He touched their eyes

He touched their eyes

Scripture:

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.” Matthew 9:27-34

Observation:

In this passage, Matthew records two miracles. In the first, Jesus heals two blind men, and in the second, he drives out a demon from a mute man, who starts to speak. The prophecy of Isaiah of the Messiah who would “open eyes that are blind, free captives from prison  and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” was being fulfilled before Israel’s eyes.

The two blind men followed Jesus for some time, calling out “have mercy on us, Son of David!” By calling Jesus “Son of David”, they were showing their belief that He was indeed Israel’s prophesied Messiah for the Scriptures were clear that the Savior would come from the line of David. How was it they were able to follow Jesus when they could not see? Perhaps they had friends or kind strangers who helped them or perhaps they could sense the excitement of the crowd following Jesus and followed along using their keen ears.

After Jesus had gone indoors, they were allowed to come and see Him, and He asked a very important question. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Belief or Faith is so key to healing. And this aspect is relevant not only in regard to healing but to any miracle, any prayer we bring before the Lord. Do we believe God is able to turn our bad marriage around, or change our wayward kids, or give us a good job after a year of unemployment, or save us from severe financial distress? Do you believe I am able to do this? The Lord is asking us today. If we can truly learn to believe, it will certainly take us to another level in our Christian faith.

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” The touch of Jesus bringing healing is a precious image in all of Scripture. Even in praying for others or even ourselves, imagine it is Jesus hands’ that touches. Just as Jesus touched the blind men’s eyes, we too need the Lord to touch our eyes, that we may see better and deeper spiritually. “According to your faith”, Jesus said. Again and again, the Lord reminds us that it is our faith that makes so much difference in our prayers. There is a two-way exchange of power - our faith in God, and God’s power flowing to us and through us.

In the second incident, Jesus drives out a demon that had caused a man to be mute. And the effect of the man starting to speak again so greatly amazed the crowd they excitedly said among themselves “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” Unfortunately, the bitter Pharisees, instead of rejoicing for such a blessed miracle, condemned Jesus as doing it by satanic means. Today, even in rural villages and poor communities, we hear of incredible miracles, of the fillings of poor villagers being turned to gold, people raised from the dead and God showing incredible signs in the sky. What is our attitude to these things? Are they really the works of God? We are told in Scripture to test everything and that we will know the truth by the fruit produced. Nevertheless, our attitude should be open and praise God that He is able to work great miracles even today while asking Him for discernment to ascertain if a work is not from Him.

Application:

Meditate on the truth of the power of faith. In whatever we are praying for, picture our Lord asking “Do you believe I can do this?” Look to the Lord in our mind’s eye, and say “Yes, Lord, I believe.” Remember to picture the Lord’s hand as we pray for others or ourselves, imagining it is the Lord Himself who touches. Imagine the Lord Himself, touching our eyes, enabling us to see new spiritual truths and having deep new insights and discernment. Praise God, that in Him, we have power and authority over demons. Praise Him for the great miracles we see or heart about happening in His name. Still, pray to God for wisdom and discernment to determine if any miracle is not of Him.

Prayer:

I praise You, Lord Jesus, that You are able to do all things. I believe in You, that You are able to do all things. Even as I pray O Lord, I see You working, I see my prayer being answered. Praise You, Heavenly Lord. You are Healer. You are God. Blessed be Your name O Lord. I see Your hands touching, healing, bringing life, blessing my loved ones. I praise You, Lord, that in Your name, I have power over every demon and power and principality. You reign supreme over all. Touch my eyes, O Lord, that I too may see. Grant me wisdom and discernment O Lord, to know if miracles are from You. Blessed be Your name always. In Jesus name, Amen.