Verse: Matthew 9:32-34
“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.’”
Devotion:
Alright, let’s be honest, this passage is kind of weird. It feels out of place in our world today. We witness a powerful encounter between Jesus and a man tormented by a demon. The man is unable to express himself. The moment Jesus intervenes, the man’s voice is restored, and the crowd erupts in amazement. They recognize the authority and power of Jesus, exclaiming that nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. In contrast, the Pharisees, limited by their own understanding and traditions, attribute Jesus’ miraculous work to the prince of demons.
There’s a couple of hidden key points in here-
1. The Power of Jesus: The act of healing this man illustrates Jesus’ authority over spiritual oppression and physical ailments. It serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond His reach. In our own lives, we may face circumstances that feel overwhelming or insurmountable. However, Jesus has the power to bring healing and restoration to any situation.
2. The Response of the Crowds vs. the Pharisees: The contrasting responses highlight a crucial aspect of faith. The crowd is open to recognizing the miraculous work of God, while the Pharisees are quick to dismiss it, choosing instead to attribute it to evil. This challenges us to consider our own responses to the works of God. Are we receptive and willing to see God’s hand at work, or do we allow skepticism to cloud our vision?
3. The Danger of Hardness of Heart: The Pharisees’ reaction serves as a warning against the hardening of our hearts. When we become rigid in our beliefs, we risk missing out on the transformative work of God. Let us remain open to the ways God is moving in our lives and in the world around us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your power to heal and restore. Help me to be like the crowd, filled with amazement and awe at Your works. Guard my heart against skepticism and hardness, and open my eyes to see the miracles happening around me. May I always recognize Your hand at work and be willing to share the good news of Your love and grace with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Becca Artymenko
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