. The question is, which sort of reaction to Jesus do you have? —David Bast
As you pray, consider your own response to Jesus.
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
