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."
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