130. Healing or Exorcism?

Matthew 9:32-34

Key Verse: The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."

Matthew 9:33B

In contrast to the two blind men who came on their own (yesterday’s reading), here is a man who was brought to Jesus by others. This demon behaved very differently than the other demons that we have encountered up to this point. Most of them were combative, or left their victims on the ground while they went screaming off into, who knows where. This one never says a word, but still it must submit to Jesus’ command.

Interesting also, that sometimes Jesus tells the people he has healed not to say anything.  But in the case of healing a mute who couldn’t say anything, it is best if he speaks! Besides, the crowds saw it for themselves and were amazed. It was already public. Nobody could’ve kept it under wraps. 

Once again, the Pharisees were given an opportunity to praise God, but instead they criticized Jesus and said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” How sad, when blessings are called curses and good is called evil. As we have already experienced so many times up to now, religiosity can be a powerful tool in the devil's work shop for those who depend upon it.

It's a good reminder for us to keep an open mind in uncertain situations. There is so much that we don't know in this situation. We don't know what this man's reputation was. Perhaps the Pharisees wouldn't have touched him. Perhaps he had been injured doing something that he shouldn't have. Or, perhaps there is none of the above.

What we do know is this: the man couldn't talk for himself. He was brought by someone else to Jesus. Jesus healed him. The crowds were amazed. The Pharisees condemned. Who might you be in this story? Are you the silent victim? Are you the rescuer? Are you amazed at God's goodness or do you condemn what you do not understand? Jesus stands ready to minister to you wherever you are if you remain open to what He may have to say to you. If you see yourself as the victim, He says, "In Me, you can be victorious." Are you the rescuer? He says, "thank you." Are you the amazed onlooker? He says to you, "Get your hands dirty! Get involved! Find somebody that needs help and bring them to me." Are you the skeptic, ready to criticize what you do not understand? He says to you, "Seek understanding. You will find Me if you do."

Hymn: O for a Thousand Tongues to See