October 6, 2021
Scripture: When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 9:28 ESV
Observation: In chapter 9, Matthew arranges Jesus’ encounters with the crowd in sequential Q&A. First, scribes question his authority to forgive sins, and he responds by providing a miraculous sign: healing a paralytic man (verses 1-8). Next, Pharisees ask why Jesus keeps suspect company (Matthew and his friends), and Jesus clarifies that his mission is to call sinners into the Kingdom of God (verses 9-11). Then, John’s disciples inquire why Jesus’ disciples are not fasting, and he explains that there is no need for fasting because his disciples are present with him (verses 14-17). Shortly after, a crowd of mourners laughs at the notion that a dead girl is only sleeping (dismissing Jesus’ judgment and ability to assess and remedy the expended life of a ruler’s daughter), and Jesus responds by taking the girl by the hand and raising her back to life (verses 18-26). Lastly, the table is turned: Jesus questions two blind men who are crying out to him for mercy and asks whether they believe he is capable of restoring their sight. Their uncomplicated answer, “Yes, Lord,” says it all. And they are healed according to their faith (verses 27-31).
Takeaway: “Yes, Lord.” Yes, we believe that you have the authority to forgive sins. “Yes Lord,” you have commissioned us to call sinners into your kingdom. “Yes, Lord,” we will use your gift of fasting, as well as praying, worshipping, and meditating on Scripture, to help us draw near to you until that day when we are present with you in your heavenly kingdom. “Yes, Lord,” we know that you can awaken slumbering souls to new life. And, “yes, Lord,” we believe that you are capable of restoring our spiritually impaired vision.
Prayer: Father God, please strengthen our love and trust in you and your Son, that we might not hesitate to say, “Yes, Lord,” when your Holy Spirit asks us to act on what we profess to believe. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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