As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
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.
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 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.”
But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”
Jesus said “See that no one knows about this…” We’re told “but they went out and spread the news”.
I’m not even sure they’re guilty of babbling about it (although they may have). What are the odds nobody would notice? Going from blind to “20/20” is no small thing. Furthermore, how would they even hide it? I think somebody would notice…when they didn’t trip over the little boy playing in the park.
So…was Jesus asking the impossible? Maybe
And then, immediately following this, Jesus casts out a demon in front of everybody.
Huh?
I’m going to step out on a limb here and suggest that there are some things that Jesus may not be deeply concerned about (I didn’t say unconcerned). Yet, in his love for us, if we’re concerned…he cares.
Like my grandson Andrew wanting “Buzz Lightyear.” How much do we think I care about Buzz Lightyear?
Wrong…less than that!
But I care deeply for my Andrew so he got “Buzz Lightyear”. Everybody’s happy. I could even have said “don’t tell your sister” if I was hoping to prevent the perception that grandpa is a pushover. I’ll bet his sister would find out anyway.
Now, back to the miracles…
In my mind, the significant difference between the two miracles is one was perceived to be purely physical while the other was perceived to be spiritual.
Which do we believe Jesus is most concerned about, our physical needs or our spiritual needs (notwithstanding the fact that he responds to both)…? Exactly!
So I believe the lesson from this passage is simple. Jesus is showing us where His heart is. He is perfectly content to help us with our earthly problems, but that’s between the two of us. However…if he brings our children to faith…he has just performed the exact miracle he came to perform. That’s worth telling everybody.
Hebrews tells us to “come boldly before the throne of grace so we might receive mercy”. We shouldn’t quibble about the worthiness of our request. That’s not the point. There’s just a difference between receiving because Jesus love us (which should induce humility) and receiving because it’s what Jesus does. (which should induce joy).
Live boldly out there today…
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