Matthew 9:32-34
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.
Think back to our last passage in which two blind men boldly pursued Jesus, and then read Matthew 9:32-34 noticing the stark contrast between the two accounts.
This is another incident where the faith of others places a needy person in Jesus’ path, and Jesus is just as willing to set things right. Just as the blind men now see, the mute man is set free from the evil power that silenced him, and those hearing the man speak are “amazed.”
There is a difference in being amazed and having faith. We can be amazed from afar and even mentally agree that Jesus has authority over sickness, evil and sin, but until we walk with Jesus and allow him to do his transforming work in our own lives, we are just amazed spectators.
Stop to think of what you’ve been hearing from Jesus lately. How is Jesus actively working in your life? How are you trusting him to do this work? Talk all this over with Jesus.
Read Matthew 9:32-34 again noticing the reaction of the Pharisees.
The word “pharisee” is often loaded with negative meaning to a modern-day Jesus follower. But the Pharisees of Jesus’ day were religious people sincerely seeking to live good and godly lives. The problem was that their dedication to their forms of religion made them blind to the authentic heart of God displayed through Jesus.
In their blindness, they attributed Jesus’ divine power and compassion to the forces of evil.
For the last minutes of this time of refection, stop to think about how your relationship with Jesus is making you more like him. Are you more compassionate than a few months or years ago? Are there other ways you are becoming more like Jesus?
Now get quiet and listen to Jesus.
Is there something Jesus is inviting you to learn or do?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
