Matthew 9:27-31
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In our last meditation, we explored the desperate faith of two very different people: a religious leader and a ceremonially unclean woman. Today we continue watching Jesus heal in response to faith. Read Matthew 9:27-31 noticing anything that stands out to you.
The blind men in this story are exercising more than mental assent to Jesus’ power and authority. They are bold in their efforts to get to Jesus using whatever means available to them to find him in spite of their lack of sight. They are also bold in their declaration of Jesus’ identity calling him “Son of David’ and thereby acknowledging their belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah. And they are bold enough to barge into someone else’s house when they discover that Jesus is staying there.
Stop to think about the quality of your faith for a moment. Is there anything you’ve been asking Jesus to do for you lately? How bold have you been in seeking Jesus’ presence and presenting your request to him? Talk to Jesus about this.
Now imagine Jesus asking you the question he asks the blind men:
“Do you believe I can…?”
Speak openly and honestly with Jesus about anything you are thinking.
Read Matthew 9:27-31 again noticing the response of the blind men to Jesus’ parting instructions.
Though Jesus was compassionate when he encountered needy people, his aim was not to become a celebrity healer. His instructions to the newly sighted men are meant to keep the way clear for his ministry to continue as long as possible. Jesus knows that healings are only a partial and temporary restoration. His ultimate mission is to make a way for people to be completely restored to God for eternity.
But in their overflowing excitement, the men simply cannot not keep silent.
Jesus accomplished his mission of restoration on the cross and through the resurrection though the reality of complete restoration is still to come. In the “already but not yet” time in which we live, we have Jesus’ full permission and even Jesus’ directive to share our excitement about him and bring the Good News of his hope and healing to the world.
How natural is it for you to talk with others about what Jesus has done for you and what Jesus is currently doing in your life? Sit with this for a moment and listen to Jesus.
What do you sense Jesus inviting you to do today?
How will you respond to him?
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